State rugby league game a boost for the Fraser Coast

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Galangoor duwalami

Fraser Coast rugby league fans will get a chance to watch elite players in action live and the region will receive a significant tourism boost when the Wynnum Manly Seagulls bring their Intrust Super Cup clash with the Papua New Guinea Hunters to Maryborough’s Eskdale Park on 31 July.

Mayor George Seymour said the Fraser Coast region would host a game of Queensland’s premier state-wide rugby league competition every year for the next three years, further stamping our growing reputation as a major sports destination.

“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 such high level games in their own backyard,” he said.

“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.

“We also welcome the fact the Seagulls are looking to incorporate training clinics and a fan day into their visit to the Fraser Coast.

“Eskdale Park has a wonderful history with the ground hosting games between Brisbane and Maryborough in the very first Queensland rugby league competition in 1909, and it’s fantastic news that the Wynnum Manly Seagulls have chosen to play one of their home games here.

“With the 2020 Intrust Super Cup games cancelled last year after one round due to COVID-19 challenges, I’m sure this year’s competition will be bigger and better than ever.”

The PNG Hunters spent a combined 31 days in quarantine before setting up their training base at the Gold Coast earlier this year, where they will be based for the entire season of the Intrust Super Cup.

The Wynnum Manly Seagulls and the PNG Hunters faced off in the first game of the season, with the match proving to be a tight tussle where Wynnum Manly prevailed 20 – 18.

Wynnum Manly Seagulls Chief Executive Officer Hanan Laban said:

“The Wynnum Manly Seagulls are very excited to bring our Intrust Super Cup side to the Fraser Coast region.

“The Queensland Rugby League completed a re-zoning of the development areas for Intrust Super Cup clubs and the Fraser Coast region was included in the Seagulls’ catchment area.

“This match is a fantastic opportunity to increase our engagement with the Fraser Coast community and promote the wonderful pathway that exists through the Seagulls.

“We will be promoting the local Fraser Coast Rugby League throughout the week and promoting health awareness and recognising indigenous culture with the support of Deadly Choices.”

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.

“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 and restaurants and cafes,” he said.

“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 us achieve those goals.”