Canberra Raiders wingers Nick Cotric and Elijah Anderson spoke with Wagga mayor Dallas Tout ahead of the Raiders’ game in Wagga on 29 April. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
The Canberra Raiders will return to Wagga for the fourth time in five seasons on 29 April as they look to even the ledger against the Dolphins after a round two loss to the NRL’s newest team.
Raiders wingers Nick Cotric and Elijah Anderson visited Wagga Wagga on Thursday to promote the round nine matchup, saying the opportunity to play in a regional town like Wagga was exciting for the team, with McDonalds Park looking ready to go for the big clash in four weeks’ time.
“We love getting out to the regional areas and supporting rugby league,” Cotric said.
“The matches in Wagga Wagga have always been ones we’ve looked forward to as a playing group – it’s also great news that we’re able to spend some time meeting fans, signing autographs and posing for photos on the Thursday afternoon ahead of Saturday’s game.”
Wagga mayor Dallas Tout is encouraging residents to make the most of the opportunity to see the Raiders and Dolphins players.
“Whether you’re a diehard Green Machine fan, a Dolphins supporter or just love the game of rugby league, we would love to see you come along to McDonalds Park on 29 April and show your support for having these big sporting events in our city,” Mr Tout said.
Wagga Wagga City Council and the Canberra Raiders have formed a close-knit relationship since signing a two-year deal to host games in Wagga in 2018.
The deal was extended to 2022 and beyond and despite the Raiders being fined $150,000 for breaching a 10-year agreement to host all home games by the ACT Government in 2018, the club has said on numerous occasions that they are committed to bringing the NRL to regional NSW.
The Raiders will look to secure a win against the Dolphins having lost their past two matches in Wagga, including their 2021 bout against the Newcastle Knights (pictured above). Photo: Wagga Wagga City Council.
“It’s a great partnership with the council and the Raiders and has been for a number of years now,” Mr Tout said.
“It’s an opportunity for individuals and families. We’re just fans of NRL in the region and it’s a great location (McDonalds Park) as anyone can see. We’re really, really looking forward to it.”
Fans from Canberra are expected to take the almost three-hour trip to Wagga despite issues in previous years surrounding accommodation and parking at the venue.
“We’re always working on relationships with accommodation providers but with this game, there will be a lot of people doing day trips. We are still assessing the information about potential tourism numbers that the game could potentially draw to Wagga.”
McDonalds Park is expected to sell out its 11,000 tickets, with over 2000 selling so far. The Raiders are encouraging those looking to attend the game to secure their tickets as soon as possible. People with Raiders home game membership are able to use one of their available games to secure tickets.
The match will start at 3 pm on 29 April and people looking to purchase tickets can do so by clicking here.
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