Leichhardt Oval to host NSW State of Origin Squad

Tuesday 16 May 2017

The NSW State of Origin Team will train in Leichhardt in the lead up to the vital Game 2 in the Origin season in June, with local kids set to train with their Origin heroes.

A partnership between Inner West Council and the NSW Rugby League will see Leichhardt Oval as the training base for the NSW State of Origin Squad next month.

Inner West Council Administrator Richard Pearson joined NSW coach Laurie Daley to launch the partnership at Leichhardt Oval today.

“Council is thrilled that the NSW Rugby League has selected Leichhardt Oval as the NSW squad’s training base next month,” he said.

“It’s the lead up to their only Sydney State of Origin fixture this year at Sydney Olympic Park on 21 June.

“We’re also very happy to be working with them to organise a training day on 14 June for local primary school students to meet and train with their League heroes.”

NSW Rugby League CEO David Trodden also welcomed the partnership.

“Leichhardt Oval is an iconic Rugby League venue and we are thrilled to call it home ahead of Origin II at ANZ Stadium on 21 June,” he said.

“The Oval’s excellent surface and facilities will allow the NSW VB Blues to prepare for the game as best as possible.”

Mr Pearson said that Leichhardt Oval had a special place in the history of rugby league.

“It remains the most played on Australian professional rugby league ground still in use today,” he said.

“Council has made sure that it continues to be a first class training facility with a wonderful playing surface.

“It also offers easy access to Council’s nearby Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre pool and gym, and the Squad is planning to make full use of them as well."

Leichhardt Oval continues to attract many sporting teams looking for a professional training base close to both the Sydney CBD and Sydney Airport, with both the Socceroos and Wallabies set to train at this first class inner west facility.