Cowra and Canowindra local rugby league clubs are among 835 clubs across the country to receive vital equipment and materials through the 2006 Telstra Rugby League Assistance Fund.

Launched in July, by league legend Jason Stevens, the Telstra Rugby League Assistance Fund received a record number of applications this year from local clubs eager to obtain equipment to support their junior members.

Cowra Magpies and Canowindra Junior Rugby League will receive essential materials such as goal post pads, water bottles, tackle bags and training equipment.

Jason Stevens said he was excited by the response of rugby league clubs to the program.

"It is encouraging to see Cowra Magpies and Canowindra Junior Rugby League taking advantage of the opportunity and being rewarded with equipment that will help the development of their junior members," Mr Stevens said.

"This Telstra initiative is directly assisting the growth of rugby league at the grassroots level and boosting Cowra and Canowindra's participation in the sport."

Telstra's Area General Manager, Chris Taylor, said Telstra was committed to supporting local rugby league clubs and encouraging more members of the Cowra and Canowindra community to get actively involved in this great sport.

"The fund is aimed at helping future champions realise their true potential by providing practical assistance today," Chris Taylor said.

As part of Telstra's sponsorship of the National Rugby League, the Telstra Rugby League Assistance Fund has provided vital equipment to over 350 clubs across Australia over the past two years.

The Telstra Assistance Fund provides funding for local sports clubs under Telstra's sports sponsorship portfolio. The program covers football, athletics, swimming, rugby league, and surf life saving and will provide more than $1 million to clubs this year.

The program has been running for three years and has delivered much needed equipment to over 1500 clubs since its inception in 2003.