The National Rugby League will return to Mudgee in 2021, with confirmation the Manly Sea Eagles will play a home game against the Gold Coast Titans at the Glen Willow Sporting Complex on Saturday, April 17.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders, who is chair of the NRL regional taskforce, visited the facility with Mid-Western Regional Council mayor Des Kennedy and Sea Eagles chairman Stephen Humphreys to make the announcement.
“When I was made chair of this taskforce, we pinpointed locations that we thought could facilitate competition games next year in an effort to take top-level footy back to the bush post-COVID,” Mr Saunders said.
“Mudgee was one of the locations that ticked all the boxes we were looking for and the town will take its place alongside Dubbo, Bathurst, Coffs Harbour, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga in hosting a match next year. This is in addition to the annual Charity Shield trial fixture between Souths and St George-Illawarra.”
Mid-Western Regional Council mayor Des Kennedy said he is confident Mudgee will once again shine.
“It’s fantastic to welcome the Sea Eagles and their fans to our region,” he said.
“Glen Willow Stadium has proudly played host to many NRL games over the last four years and it has set the standard for regional stadiums.
“We look forward to working with the club and the NRL to ensure a great country game day experience for fans.”
Manly chief executive Stephen Humphreys said his club is excited to be heading to Mudgee.
“It’s exciting that we can play a home match in our 75th year in a beautiful town like Mudgee, as part of the NRL’s plan to take rugby league back to the bush,” he said.
“I hope as many Sea Eagles supporters as possible make the trip to Mudgee to not only get behind our team, but to also support this great regional town by enjoying some of the wonderful tourist attractions.”