DIEHARD
07-09-07, 11:36 AM
Townsville has scored a second World Cup victory in as many weeks with the Rugby League International Federation confirming today that Dairy Farmers Stadium will host Australia?s final pool game, against PNG, in the 2008 Centenary tournament.
The announcement, relayed by Queensland Premier Peter Beattie in State Parliament today, means that Queensland?s Far North is the only regional centre to host separate matches involving both Australia and England during the tournament rounds.
Papua New Guinea, who later this month will test themselves against the Prime Minister?s XIII, will have the advantage of basing their campaign in Townsville, the sister city of PNG?s capital Port Moresby.
They will meet England in the first match of the tournament at Townsville on Saturday, October 25, and Australia in the final pool match on Sunday, November 9.
Premier Beattie today said that the decision to play a second Townsville game was a boost for both Queensland and the tournament:
?For North Queensland this means a Rugby League bonanza with the Australian match expected to be a sell-out and the arrival of many English tourists who are following their team around the country.
?Fans will come for the game, stay for a holiday and enjoy the sights of North Queensland including the Great Barrier Reef - all while spending their hard earned pounds.
?It will mean jobs and a business bonanza in accommodation, business services, transport, retail and trade sectors. That is not to mention the fact that it will be seen by millions of television viewers around the world - in other words: Queensland will go to the world.
?I commend the RLIF on making another good decision; after all Queensland has the best venues, the best facilities, the best teams, the best fans and the best weather.?
http://www.rugbyleagueworldcup.com
The announcement, relayed by Queensland Premier Peter Beattie in State Parliament today, means that Queensland?s Far North is the only regional centre to host separate matches involving both Australia and England during the tournament rounds.
Papua New Guinea, who later this month will test themselves against the Prime Minister?s XIII, will have the advantage of basing their campaign in Townsville, the sister city of PNG?s capital Port Moresby.
They will meet England in the first match of the tournament at Townsville on Saturday, October 25, and Australia in the final pool match on Sunday, November 9.
Premier Beattie today said that the decision to play a second Townsville game was a boost for both Queensland and the tournament:
?For North Queensland this means a Rugby League bonanza with the Australian match expected to be a sell-out and the arrival of many English tourists who are following their team around the country.
?Fans will come for the game, stay for a holiday and enjoy the sights of North Queensland including the Great Barrier Reef - all while spending their hard earned pounds.
?It will mean jobs and a business bonanza in accommodation, business services, transport, retail and trade sectors. That is not to mention the fact that it will be seen by millions of television viewers around the world - in other words: Queensland will go to the world.
?I commend the RLIF on making another good decision; after all Queensland has the best venues, the best facilities, the best teams, the best fans and the best weather.?
http://www.rugbyleagueworldcup.com