Wagga Wagga ready for game day!
Published: 05 May 2021 5:35pm
The countdown to this weekend's NRL blockbuster between Canberra Raiders and Newcastle Knights is on.
The return of top-class rugby league to Wagga Wagga this year after the disappointment of 2020 amid the pandemic has seen a sell-out crowd for Saturday's fixture at McDonalds Park.
Wagga Wagga has turned the city green in support of the Raiders who announced recently they will be back again next year – a great show of support from the NRL club which has adopted Wagga Wagga as its regional home.
Raiders players were out and about in the city, attending an all-schools carnival at Parramore Park and getting involved at the Wheelchair Rugby League come-and-try day at Bolton Park Stadium.
The interaction with the community at all levels has been part of the build-up to the clash which will see about 7,000 people turn out in support of their team.
Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM said the city was ready for NRL’s return to the city.
“To have the Green Machine rolling back into Wagga Wagga this year is a tremendous boost for the city after the disappointment of last year when the game here was cancelled,” Cr Conkey said.
“This year’s game is a sell-out. Our community has shown its support by snapping up the tickets and welcoming the Raiders back to their regional home.
“It’s going to be a huge few days for Wagga Wagga with events such as the Gold Cup carnival and the NRL game bringing some of the biggest names in Australian sport back to our city, for what promises to be a terrific boost for the community.”
Raiders’ CEO Don Furner recognised the club has forged a strong relationship with the city and looks forward to that continuing to the benefit of the region.
“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,” Mr Furner said earlier this year.