Wagga Wagga City Council and Canberra Raiders today shored up their long-term partnership and confirmed another National Rugby League premiership game will be played in the city next year.
Raiders’ chief executive officer Don Furner and Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Cr Greg Conkey OAM also announced ticket sales for this year’s game will go on sale to Raiders and Knights members from 9am tomorrow, Friday 19 March. Tickets for the general public will be on sale from 9am Saturday 20 March.
The Raiders will play Newcastle Knights at McDonald’s Park on Saturday, 8 May 2021 with ticket sales for the much-anticipated match available for purchase through Ticketek.
Cr Conkey confirmed the ground capacity for this COVID-safe event is currently capped at 6,495 people. This number may change closer to game day if restrictions are altered.
“This is an extraordinary coup for the city … to see the Green Machine rolling back into Wagga Wagga this year, and now secured for next year as well, is a great thrill for us all,” Cr Conkey said.
“Our city’s relationship with the Raiders continues to grow and strengthen which means Wagga Wagga, indeed the entire region, will once again be the big winners when top class rugby league lands on our doorstep.
“The benefits for rugby league and sports fans across the Riverina is just one component of this deal. There are major flow-on effects for local businesses who can capitalise on these major events which bring more people into the city.”
Cr Conkey said the Raiders’ continued commitment to Wagga Wagga showed there was a genuine partnership between the club and the city which had the potential to grow over many more years.
“We had to make the very tough decision not to play last year’s game in Wagga Wagga due to the pandemic, and that decision was supported by the Raiders who have never faltered in their support and commitment to us,” Cr Conkey said.
“They’re back this year and to commit to 2022 speaks volumes for the club and I want to personally thank CEO Don Furner and his team for recognising how important it is to have these games brought to the regions.”
Mr Furner said the Raiders value their partnership with Wagga Wagga and welcomed the opportunity to play another game at McDonald’s Park in 2022.
“The facilities in Wagga are fantastic and keep getting better with the help of a very committed rugby league community in the city,” Mr Furner said.
“We value a very strong supporter base in the Riverina and it’s not a hard decision for us to commit to the Wagga game because everyone there wants to make it happen and can’t do enough for our club, which is very much appreciated.
“We’ve had a great start to the new season and hopefully we can build on that form and put on a terrific game against the Knights for all of our Riverina supporters. I’d urge everyone to get in early to secure their tickets as demand will be high.”
Kick-off for the NRL match is 3pm, with a NSW Cup curtain raiser between the Raiders and Knights starting at 12.40pm.
