Sydney will host seven State of Origin matches over the next five years, including two in 2013, in a major coup for NSW rugby league fans.
20 November 2012
NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell said Sydney would also host two games in 2016, under the Australian Rugby League Commission’s five year allocation of State of Origin games following a competitive bid process.
“Today’s announcement is a win for fairness and a win for fans in rugby league’s heartland,” Mr O’Farrell said.
“The NSW Government, with Destination NSW and ANZ Stadium, fought hard to ensure the Blues played more often at home - not only for NSW fans, but for the economic boost major events like State of Origin bring to our state,” Mr O’Farrell said.
“Our two games in Sydney next year will be a huge boost to the Blues’ 2013 campaign as we look to breaking through for a long-awaited series win under Paul Gallen and new coach Laurie Daley.”
Minister for Tourism and Major Events George Souris said the announcement re-enforces Sydney as Australia’s premier sporting and major events destination.
“Ensuring NSW has secured its fair share of State of Origin games to 2017 will guarantee that NSW’s great facilities and unique attractions will be showcased to rugby league fans.
“Between 2013 and 2017, the State of Origin games will contribute over $65 million to the NSW economy, including visitor spend by overseas, interstate and intrastate visitors.
“I congratulate Destination NSW on its winning bid strategy which will contribute to achieving our goal of doubling overnight visitor expenditure by 2020.”
“State of Origin is right up there with the biggest sporting events in the country,” Minister for Sport and Recreation Graham Annesley said.
“It not only captures the imagination of rugby league fans in NSW and Queensland each year, it is embraced by sports fans throughout Australia and the wider Asia Pacific region.
“Despite the status of the event on the annual sporting calendar, the success of Origin still relies heavily on the passionate support of fans throughout NSW. This agreement is a big win for those fans.”
“Today’s announcement is a win for fairness and a win for fans in rugby league’s heartland,” Mr O’Farrell said.
“The NSW Government, with Destination NSW and ANZ Stadium, fought hard to ensure the Blues played more often at home - not only for NSW fans, but for the economic boost major events like State of Origin bring to our state,” Mr O’Farrell said.
“Our two games in Sydney next year will be a huge boost to the Blues’ 2013 campaign as we look to breaking through for a long-awaited series win under Paul Gallen and new coach Laurie Daley.”
Minister for Tourism and Major Events George Souris said the announcement re-enforces Sydney as Australia’s premier sporting and major events destination.
“Ensuring NSW has secured its fair share of State of Origin games to 2017 will guarantee that NSW’s great facilities and unique attractions will be showcased to rugby league fans.
“Between 2013 and 2017, the State of Origin games will contribute over $65 million to the NSW economy, including visitor spend by overseas, interstate and intrastate visitors.
“I congratulate Destination NSW on its winning bid strategy which will contribute to achieving our goal of doubling overnight visitor expenditure by 2020.”
“State of Origin is right up there with the biggest sporting events in the country,” Minister for Sport and Recreation Graham Annesley said.
“It not only captures the imagination of rugby league fans in NSW and Queensland each year, it is embraced by sports fans throughout Australia and the wider Asia Pacific region.
“Despite the status of the event on the annual sporting calendar, the success of Origin still relies heavily on the passionate support of fans throughout NSW. This agreement is a big win for those fans.”
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