Future of Country-City Origin match decided but axe still hovers

RUMOURS of the demise of Country-City Origin have been swirling for months. Now, ARLC chairman John Grant has spoken out about whether this year’s fixture in Tamworth with be the last.

Andrew Fifita of City tackled by Paul Vaughan during the City Origin v Country Origin game at McDonalds Park, Wagga Wagga. pic Mark Evans

THE game remains on death row but Country-City Origin has at least been given a temporary stay of proceedings with the annual clash set to remain on the representative calendar for at least one more season.

Australian Rugby League Commission chairman John Grant has dispelled rumours this year’s game in Tamworth on May 8 will be the concept’s swansong after declaring he is committed to playing the match again in 2017.

“There has been a lot of speculation about the future of Country-City and whether the Tamworth game would be the last one,” CRL CEO Terry Quinn said.

Daniel Tupou of City is tackled by Jack Bird during the City Origin v Country Origin game at McDonalds Park, Wagga Wagga in 2015. Picture: Mark Evans

“I can now say we have received an assurance from John Grant the game won’t be scrapped for next year.

“So I am putting it out there now that we are looking for a venue for 2017 and anyone interested in hosting should get in contact with us.”

Quinn said Grant’s assurance was only for 2017 and there is a strong possibility the match will finally make way when the new television deal kicks off in 2018.

“Nothing has been finalised but that appears a strong possibility,” Quinn said.

“I’m led to believe the representative weekend does not feature in the new deal which is obviously very ­disappointing.

“But we will be looking for something to compensate us if that is the case. We are still pushing to get at least three NRL games in the bush and losing Country-City might well be the trigger for that.”

A sellout crowd at last year’s event. Picture: Mark Evans

Quinn, NSWRL boss Dave Trodden and respective coaches Brad Fittler and Craig Fitzgibbon made a promotional visit to Tamworth on Wednesday with tickets going on sale for the May 8 game.

Individual tickets are priced from $15 with family tickets selling for $40. Officials were forced to shut the gates for the match in Wagga last season before kick-off with some fans turned away.

Quinn said it was realistic to think the game could just about sell out the 10,000 capacity stadium at Scully Park and advised fans to get their tickets early to avoid the possibility of missing out.

Andrew Fifita of City tackled by Paul Vaughan during last year’s match.

“The surface is unbelievable given how dry it has been and the venue itself is first class,” he said.

“There also seems to be plenty of interest in the game already which is obviously what we want.”

BUSHIES WHO DARE TO DREAM

KERROD Holland’s fairytale NRL debut that included his match-winning conversion for the Bulldogs in their triumph over the Penrith Panthers on Thursday night is a great example for any young player in the bush still­ ­daring to dream.

Holland never came through the junior system at any NRL club.

Instead, he was still in his home-town of Singleton playing first grade when he was 19 with the Greyhounds after representing Country Under 18s the previous year.

Kerrod Holland after his winning conversion kick with Adam Elliot and captain James Graham. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“He was always a halfback in the juniors and played halfback for Country,” his former Singleton and Country coach Gary Gardner said.

“He was a confident kid who always had plenty of talent.

“He came into first grade here when he was 19 still playing halfback and won two comps and that’s how he ended up at Cessnock.

“Todd Edwards (then Cessnock coach) used to come up and watch and he took his down there.”

Kerrod Holland is congratulated by his father Mick after kicking the winning conversion.

Switched to fullback, Holland was all set to play in the position for Newcastle in last season’s Country Championships when he was called into the Knights NSW Cup squad on the wing as an injury replacement for Nathan Ross.

Holland was switched to the centres and ended up bagging 18 tries, won a grand final and wasnamed in the NSW Cup team of the year before the 23 year-old agreed to a two year deal with the Bulldogs.

“He’s done really well and good luck to him,” Gardner said.

RETIREES STEPPING UP

FORMER Wests Tigers and Cronulla forward Bryce Gibbs has signed with Brett Kimmorley’s Wests Devils in the Illawarra premiership, joining forces with another former NRL player Daniel Holdsworth.

Bryce Gibbs back in his Tigers days.

Gibbs made his debut for the Devils yesterday in their Steelers Challenge Cup pre-season semi-final against Dapto in Wollongong.

BUSH LADIES FOR THE WIN

IF you are not convinced Ladies League Tag has taken off in the bush, get yourself down to Tom Clyburn Oval in Canowindra today to see just how quickly the women’s game has grown.

For the sixth straight year, the Western Challenge trophy is up for grabs with 17 clubs from Group 10, Group 11, Woodbridge Cup and New Era Cup represented.

Defending titleholders Orange Cyms will be chasing a third straight victory.

Originally published as Future of Country-City Origin match decided but axe still hovers