The NRL has announced a four-game regional package supported by the NSW Government will form part of the 2019 NRL schedule.
The NSW State Government, through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, has pledged support to an event package, with a focus on marketing and driving tourism to the regional centres.
The NRL can confirm Canberra Raiders will host a match in Wagga Wagga next season, with future locations to be announced as part of the 2019 season schedule, which will be confirmed later this year.
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said the NRL had again worked with the Clubs and Country Rugby League in order to maximise the number of matches in regional areas in 2019.
"Our commitment to ensuring matches are played in regional locations will continue with this announcement," NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said.
"It is also great to see the support from the NSW Government and Destination NSW for these matches.
"We will also have more regional venues to confirm when we announce the premiership schedule.
"Once again people in regional areas will be able to witness the best of Rugby League up close."
Premier of NSW Gladys Berejiklian said today's announcement is part of the NSW Government's commitment to boost the number of jobs in regional NSW.
"The NSW Government is committed to ensuring every corner of our State gets its fair share of the record tourist dollars and investment, and major events are a significant driver in achieving that," Ms Berejiklian said.
"We have already seen the incredible economic benefit of hosting major events in regional NSW, all helping to put more heads on hotel beds, diners in restaurants and shoppers in boutiques."
CRL CEO, Terry Quinn, said the additional matches were a victory for country Rugby League fans.
"It's always pleasing to see NRL competition matches being played in Regional areas," Mr Quinn said.
"We've seen fantastic crowds attend matches in both Regional New South Wales and Queensland this season and it's great to see these areas getting recognition for the wonderful facilities they possess.
"It's important for regional rugby league fans to have the opportunity to see their favourite teams and players in action and I applaud the NRL, NSW Government and the local councils involved in making this a reality."
