Some of the biggest names from the Telstra Premiership competition will don their national colours and converge onto Leichhardt Oval in ten days’ time for the 2019 OX & Palm Pacific Test Invitational.
Robbie Farah, Mitchell Moses, Viliame Kikau, Anthony Milford and Rhyse Martin are just some of the names that are in-line to feature in the annual clash of cultures and national pride on Saturday 22 June.
Capacity crowds have greeted the triple-header fixture in recent seasons which is why the NRL is encouraging fans to purchase tickets today, which are available for as little as $5 for kids and $10 for adults.
“There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere of the Pacific Tests and it’s special for international rugby league to be taking place at one of our games most iconic venues in Leichhardt Oval,” NRL Manager of International Strategy Frank Puletua said.
“The skill, toughness and hunger from the players combined with the passion and noise from the crowd makes this one of rugby league’s truly unforgettable experiences.
“The inclusion of Lebanon into this year’s fixtures will only enhance what has become one of the most enjoyable and respectful events on the rugby league calendar.
“We’ve witnessed some pretty long queues at the gates on game day in recent years, so my advice for anyone wanting to come along is to get your tickets today from NRL.com/tickets.”
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said the Pacific Test Invitational reinforces Sydney’s reputation as Australia’s home of world-class sporting events.
“The Pacific Test, alongside the upcoming Rugby League World Cup of Nines in October, are two of the most entertaining events on the Australian sporting calendar and it’s fantastic that Sydney will host both tournaments,” Mr Ayres said.
The Samoa and Papua New Guinea Test Match also doubles as the first match in the RLIF Oceania Cup series. Both nations will play further Test fixtures against Fiji in October this year to decide the inaugural winner of the Oceania Shield.
The Pacific Test Invitational schedule will also feature the inaugural women’s match between the Papua New Guinea Orchids and Fiji Bulikula.
Tickets to the representative weekend’s most colourful and culturally diverse event are on sale now via nrl.com/tickets and available for as little as $10 for an adult and $5 for kids.
The women’s match will be broadcast live across NRL digital platforms plus Kayo Sports and the two men’s matches will be broadcast nationally across the Nine Network, Fox Sports and NRL Live Pass, as well as Sky NZ in New Zealand
Pacific Test Invitational
3:30pm Gates Open
3:40pm Fiji v Papua New Guinea (Women’s)
5:40pm Fiji v Lebanon
7:55pm Samoa v Papua New Guinea
OX & Palm Pacific Test Invitational Fan Days
Tuesday 18 June
TEAM: Samoa
WHERE: New Era Stadium Cabramatta
WHEN: 2pm – 7pm
Wednesday 19 June
TEAM: Lebanon
WHERE: Beverly Hills Park, Beverly Hills
WHEN: 4:45pm – 6pm
TEAM: Fiji
WHERE: St Marys Leagues Club, St Marys NSW
WHEN: 5:00pm
TEAM: Papua New Guinea
WHERE: Norton Street Cinemas, Leichhardt
WHEN: 6pm
