Lismore City Council is excited to announce that the Gold Coast Titans will play a trial game against the New Zealand Warriors next year in a major coup for the Northern Rivers.
The match will be played at Oakes Oval on Saturday, 27 February and will pit some of Australia and New Zealand's best players against each other in the lead-up to the 2021 NRL season.
Gold Coast Titans CEO Steve Mitchell said the Titans love playing in Lismore and they are excited to test their skills in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
"We can't wait to get to Lismore to take on the Warriors as we kick start our 2021 campaign in front of Titans members and fans from the Northern Rivers – we see Lismore as the home of our fan base down there," Steve said.
"The quality of rugby league talent that comes out of Lismore and the surrounding region is unquestionable. We are committed to the area as this is Titans heartland and the Northern Rivers region is one we want to continue to invest in."
The main game will commence at 5.30pm with matches leading up to the main game including under 16 and under 18 representative games between Northern Rivers Titans and Central Coast Roosters and a Titans physical disability team exhibition match.
"There will be a full day of football at Oakes Oval and whether you're a footy fan or experiencing rugby league for the first time, this will be a great spectacle," Steve said.
"Our team, led by Coach Justin Holbrook, are keen to run out onto Oakes Oval and are excited to play on such a quality surface. With the future upgrades planned by Lismore City Council to further improve the facility, Lismore will fast become a sought-after sporting destination."
Lismore City Council Manager of Liveable and Active Communities Tony Duffy said he hoped to see many more games being held at Oakes Oval with ongoing refurbishments placing Lismore firmly on the NRL map.
"We want to secure a regular fixture in Lismore as part of the NRL season – that's our goal," Tony said.
"We have the fans and the facilities to support NRL season games and we are building our relationship with the Gold Coast Titans to help develop Lismore as a home for sport. The $12 million refurbishment at Oakes and Crozier will make us a premier sporting city.
"In this trial match alone, we hope to have a large crowd of 6000 people and once the refurbishments are complete, we will be able to accommodate up to 10,000 spectators in both facilities."
Tickets will be available via www.visitlismore.com.au – watch this space for the release date soon.
Image: Gold Coast Titans CEO Steve Mitchell and Lismore City Councillor Elly Bird (front) with Lismore City Council's Manager of Liveable and Active Communities Tony Duffy and Gold Coast Titans General Manager of Corporate Affairs Scott Rollinson.
