Parramatta Referees Welcome Outback Steakhouse as a Three-Year Sponsor

Parramatta Referees Welcome Outback Steakhouse as a Three-Year Sponsor

The Parramatta District Rugby League Referees Association (PDRLRA) is thrilled to announce a new three-year sponsorship partnership with Outback Steakhouse Wentworthville. This collaboration unites two organisations committed to quality, community, and creating exceptional experiences — whether on the field or around the table.

About Outback Steakhouse

Outback Steakhouse is a popular steakhouse chain operating in New South Wales and Queensland, serving a broad menu of steaks, seafood, pasta, salads, and more. 

Here are some of the standout features of their offerings:

  • Premium Steaks & Cuts — ribeye, New York strip, filet, bone-in cuts, roasted prime rib, and more. 
  • Appetisers & Signature Dishes — including their iconic Bloomin’ Onion, meat & cheese boards, garlic bread, and more. 
  • Seafood, Pasta & Salads — for variety beyond steak, they serve seafood dishes, pasta meals, and hearty salads. 
  • Multiple Locations & Reach — with restaurants across NSW (Campbelltown, North Strathfield, Parklea, Penrith, Wentworthville, Wollongong) and also Queensland locations. 
  • Catering & Functions — they offer full menu options for group bookings, events, and functions. 
  • Consistent Quality & Hospitality — they prioritise high food standards, warm service, and a welcoming atmosphere. 

With this breadth of offerings and presence, Outback Steakhouse is well placed to deliver value — not just in branding, but also in meaningful engagement with our referees, members, and community.

Why Outback Steakhouse Makes a Strong Partner for PDRLRA

In choosing sponsors, we look for more than money — we seek alignment in values, community focus, and real benefit to our stakeholders. Outback Steakhouse stood out for a few reasons:

  • Shared focus on quality & consistency - Just as referees must perform at a consistent standard, Outback’s emphasis on consistent food quality and service resonates with our dedication to maintaining high standards in officiating.
  • Community & familiarity - Many of our referees, their families, and supporters are likely patrons or aware of Outback’s local presence. That familiarity helps the partnership feel more genuine and relatable.
  • Opportunities for real activations - With their menu, locations, and catering ability, there’s scope for collaborations such as “referee appreciation nights,” group bookings, or special offers for our members.
  • Long-term engagement - A three-year commitment gives us room to integrate their support strategically, not just superficially.

Thomas Walton, owner of Outback Steakhouse Wentworthville, said the decision was about giving back to the community and recognising the vital role referees play in the game.

“Outback has always believed its success comes from being a valued member of the communities in which it operates and sport always plays such a large part of any community,” Mr Walton said.

“People can learn so many life skills through sports – especially starting at a grassroots level – and Parramatta Referees is a great example of an organisation helping to shape young people.”

Mr Walton said the three-season agreement was an opportunity to align Outback’s values with those of the referees’ association.

“We’re genuinely excited to be partnering with Parramatta Referees for the next three seasons because it aligns with our values of teamwork, integrity, and growth,” he said.

“Referees play such a vital role in ensuring fairness, discipline, and respect on the field—qualities that we also strive to uphold at Outback. This partnership allows us to contribute to the local sporting community, support the development of referees at all levels, and strengthen connections with families and clubs across Western Sydney. Over the next three seasons, we look forward to building a long-term relationship that not only benefits the referees but also creates positive impact and visibility for our brand within a passionate and engaged sporting network.”

What This Means for Our Referees & Community

As part of this partnership, we aim to deliver real, tangible benefits:

  • Discounts or special offers at Outback for referees, families, or club affiliations
  • Branded events or “meet the referees” nights held at Outback restaurants
  • Catering support for PDRLRA events, workshops, or gatherings via Outback’s function services
  • Social media & storytelling cross-promotion featuring referees and Outback (e.g. “referee’s favourite steak”)
  • Visibility & signage at matches, on uniforms, or at venues, increasing awareness of both Outback and PDRLRA