- Townsville to host historic Ampol Women's State of Origin match.
- Game two of the series to be played at Country Bank Stadium on Thursday, June 22.
- The first time two women's State of Origin matches played as part of a series.
- Club and state members can purchase tickets from today via nrl.com/ticket
- General public tickets go on sale at 11am on Thursday.
Townsville has won the right to host the historic 2023 Ampol Women's State of Origin match with Country Bank Stadium chosen as the venue for game 2 of the series.
The Palaszczuk Government alongside the National Rugby League (NRL) today announced that for the first time Game two of a series will be played on Thursday, June 22.
Quotes attributed to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk:
"This is a momentous event for women's sport and it's wonderful that North Queensland gets to host the decider for the first time in a series," the Premier said.
"The mighty maroons can expect to run out in front of a record crowd in a world class stadium, for a match that will showcase all that is great about North Queensland.
"The game which is expected to inject $2 million into the local economy is a big winner for sports fans and local business.
"We're also incredibly proud to support the growth and development of women's rugby league. Since 2015, our government has invested more that $2.5 million in female friendly infrastructure for rugby league clubs."
Quotes attributed to NRL CEO Andrew Abdo:
"This is a historic year for the women's game and Townsville will be a focal point of it," NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said.
"For the first time ever, two women's State of Origin matches will be played as part of a series. And for the first time ever, Townsville will host a women's interstate match.
"We saw how north Queensland responded to the men's State of Origin match in 2021. I have no doubt that supporters in the region will respond again for the best female interstate players.
"Women's Origin has grown significantly ever since the first match in 2018 and the first ever game in Townsville will provide another opportunity to showcase the best female players in a new region.
"A month later, the Cowboys will play their first ever NRLW match, enhancing the development and growth opportunities in north Queensland."
Quotes attributed to Member for Townsville Scott Stewart: "We're excited to back the expansion of the NRLW in North Queensland with a new look State of Origin contest and this year's launch of a Townsville-based Cowboys women's team. "It's fair to say the famous 'QUEENSLANDER' call will be heard loud and clear across the State from Townsville for the city's second State of Origin in as many years. "We're already counting down the weeks, days and hours to June's NRLW State of Origin decider in Townsville." Quotes attributable to Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper: "This is rugby league heartland, so it's a great honour to write the next chapter of the game's history with another State of Origin at Townsville's world-class Queensland Country Bank Stadium," Mr Harper said.
"It's a great chance for young sports people to be inspired by seeing the best players in their own backyard." Quotes attributable to Member for Mundingburra Les Walker: "After proving we can host a State of Origin game and making it family friendly event, this is excellent news.
"It will be a fantastic boost to the city's economy during what is the perfect time of the year to visit Townsville.
"Bringing State of Origin to Townsville for the second time cements the city as the events capital of North Australia."
Quotes attributed to Sports Minister Stirling Hinchliffe:
"The Palaszczuk Government built Queensland Country Bank Stadium to secure more first-class, visitor economy-supporting sport content for Townsville, like the NRLW State of Origin," Mr Hinchliffe said.
"With $2 million predicted for the visitor economy, the State of Origin brings plenty for Townsville accommodation, hospitality and tourism operators to cheer about.
"Together with a new Cowboys team joining the NRLW competition, we hope the State of Origin will inspire North Queensland girls.
"It's through events like Origin we can show young North Queenslanders what they can achieve when they follow their dreams of representing their community, state and country."
Club and state members can purchase tickets from today via nrl.com/ticket
Tickets go on sale to the General public at 11am on Thursday.
