Fans will be able to watch the best Rugby League players in NSW face off for as little as $15 in the 2016 AAMI Country v City, which will be held in Tamworth.
Tickets for the general public went on sale today for the annual clash, which will be held at Scully Park Regional Sporting Precinct on Sunday, May 8.
Fans are strongly recommended to pre-purchase their tickets, with last year’s fixture in Wagga Wagga selling out prior to kick-off.
NRL Head of Football Todd Greenberg said this year’s AAMI Country v City clash gives regional supporters the opportunity to watch some of the best players in the game in their own backyard.
“The AAMI Country v City clash forms a special part of the NRL’s Representative Round and once again allows us to take representative Rugby League to regional areas,” said Greenberg.
“The corresponding match in Wagga Wagga last year was a sell-out and we know the people of Tamworth are just as fanatical about their Rugby League and we expect the 2016 Country v City match to be just as successful.”
CRL Chief Executive Terry Quinn said he was excited to showcase the facilities at the new and improved Scully Park Regional Sporting Precinct.
“We encourage rugby league fans from throughout the Northwest to get their tickets early and show their support for representative Rugby League in the bush,” Mr Quinn said.
“We will be announcing a number of events and promotions planned around the 2016 AAMI Country v City match in the coming weeks, where locals will have the opportunity to meet their Rugby League heroes.
“The match is always a highlight of the Country Rugby League Calendar and the fact that supporters can see some of the best players in the game in action for a little as $15 for adults, $8 for children and $40 for families is tremendous value.”
“Scully Park Regional Sporting Precinct is a state-of-the-art facility that is perfect for hosting elite level representative Rugby League matches and perfect for television broadcasters and attendees of the Country v City Origin match.”
NSWRL CEO David Trodden said the annual Country v City Origin fixture is an important match which acts as a State of Origin rehearsal for NSW VB Blues coach Laurie Daley.
“It plays an important part in helping Laurie and his coaching staff identify those players who ready to take that step into the Origin arena,” Mr Trodden said.
“It gives them the opportunity to recognise players who excel under pressure.
“Equally important though is that it is a great opportunity for Rugby League fans in the country to get to see some of the state’s best players in a first-class event.”
Last year’s AAMI Country v City match in Wagga ended thrilling 34-22 victory to Country and VB Country Origin Coach Craig Fitzgibbon admitted he was excited to be involved in this year’s fixture.
“As a country boy and someone who was fortunate enough to pull on the Country jersey, I’m excited to be involved with the team again and I’m really looking forward to the week in Tamworth,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“It’s really important to see games of this standard being played in regional areas and I encourage the people of Tamworth to purchase their tickets early to ensure a sold-out country crowd are supporting their team on game day.”
KARI City Origin Coach Brad Fittler said Country v City was one of his favourite weeks to be apart of.
“It’s one of the best weekends on the Rugby League calendar and I’m looking forward to getting to the beautiful country town of Tamworth,” Mr Fittler said.
“Last year’s match in Wagga Wagga was a sell out and there is no reason why Tamworth can’t do the same. You get to see the NRL’s most exciting young talents in a first-class facility and I can’t wait to be involved again.”
Tickets are available to pre-purchase via Ticketek and West Tamworth Leagues Club.
Photo: Jarrod Croker scores the match sealing try in the 2015 City v Country game at Wagga Wagga. (nrlphotos.com)
