"The Footy Facilities Fund is a terrific initiative of the National Rugby League and the state government that will help fund 21 grassroots footy clubs in local and regional NSW," Mr Ayres said.

"The program aims to improve facilities for a variety of benefits including increasing participation, safety and security, environmental sustainability, social inclusion and building strong communities."

Gerringong Rugby League Club's Darryl Hobbs was rapt with the funding, which will let the club push ahead with extensions to its clubhouse and follows the final stages of installing a new lift.

With a group of enthusiastic Gerringong juniors on hand, Mr Hobbs thanked those who helped gain the funding.

He told the junior players the funding was about them.

"This money will help leave us with a great facility you can enjoy well into the future.

"We are delighted the state government and the NRL have got together to back country league.

"We also want to recognise the efforts of Gareth Ward in helping push this funding."

Mr Ward, whose father played with the Gerringong club in the 1970s, emphasised the importance of rugby league in uniting the community.

"This is an excellent program that is improving clubhouses around the state, including here on the South Coast."