Wagga Wagga potentially to host ‘green machine’ double header in 2027

Wagga Wagga City Council is in negotiations with the Canberra Raiders to host a men’s and women’s NRL double-header in the city in 2027.

At the Monday 26 October meeting, Council endorsed the continuation of negotiations for the two games to be held at Geohex Park as part of the NRL and NRLW 2027 fixtures.

A professional rubgy league match being played in front of a large crowd. The image focuses on a Newcastle Knights player who is holding the ball and running toward three Canberra Raiders players.

PAST RAID: A Canberra Raiders and Newcastle Knights match was played in Wagga Wagga in 2021 as part of the NRL Premiership season.


Manager Wagga Leisure and Strategic Recreation Marc Geppert said he and his team are working with the Canberra Raiders to bring both matches to Wagga Wagga on one weekend.

“After the success of the NRLW Magic Round this year we would love to host a double-header, and Canberra Raiders have shown a keen interest in working with us to make it a reality,” Mr Geppert said.

“Canberra Raiders are doing their due diligence and working with the NRL regarding the fixture for next year. If we were lucky enough to have both the women’s and men’s games played on the same day, both fixtures would need to align.

“Given the NRLW season starts later in the year it is a challenge to ensure the rounds line up so both games can be played here, that is why negotiations are still taking place.

A large crowd watching a professional rugby league match. The photo is taken from behind a crowd of people with the game happening in the background.

SUPPORT: Thousands of local fans came out in 2021 to watch the Canberra Raiders match played at the Wagga Wagga Exhibition Centre.


“NRLW Magic Round put Wagga Wagga on the map so we’re looking to build on that momentum, and the city has had an excellent relationship with the Canberra Raiders for many years, so it’s a natural progression to host a double-header here at Geohex Park.”

It is expected an announcement will be made by mid-November as to whether Wagga Wagga will host both NRL and NRLW teams in 2027.

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