The attempt to reinvigorate country rugby league will be clear in Thursday’s NRL fixture release, with six regional NSW towns to host games next season.
Penrith (Bathurst), Canberra (Wagga Wagga), Wests Tigers (Tamworth), South Sydney (Dubbo), Manly (Mudgee) and Cronulla (Coffs Harbour) will all host games away from their traditional venues in 2021.
Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys said the series was about keeping a promise after all but one regional fixture was cancelled due to COVID-19 this year.
“The infection rate is now zero so we will deliver on that promise and schedule NRL games in six different towns,” he said.
“Nowhere is rugby league stronger than in our regions.
“One of the Commission’s major objectives in the next three years is to reinvigorate country rugby league … there is no better way than to take the game’s stars to country heartland and inspire participation at all levels.”
The season will commence on March 11 with a Thursday night clash between reigning premiers Melbourne and Wayne Bennett’s South Sydney, according to NewsCorp.
Kevin Walters will begin his tenure as Brisbane coach against modern-day tormentors Parramatta on Friday night, while the Panthers play North Queensland on Saturday.