The Barwon Darling Rugby League competition will look to boost its junior ranks under a $500,000 injection from the state government into community footy in western NSW.

The money will help cover costs like registration, insurance, club transport and referee travel, and will be split with the tournament Outback Rugby League competition

The Barwon Darling 2024 season just finished on August 4 this year and includes clubs from Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett and Lightning Ridge.

Competition Secretary Jack Ramage said the funding will help expand the local game at the junior level.

"We do have quiet a lot of grades, but it will help us ensure that we can keep facilitating as many gala days as possible for the kids aged five to 12, and also allow them to participate in mid-week footy competitions in Bourke and Brewarrina.

"And we're trying obviously help get volunteers on the ground in those communities and upskill them so they can have ownership of the development of their juniors."

The funding was announced at the Outback Challenge games at Lightning Ridge on August 10.

The NSW government said the funding will also cover "community development programs" and relieve cost-living-pressures on participating in rugby league.

“Sport plays many roles in making that real. Targeted funding like this makes a big difference," Minister for Western NSW Tara Moriarty said.

“Getting juniors and referees out to games across long distances is critical to keeping rugby league going and people playing. The Far West deserves this support.”