When the Wigan Warriors take on Hull in the first English Super League match outside Europe at WIN Stadium on February 10 it will be far more than a groundbreaking moment for sport.
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The historic game will have far reaching benefits range from the social media posts of children who get to meet and gain tips from their Rugby League heroes to forging opportunities for business, academia, community and international realations.
Wigan Warriors rugby director Kris Radlinski is even posting a daily blog about the many things to see, do and experience in the Illawarra from Harley tours and skydiving to native animals at Symbio.
He said there were many similarities between the regions. Both have a foundation in manufacturing and industry, a celebrated rugby league history and ambition to drive new and innovative economies.
Wigan Warriors commercial manager Dan Burton has been a driving force from the outset and said an important focus was how can a sport play a role in international trade, economic development, tourism, community engagement and education.
He thinks the relationship can develop into something ongoing and beneficial for everyone involved.
“We are not just a Rugby League club in the north of England. This is much more than just a footy game. We have taken on quite a hefty initiative,” he said.
“We are already up to 38 stakeholders working with us. This is much more than just arriving on February 4 for a game of footy and playing at WIN Stadium and creating history. It is about what else comes off the back of that”.
Stakeholders range from the UK Government and Number 10 to the Australian Government, Austrade and Destination NSW.
KPMG Wollongong Managing Partner Warwick Shanks said there were many opportunities from developing an ongoing relationship between Wollongong and Wigan and their many synergies as industry and rugby league heartlands.
Destination Wollongong’s Mark Sleigh said the game was about more than sport. It is a catalyst for new opportunities.
Wigan will be based at the Novotel for nines days during the lead-up to the February match and will engage with schools, the community and business leaders.
“We have the unique opportunity to showcase not only the beauty of our region but the innovative industries and companies that form the core of our community,” Mr Sleigh said.
“Wigan are fully committed to fostering an enduring relationship with Wollongong and that can only benefit both cities equally”.
The University of Wollongong has already identified an opportunity to work with the eight biggest research universities in the north of England.
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
