Country fans look forward to big NRL showdown in Toowoomba

Former Dalby Devils player Andrew McCullough won’t be in action for the St George Dragons this weekend but that’s not stopping the region’s NRL fans as they chase tickets.

Sam Walker is among the stars who could line up for the Sydney Roosters in Toowoomba. Picture: Getty Images

STAR Dalby Devils junior Andrew McCullough won’t be on show, but that won’t stop the town’s fans from flocking to Toowoomba’s NRL clash this Sunday.

The sold-out sign is expected to go up at Clive Berghofer Stadium when the Sydney Roosters and St George Illawarra Dragons square off, and Dalby Devils president Tim Hart says it will be a massive boost for the region.

“Any time you can get access to any top-class game or players it’s going to have a positive spin off,” Mr Hart said.

“Whether it’s NRL, Q-Cup or NRLW, it’s going to be of benefit, either through a boost in future junior (player) numbers, more exposure for rugby league or the economic benefits.

“This game is going to be great for the region.”

The Darling Downs and South West Queensland regions have produced plenty of NRL stars, and Hart knows fans from those regions are already looking to secure tickets.

“It’s great for those fans further out in places like Roma,” he said.

“If they’re lucky enough to get a ticket, that drive to Toowoomba is a lot easier than a six-hour trip to Brisbane.

“It will be great for the kids in the crowd as well.

“Sydney have some great young players in their side and then there’s the Sam Walker connection.

“Sam may be an Ipswich boy, but the Walker family has strong ties to Toowoomba Rugby League with Ben, Shane and Chris all going on to play in the NRL.

“Seeing someone like Sam here will be a real inspiration for our young players.”