There’s been plenty of noise around the future of TG Millner in recent weeks so to clear the air, Rugby News caught up with Eastwood general manager Rob Frost.

There's been a fair bit of press about the sudden closure of TG Millner last week. What can you tell us about that?

“For background, Ryde Council attempted to compulsorily acquire the site this year but the state government knocked back their application because the council just doesn't have the money,” Frost told Rugby News.

“Subsequently North Ryde RSL (the owners of TG Millner) re-lodged their development application to build a development on the site named Marsfield Common.

“Then just last week, Ryde Council passed a motion to lodge a request to change the local zoning of the site. That's a technical process but essentially it would have had the effect of making TG Millner unsaleable

“North Ryde RSL responded by saying that if that were to occur, they would have to cut costs, including the costs of running TG Millner, so they announced they would close the ground.

“There were council elections last weekend and some activities going on behind the scenes which will have a significant impact on this situation.

“But it's important to remember that North Ryde RSL is a strong community club and has shown a commitment over many decades to supporting the community, particularly sporting clubs like Eastwood Rugby.

“We have an excellent relationship with the RSL and we are working closely with them on this situation.

“I'm confident there will be a practical resolution.”

What can you tell us about the impact that the new Metro train line has had in north west Sydney?

“Driven by the new Metro, there's been a massive increase in population in the areas surrounding where our new fields will be built,” Frost said.

“The state government has also announced plans for new intensive housing clusters to be built around certain train stations, two of which are in the north west. This will see further population growth in the years ahead.

"The Hills Shire Council is a forward thinking organisation and to cater for this huge increase in population, it has a massive infrastructure program underway - they are building parks, pools and sporting facilities on a huge scale to cater for the forecast in population

“A key part of their long term strategy is to attract elite level sport to the region.

“They are doing this by partnering with appropriate organisations to build facilities that will cater for the future.

“The first example of that was the council’s partnership with the Parramatta Eels - who have permanently relocated to Kellyville and train out of a brand new $73 million centre of excellence with five training fields.

“We’ve been able to develop a strong relationship with the Eels and they have been terrific supporters of our relocation. As they are literally eight minutes up the road from our new ground that's going to be a key long term relationship for us.

“As an aside, the Eels’ centre of excellence is being built be a few old Eastwood boys. Matt Mostyn's company Mostyn Copper is the project manager and the onsite manager is Matty Nilan.

“Scott Wisemantel has also been appointed the Eels’ assistant coach - so there's a fair crossover already between the two clubs already.”

What impact can the population growth have on rugby?

“It's really positive news. The huge majority of this growth in population is from young families, so the junior clubs in the region are looking forward to good numbers in the future,” Frost explained.

“This year we've kicked off Sydney's newest junior rugby club - the Box Hill Boxers - and there are more clubs in the planning

“One of our other junior clubs - Dural - is now the largest junior club in Sydney and still growing.

“We've spent a fair bit of time working closely with the juniors and that closer relationship is proving to be very beneficial for all of us

“You might not be aware but we employ a full time development officer to work in the schools and junior clubs and its no surprise that the demand for that kind of assistance is skyrocketing out in the north west.

“We’re also about to hold the first get together of the North West Sydney Rugby Alliance - a gathering of all the clubs in the north west to see how we can all work together to strengthen the game.”

So in short, you’ve been busy! What can you tell us about the development of your new playing fields?

“Our new ground is being developed in two stages at Fred Caterson Reserve, not far from the new Hills Showground Metro station and wedged between Castle Hill, Kellyville and Dural.

“In stage one, the Hills Shire Council will build the new facility to a community standard, then in stage two, we’ll embellish the site with some extras, like our new gym.

“The council has demolished all the buildings that were on the site and is in the process of finalising the required reports, designs and approvals to commence the project.

“With the council elections last weekend, there was a freeze on any activity for a short period but the council has allocated the funds for stage one in their works program for this coming year.”

Do you know when the last game at TG Millner will be played?

“Its hard to be definite given the impact that weather and other factors can have on the schedule but at this stage it looks like 2025 might be our last season at Marsfield.

“When we do make the move to our new state of the art grounds, there will of course be a major farewell event at TG to mark the occasion - I'm sure some of the old boys will do their best to give the ground a proper farewell - if their bodies can stand up to it.

“On this day, we'll be looking to involve everybody from across the country; its only fitting that the entire rugby community come along to mark the day.”