The Country/City Origin match will be played on the coast in April
NAMBUCCA Valley footy fans will be in seventh heaven next year with confirmation that the annual Country v City rugby league match will be played on the coast.
The decision to give the game to Coffs Harbour has been welcomed by local MP and Federal Opposition spokesman for Sport, Luke Hartsuyker.
The NSW Country Rugby League announced this week that the clash will take place at BCU stadium in April.
“Securing this match is great for rugby league and a shot in the arm for the Coffs Coast,” Mr Hartsuyker said.
“Many of the players who play in the City/Country clash are vying for selection in the NSW State of Origin side.
“That means the game attracts a lot interest. There is a big build-up in the week leading up to the game which attracts a lot of interest from the Sydney media.
“The telecast to a large television audience is an opportunity for us to showcase our sporting facilities and the Coffs Coast in a broader sense.”
The Member for Cowper congratulated Coffs Harbour City Council on submitting a successful application to host the game.
“This is a further reminder that the Coffs Coast is very competitive when it comes to hosting sporting events," he said.
“We have the facilities and the infrastructure but we need to remind sport administrators that major sporting events can be successfully staged in a regional area such as Coffs Harbour.
“Attracting an event such as this is also good for the local economy with many people expected to travel to the area to see this important sporting spectacle.”