The peaceful, police-escorted protest started at Campbelltown Council and ended at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Leumeah.

Participants expressed their views on local rugby league, but three main topics were talked about by speakers: to allow senior Campbelltown teams to train and play in Campbelltown, to keep the Wests Magpies alive in the NSW Cup, and for Wests Tigers to host more than four games a year at Campbelltown Stadium.

Camden mayor Greg Warren said he was there to support people who wanted to sustain local junior rugby league.

"It's a large philosophical thing for me," he told the Advertiser at the rally. "Rugby league helps kids learn mateship, leadership and other good qualities. What's going on here [at the rally] is making sure kids have that opportunity locally."

Mr Warren said he'd be disappointed if Campbelltown didn't have its own senior representative team. He was supported by Campbelltown councillor Fred Borg.

"It's imperative to keep a senior team representing Campbelltown," Cr Borg said.

"A lot needs to be changed. It all sounds good from a distance, but kids need a team near them to inspire them and to support."

¦The general manager of NSW Rugby League, Geoff Carr, has appointed former Sydney Roosters chief executive Brian Canavan to conduct a complete review of senior football in south-west Sydney.

"All stakeholders will get an opportunity to talk to Brian Canavan about the future competitions in Macarthur," Mr Carr said.

"At the end of the day Brian will make a recommendation to the NSW Rugby League which will be in the best interest of the competitions in the area rather than individuals or individual clubs."