Big match a test for region

FULL HOUSE: Toll Stadium's grandstand is already sold out ahead of next weekend's international rugby league game between the Kiwis and Samoa, which will kick off at 4pm.

This time next week, the Kiwi and Samoan rugby league teams will be preparing for their Four Nations match at Toll Stadium, which will bring $3.8 million to the Northland economy.

With Northland - and Toll Stadium - essentially on trial for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, next Saturday's test is not only important to the region economically but also Northland league fans.

If the region puts on a good show, there is the possibility of hosting a World Cup game, which would in turn bring another estimated $3.8 million - excluding global television perks.

Whangarei District Council economic development manager Peter Gleeson said the Kiwis versus Samoa test compared well to other international sporting events that come to Northland.

He said the Rally of Whangarei usually brought about $2.8 million worth of value before global television screening, which balloons the value to about $5.8 million if included, so the rugby league clash was a valuable fixture to have.

"With these major events, it's basically around the competitors taking part, which then attract spectators who then spend," Gleeson told the Advocate. "I guess it's easier with the Kiwis, because of the ticket sales we can narrow it down to crowd numbers whereas with the rally the spectators can be on the roadside and not necessarily paying to be there."

He added that the expectation was for a crowd of about 18,000 at Toll Stadium for the 4pm kick-off next Saturday.

Venues and Events Whangarei manager John Lynch said preparations were in full flight and ticket sale indications were good.

"The grandstand is completely sold out and general admission sales are really strong too," he said. "We're probably a good half sold heading in a week out, and I'd expect it to be really strong sales in the next week.

"The long-range weather forecast is for a nice sunny day with a light breeze so it's looking good, if you can trust a weatherman eight days out."

He added that the likelihood of a sell-out crowd would also make for a better atmosphere than some of the bigger stadiums, which could be half full.

"It's about trying to get these high-profile flagship-type teams up here, and the Kiwis are definitely that when it comes to rugby league," Lynch said. "This Four Nations game is a big opportunity for us to prove ourselves to New Zealand Rugby League, to show we've got a state-of-the-art stadium with all the home comforts. Effectively we're on trial.

"We need bums on seats and people buying tickets if we are to have a chance of hosting anything with the World Cup."

Lynch said hosting a Kiwis international match was another tick in the box for Toll Stadium as a multi-sport venue, which it was set up to be.

New Zealand Rugby League chief executive Phil Holden was in town earlier this year to check the facilities, saying he felt Whangarei was a possible host for future international games.

"We've definitely got eyes to the World Cup in 2017, which we are co-hosting, and that was part of our view of taking the Four Nations games [around] to demonstrate they can work outside of Auckland."

Tickets for next week's test can be purchased from the Ticketek office at Forum North or online at ticketek.co.nz. Tickets range from $10-$50.

On the day
- Gates Open: 1:15pm
- NZ 16s v Toa Samoa 16s, 1.30pm
- Northland Champion Schools final, 3pm
- Kiwis v Toa Samoa, 4pm
- Finish, 5:30pm