Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said these tournaments demonstrated the NSW Government’s commitment to delivering world-class events.
“NSW continues to be the rightful home of rugby league with some of the most popular and watched events taking place in Sydney, starting from this weekend,” Mr Ayres said.
“We have the Telstra Premiership Grand Final and the coveted World Cup of Nines later this year. But first, league fans from around the globe will watch leading Australian and international players take to our premier grounds for the Women’s State of Origin and the Pacific Test.
“Last year almost 750,000 viewers tuned in for the inaugural women’s Origin match with thousands more attending in person to see NSW snatch the title from Queensland,” Mr Ayres said. “League fans from around Sydney and beyond should get behind these outstanding athletes at North Sydney Oval tonight as they battle to make it back-to-back wins.”
The Ox & Palm Pacific Test Invitational will be an action-packed triple-header with players from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Lebanon and Samoa lining up for their countries tomorrow.
Players from the Telstra Premiership competition who will don their national colours include Robbie Farrah, Viliame Kikau, Anthony Milford and Rhyse Martin.
“It is estimated that almost 3000 people will be visiting NSW for the Pacific Test, boosting the local economy by more than half a million dollars,” Mr Ayres said.
“This event celebrates camaraderie and community and we expect thousands of supporters to bring colour and cheer to Leichhardt Oval tomorrow afternoon.”
NRL Head of Commercial Andrew Abdo encouraged fans get their tickets online: “Two of the most vibrant and exciting events on the Rugby League calendar are happening right here in Sydney this weekend, with plenty of good tickets available to both events.”
Holden Women’s State of Origin will take place at North Sydney Oval tonight, gates open at 5.30pm. Ox & Palm Pacific Test Invitational will take place at Leichhardt Oval tomorrow, gates open at 3.15pm. Tickets for both games are available at the gate or through Ticketek.
