History will be made on February 10 at Wollongong’s WIN Stadium.
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Wollongong’s famous stadium by the sea will play host to the first ever Super League game held outside of Europe.
The Wigan Warriors and Hull FC rugby league clubs will do battle in a game which will attract international attention.
Indeed, after the Illawarra Mercury broke the news on Wednesday night, the world and Australia’s biggest media organisations have followed suit on the game-changing clash on Australian soil.
The name “Wollongong” was spread far and wide. Not only will the game again put Wollongong on the map, it will have clear economic benefits.
The NSW Government is predicting 5000 interstate and international visitors will flood New South Wales in February to follow the UK clubs who will also play in Sydney as well.
The NSW Government predicts it will inject $7 million into the economy.
Judging by the response on social media they are right. Many interstate and international visitors are already making plans to make the trek even with ticketing not expected to be announced until sometime in August.
Outside of the game alone, Hull and Wigan will spend over a week in the region getting involved in the local community.
Some key people at a local level made this possible.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward played a key role for the NSW Government and made the announcement via the Mercury on Wednesday night.
Destination Wollongong, in particular Mark Sleigh and Jeremy Wiltshire, played a key role in helping to broker the deal with Wigan.
Without a doubt Wollongong Deputy Mayor and former Wigan legend John Dorahy was extremely vital given his close ties to the UK club. Congratulations to all involved.
On February 10, the world famous hill at WIN Stadium will be jam packed with supporters from both Wigan and Hull all in voice singing some of the rugby chants and songs which makes the UK games unique.
Even former Wigan and England international Kris Radlinski said he intended for miss any corporate box spot to stand on the hill and soak in the atmosphere.
It promises to be something to behold and something not to be missed.
