Test rugby league coming to Leichhardt Oval
Wednesday, 27 March 2019
Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne welcomed the announcement that Leichhardt Oval will hold its first ever rugby league test later this year.
This year’s Pacific Invitational will feature the inaugural women’s match between Papua New Guinea and Fiji, along with two men’s matches - Fiji vs. Lebanon and Samoa vs. Papua New Guinea. They will take place on Saturday 22 June.
“It’s great news that Test rugby league is finally coming to Leichhardt Oval. While other suburban grounds are falling apart at the seams, the playing surface at Leichhardt Oval is world-class and is attracting more and more top-flight football,” said Mayor Byrne.
“I’m really excited to see international rugby league being added to our list of fixtures at the iconic Leichhardt Oval.
“It’s also very heartening to be able to host the first ever women’s test to be played between two Pacific nations.
“These clashes will serve as a great appetiser ahead of Game 2 of State of Origin, which takes place the next day,” he said.
“With all of rugby league’s best emerging nations - both men’s and women’s national sides - playing at our historic suburban ground, this will be a beautiful mix of rugby league’s heritage with the code’s bright future.
“I’m urging all rugby league fans, particularly those from the Papua New Guinea, Fijian, Samoan and Lebanese communities, to get down to the game. It will be a great day of fun and footy.”
Graham Annesley, NRL Head of Football, said he was looking forward to the festival-like atmosphere taking place at one of Sydney’s best boutique stadiums.
“The Pacific Test Invitational is one of the most highly-anticipated and culturally diverse events on the rugby league calendar,” Mr Annesley said.
“To see some of international rugby league’s best male and female Pacific and Lebanese players take to one Sydney’s most traditional suburban grounds in Leichhardt Oval is an event not to be missed.”
To purchase tickets for the games, visit www.nrl.com/tickets
For further information, please contact John Roper on 0435 963 787.