THE Fraser Coast’s growing reputation as a sports events destination of choice has been given another boost – with a major rugby league fixture due to be played in Maryborough later this year.
The Wynnum Manly Seagulls take on the Papua New Guinea Hunters in the Intrust Super Cup at Eskdale Park on July 31.
Mayor George Seymour announced the details yesterday.
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Cr Seymour said the match would give locals the chance to watch elite players in action and also give tourism a much-needed cash injection.
The deal will see the Fraser Coast hosting a game of Queensland’s premier state-wide rugby league competition every year for the next three years.
“The Intrust Super Cup competition is a pathway to the NRL for elite rugby league players in Queensland, and it will be fantastic for local fans and players to see high level games in their own backyard,” Cr Seymour said.
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“The games will be terrific for tourism on the Fraser Coast with the teams bringing their supporters and players to the region, and the matches could potentially be televised on Kayo to an expected audience of more than 50,000 people.”
The Papua New Guinea Hunters spent a combined 31 days in quarantine before setting up their training base at the Gold Coast earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Cr Seymour said the Intrust Super Cup game at Eskdale Park built on the steady stream of recent major sporting events on the Fraser Coast – including the Brisbane Roar visit, the annual Touch Football Junior State Cup, sailing championships, tennis tournaments and the Ultra 355 triathlon.
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“Sporting events on the Fraser Coast are bringing in thousands of visitors who inject millions of Dollars into our local economy when they spend money with local businesses, such as accommodation providers, restaurants and cafés.”
“Council is determined to ensure we build a strong and resilient local economy alongside a healthy and active community. Supporting sporting events like this game and visit by the Wynnum Manly Seagulls help achieve those goals,” the mayor concluded.
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