ILLAWARRA rugby league manager Chris Bannerman believes the region deserves the chance to host NSW State of Origin camps again.
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Bannerman cited Corrimal junior Tyson Frizell’s stunning debut and the impact Jack Bird had off the bench as testament to Illawarra’s contribution to the Blues cause.
Kiama twins Brett and Josh Morris’s heroics while playing injured in the 2014 State of Origin series only adds weight to the argument.
NSW officials have announced the Blues will not return to their base at Coffs Harbour next year, leaving other contenders, including the Illawarra to secure the rights to host pre-game camps.
Wollongong hosted the Blues camp as recently as 2010 under then coach Craig Bellamy.
While other league strongholds, including Narrabeen and Penrith would also come into considerations, Bannerman said the Illawarra is an ideal location.
"Absolutely we would be interested, if we got the chance I certainly think the Illawarra has earned it,” he said. “We’ve seen how well Tyson and Jack played in game two, maybe they can bring the magic touch to turn it around for NSW.
“The location is ideal for them, being close to Sydney and with WIN Stadium and the university and the facilities available here.
“We haven’t had any discussions about it yet, but we’d love to put our case forward.”
It would be a major boost for rugby league in the region, with the annual City-Country game to be scrapped after next season and WIN Stadium hosting just four games a year.
“We’ve had internationals, City-Country, the national women’s team down here before, as well as hosting NSW camps before,” Bannerman said. “There’s no doubt about our track record.”
Keira MP Ryan Park backed the push to bring the Blues to Wollongong.
“It would be great to welcome the NSW Blues to our region,” he said. “We should embrace any opportunity to showcase what a wonderful place we live in.”