Dolphins to play first game in Central QLD against CQ Capras
Excitement is building around the pre-season trial between the Wayne Bennett-coached Dolphins and the CQ Capras, and footy fans are snapping up tickets.
Rockhampton
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History will be made when the Dolphins play their first game at Gladstone next year, and Central Queensland footy fans are keen to witness it.
The Dolphins, who next year become the 17th franchise to join the NRL, will take on the CQ Capras in a pre-season trial on Saturday, February 4, at Marley Brown Oval.
Capras CEO Peter White said the main grandstand, which holds more than 1000, sold out within nine hours of tickets going on sale on Monday morning.
About 500 general admission tickets have also been sold.
“This is history in the making and I’d encourage everyone to get along and be a part of it,” Mr White said.
“It’s really exciting, and it’s a coup for Central Queensland thanks to Apricity Invoice Finance and the Gladstone Regional Council.”
The Capras have secured a full affiliation with the Dolphins, who are coached by the legendary Wayne Bennett.
Mr White said the Dolphins’ full NRL playing squad would be coming to Gladstone but the make-up of the team would not be known until much closer to kick-off.
He is, however, expecting them to field a very strong outfit.
He said the Capras would also be looking to make a big impression in their first hitout of the year and build on what was one of their most successful seasons in the Q-Cup in 2022 under head coach Lionel Harbin.
Dolphins’ chief executive Terry Reader said the match would be the start of the Dolphins showcasing their new NRL team firstly to Queensland, then to the rest of the rugby league world.
“The game also underlines our commitment to our catchment that extends all the way from Rockhampton through to Brisbane,” he said.
“It is no coincidence that our first ever game is taking place in Central Queensland – the NRL has given us a mandate to support the game in our wide catchment and that is what we will do.”
The Dolphins versus CQ Capras game at 7pm will cap off a jam-packed day, which will also feature an all abilities clinic, a sports luncheon and games between the Capras and the Redcliffe Dolphins in the under-16 and under-18 boys and under-19 women’s grades.
Dolphins’ players will also attend a children’s clinic on the Sunday.
Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said it was an honour for Gladstone to host the Dolphins’ inaugural match.
“The Dolphins will remember this game for years to come as they begin their NRL journey,” Mr Burnett said.
“This is not just a pre-season game; this is a crucial step towards the 2023 NRL season as coach Wayne Bennett will want his team fully prepared to take on a competitive CQ Capras side.
“It is also important from an off-field perspective, as the Dolphins will be engaging with new fans as they look to spread their supporter base north into regional areas.
“Council worked closely with the Dolphins over many months to secure the game at Marley Brown Oval and I’m sure we will see a packed-out crowd on February 4.”
Tickets can be bought here.
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