Dubbo NRL matches: South Sydney Rabbitohs to play in bush
Footy fans in country NSW will be able to get a front-row seat to watch NRL matches in Dubbo for the next two seasons after the South Sydney Rabbitohs committed to playing games in the city.
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Thousands of footy fans are expected to flock to Dubbo’s Apex Oval to watch the South Sydney Rabbitohs play NRL premiership matches during the next two seasons, after a landmark deal was struck to bring the game to the bush.
Dubbo Regional Council, the NSW Government, Souths and the NRL have signed off on the deal which will see the bunnies play at least two matches in Dubbo during the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
The team taking on the bunnies will be confirmed in November when the NRL draw for next season is released.
When the NRL sides take to the field in Dubbo it will be the first time a premiership match has been played in the city, which last hosted a major representative game in 2014 when the City vs. Country clash was held.
South Sydney CEO Blake Solly said the deal was a great way to build links with country communities who produced top NRL talent, including Coonamble-born Rabbitohs player Braidon Burns.
“Apex Oval has seen many of the game’s greats perform on its turf including Rabbitohs like Les Davidson, Terry Fahey and David Peachey to name just a few,” Mr Solly said.
“It has hosted Test matches and has been the home of rugby league in Dubbo for decades,” Mr Solly said.
“We can’t wait to bring the team to Dubbo for the first of what we hope will be many games at Apex Oval.”
Dubbo MP, and chair of the NSW Government’s regional NRL taskforce Dugald Saunders, said the city deserved to host NRL games and more regional cities would follow in its footsteps.
“When I was made chairman of the taskforce I made a pledge that Dubbo would have an NRL game in 2021, and the great news is we’ve been able to lock the bunnies in for two years,” he said.
“The Rabbitohs are also looking to create meaningful ties in the city through the Souths Cares program, and I look forward to helping in those endeavours.
“This is the first domino to fall as part of the taskforce’s push to take more games to regional NSW, and I look forward to making further announcements in that regard.”
Under COVID-19 restrictions, Dubbo Regional Council expects 4,000 people will be able to attend the 2021 game, with up to 15,000 expected to be able to attend in 2022.
Mayor Ben Shields said council would provide up to $120,000 to bring the NRL matches to bush, with the state government to chip in the remainder of the costs involved.
“Apex Oval is very much a premier sports facility and we’re working hard to make sure that it will be an enjoyable experience for crowds and players, with top-grade fields and grandstands,” Mr Shields said.
“This is a win-win situation for the Dubbo region, with staff ensuring that we get bang-for-buck. In addition to direct cash funds, council will also be providing $100,000 worth of indirect funds to ensure the fields are up to playing standard, and we can get the best possible experience for the two teams playing, and the community experiencing the game.”