After some persistent negotiation, Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) is pleased to share with the community that it has secured two NRL matches for the next two NRL seasons. The South Sydney Rabbitohs will play at Dubbo’s Apex Oval in the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
The Mayor of the Dubbo Region Councillor Ben Shields, has been working closely with the state government through the local Member Dugald Saunders on seed funding to secure the games, and will ensure this investment will provide maximum economic and community benefits for the region.
Mayor of the Dubbo Region, Councillor Ben Shields, says after community feedback earlier in 2020, Council is committed to a significant investment in bringing the NRL games to Apex Oval, with up to $120,000 in direct funding going towards the event, alongside a contribution from the state government.
“This is a win-win situation for the Dubbo region, with staff ensuring that we get bang-for-buck. In addition to direct cash funds, Council will also be providing $100,000 worth of indirect funds to ensure the fields are up to playing standard, and we can get the best possible experience for the two teams playing, and the community experiencing the game,” said Councillor Shields.
The two year deal will remain flexible, to allow for any changes in attendance numbers due to COVID-19. At this stage, it’s anticipated that up to 4,000 people will be able to attend the 2021 game under a COVIDSafe plan, with that number expected to increase up to 15,000 in 2022, under normal conditions.
“Apex Oval is very much a premier sports facility and we’re working hard to make sure that it will be an enjoyable experience for crowds and players, with top-grade fields and grandstands. Work is already underway to refresh the site for 2021,” said Councillor Shields.
It’s hoped that the first ever Premiership NRL game to be played at Apex Oval will boost community spirit and morale.
“The impact of COVID-19 on NRL opened up the opportunity for large sporting events such as Premiership games to be renegotiated, as travel interstate was no longer possible for teams. The Regional Events Branch has been working closely with the South Sydney Rabbitohs for some time on potential future game opportunities, and now this leg work has paid off,” said Councillor Shields.
While the draw hasn’t yet been confirmed, the Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly says that they’re looking forward to bringing footy to the Dubbo Region, and is encouraging Rabbitohs members to take a drive out to the Dubbo Region to make a weekend of it.
“We can’t wait to bring the team to Dubbo for the first of what we hope will be many games at Apex Oval. Apex Oval has seen many of the game’s greats perform on its turf including Rabbitohs like Les Davidson, Terry Fahey and David Peachey to name just a few. It has hosted Test matches and has been the home of Rugby League in Dubbo for decades,” said Mr Solly.
The exact dates and draw will be announced later this month (October 2020), with fans urged to get in quickly to secure their tickets.
Source: DRC