League match a coup for Rotorua

FILE

A rugby league match between the Warriors and the Penrith Panthers is a coup for Rotorua, and could lead to more big games in the city.

It was announced earlier this week the New Zealand NRL side would play Penrith in a pre-season trial at the Rotorua International Stadium on February 14, 2015. The Warriors last played in the city in 2011, when they beat Parramatta 24-4.

"Having our New Zealand NRL team and one of the league's top Australian teams playing in Rotorua is a coup for the game and it will undoubtedly boost interest in league here," said Peter McLeod, Events and Venues general manager.

"If this match gets well supported in Rotorua I would hope we'd see more similar games at our International Stadium."

Jenny Nahu from Bay of Plenty Rugby League (BOPRL) is organising a "Festival of League" with Rotorua District Council, which is set to take place in the days before the match.

It will include a nine-a-side tournament, and a northern region competition is under discussion.

"It is early days yet, but on the Friday and Saturday leading up to the game, BOPRL with support from the Upper Central Zone, are proposing to run a nine-a-side tournament which is a great opportunity for clubs in our area to showcase their talents," she said.

"In the provinces there is a bit of a lack of opportunity for those boys, only a limited amount will get to national level, so there will be lots of interest in a nine-a-side tournament," she said.

Mrs Nahu also welcomed the announcement a group of Kiwi and Australian investors had made a bid to extend the NRL in New Zealand with a Wellington-based team after 2017.

It's been reported the side may look to play some games outside Wellington, including in Rotorua.

"It will create stronger ties out of the main centres and create more opportunities for young guys in rugby league," she said.

Tickets for the Warriors game are on sale at www.ticketmaster.co.nz or by calling 0800 111 999.