Trent Barrett, Laurie Daley and Matt Moylan have joined Country Rugby League representatives to announce McDonalds Park, Wagga Wagga as the venue to host the 2015 AAMI Country vs. City Origin clash on Sunday, 3 May 2015.
Present at today’s launch was CRL Chief Executive Terry Quinn, NSWRL Chief Executive Dave Trodden, Acting Chairman CRL John Anderson, NSWRL Chairman Dr George Peponis, Wagga Wagga Council Deputy Mayor Councillor Dallas Tout and Wagga Wagga Rugby League President Steve Kimball.
“There has been significant financial investment from the NRL, Wagga Wagga City Council and Wagga Wagga Rugby League to enable us to bring this game to the region,” CRL Chief Executive Mr Terry Quinn said.
“As we have seen today at McDonalds Park, work has already commenced to ensure that the venue is suitable to host the game for both attendees and television broadcasters.”
As part of the venue upgrade the grandstand roof at McDonalds Park has been raised significantly to accommodate media, video referee and coaching facilities.
The grandstand will also have its undercover seating facilities increased.
Also finished earlier this year was an extension of the both ‘hills’ at the venue in order to increase taking the venue capacity up to 10,000.
A $75,000 grant from the Footy Facilities Fund, a partnership of the NRL and NSW Government, was recently allocated for the venue and was matched by a contribution from Wagga Wagga City Council.
Wagga Wagga Rugby League has also invested heavily into the project.
“Securing the 2015 AAMI Country v City Origin game is recognition of the hard work and investment by the rugby league community and Wagga Wagga City Council over several years,” Wagga Wagga Deputy Mayor Cr Tout said.
“Council looks forward to working with the NRL, CRL and the local rugby league community to further develop the venue and continue to bring elite level Rugby League to the city.”
Talking at today’s launch Wagga Rugby League President Steve Kimball talked about the support from local community businesses and the role they have played in securing the Country v City match.
“Although Wagga Wagga Rugby League is made up of very small team of dedicated volunteers, we are very fortunate to have so many tradespeople and businesses around town to donate their time to the league,” Kimball said.
“As a result of this support we have been able to almost double our contribution and on behalf of Wagga Rugby League I would like extend my thanks to them all.”
Tickets will go on sale in early season 2015 with details to be provided shortly.
