Blacktown City Mayor, Brad Bunting, has proposed renaming the area “Bluestown” in honour of the four local NSW Blues players set to play in this year’s State of Origin rugby league series.
Stephen Crichton, Spencer Leniu, Jarome Luai and Brian To’o all grew up in Mount Druitt and will represent the state in Wednesday’s opener at Olympic Park.
Crichton, Leniu and Luai attended Patrician Brothers’ College, Blacktown, which has a fine tradition of producing rugby league talent; while To’o attended Rooty Hill High School, also in Blacktown City.
Mayor Bunting, a lifelong Mount Druitt resident and avid footy follower, was keen to celebrate the players reaching the pinnacle of their field.
“Blacktown City is rugby league heartland and has produced a large part of this talented NSW Blues’ squad,” he said.
“I’m prepared to rename the City ‘Bluestown’ for a limited time to recognise this fantastic achievement as we cheer on the Blues to victory.”
Mayor Bunting says he will seek feedback from Councillors and the community before considering whether to move a Mayoral Minute at a council meeting.
He said many people were proud of the players’ achievements.
“It’s fantastic to see four blokes who grew up here and have worked hard representing the great state of NSW,” he said.
“I hope it shows young people in our suburbs that commitment and determination can take you a long way.”
