Perth will host its first ever Rugby League international in 2016 - a clash between Australia and New Zealand on October 15.
The nib Stadium Test match will be staged prior to the 2016 Four Nations Tournament in the UK and will be an important lead-in match for both teams.
The match will be the third big league clash in the WA capital this season with the Titans travelling there in June for the round 13 clash hosted by the Rabbitohs (Sunday June 5). We will then head to Darwin for the clash with the Eels (Saturday June 11) while Souths return to nib Stadium in round 19 match against the Warriors.
New Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga, Kiwi counterpart Stephen Kearney and Manly's Kiwi international Martin Taupau were on hand to make the announcement at Perth’s nib Stadium today, alongside WA Minister for Sport and Recreation Mia Davies.
NRL Head of Football Todd Greenberg said Perth was a fitting venue for the October Test for a number of reasons.
“We have seen some wonderful crowds in Perth in recent seasons and the city will again host two of our Premiership matches in 2016,” Mr Greenberg said.
“So it stands to reason that Perth should also host the best that international rugby league can offer.
“It is clear that Perth has embraced our club games in recent years and we will see another two important Premiership matches in the city this year.
“The support that the game has received is a key reason we have decided to stage a Test match in Perth.”
The October Test match will be supported by the WA State Government through Tourism WA and VenuesWest.
Sports Minister Mia Davies said the rivalry between the Australian and New Zealand teams is at an all-time high.
“West Australians have proven they have a strong appetite for Rugby League and the recent $95 million refurbishment of nib Stadium has delivered a venue that provides a world class sporting experience and enhances Perth’s reputation as a destination of choice for sporting excellence,” Minister Davies said.
“The previous two NRL premiership fixtures played at nib Stadium between the Sydney Rabbitohs and the New Zealand Warriors saw sell-out crowds with the 2014 match breaking nib Stadium’s attendance record for a sporting event.”
Tickets for the Souths-Gold Coast and Manly-Warriors matches will go on sale to the general public at 11am Qld time on Thursday, February 4 through Ticketmaster. Any members thinking of travelling to Perth can access tickets from next Tuesday at 11am.
2016 IN PERTH
June 5 – South Sydney v Gold Coast at nib Stadium
July 16 – Manly Warringah Sea Eagles v Warriors at nib Stadium
October 15 – Australia v New Zealand at nib Stadium
