Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward MP has today announced that the NSW Government has secured a clash between the world’s top rugby league players at Wollongong’s WIN Stadium, with the Australian Kangaroos to take on the New Zealand Kiwis in October.
Mr Ward said that it was a fantastic coup for Wollongong to host the International Test.
“Rugby league fans will flock from near and far to see the Australian Kangaroos and Jillaroos battle against long-standing New Zealand rivals,” Mr Ward said.
“We anticipate that the game will attract around 3,000 visitors, which is great news for our local hotels, restaurants, cafes and shops who are all set to benefit from the valuable tourism injection.”
The Kangaroos last played at WIN Stadium in 2014 when they defeated Samoa in the final round robin game of the 2014 Four Nations tournament. The Australian Jillaroos will also face off against the Kiwi Ferns as part of the Trans-Tasman double header match, giving event-goers twice as much action on the night.
“Wollongong is a proud rugby league city and I’m confident that the local sporting community will show its support for these outstanding athletes,” Mr Ward added.
NRL Chief Executive Officer Todd Greenberg said having international rugby league back in the Illawarra was a great result for region and the game.
“Rugby league has a home in the Illawarra, so we’re delighted to bring the pinnacle of Rugby League back to Wollongong for the first time in five years. We recorded one of the best-ever attendances for WIN Stadium the last time Test Match Rugby League was played in Wollongong,” Mr Greenberg said.
The NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall MP said that the game would build on the South Coast’s already strong visitor numbers.
“These exclusive, international events are a real drawcard for our outer-city regions as sports fans see the opportunity to enjoy entertainment beyond their regular venues,” Mr Marshall said.
“In the year ending September 2018, the South Coast received more than 3.9 million domestic overnight visitors who generated nearly $1.8 billion in visitor spend. Domestic daytrips to the region were also up in the latest research period, exceeding 6.6 million – nearly double the growth in domestic day trippers to regional NSW.”
The International Test between Australian Kangaroos and New Zealand Kiwis will be held on Friday 25th October 2019 at WIN Stadium, Wollongong. To find out more, please visit: nrl.com.au.