Chief Minister Andrew Barr and Minister for Sport and Recreation Yvette Berry announce Canberra will host the 2017 NRL ANZAC Test between Australia and New Zealand on Friday 5 May at GIO Stadium.
Minister Berry joined NRL Ambassador Alan Tongue, Kangaroos player Shannon Boyd and Kiwi player Jordan Rapana to announce the clash, which is another exciting opportunity for the Territory to host a world-class sporting contest.
“Spectators will be able to enjoy three games on the evening starting with the Under 20s Australia v New Zealand and followed by the women’s then men’s, Australia v New Zealand,” Minister Berry said.
“We’ve proven Canberra is the ideal city to host games of this quality. In 2013 a sell-out crowd of almost 26,000 packed GIO Stadium when the Kangaroos beat the Kiwis 32 -12 as part of our city’s centenary celebrations. I have no doubt Canberrans will embrace the chance to see their heroes in action again.”
Major events have proven they generate significant economic benefits for the Canberra region. They play a crucial role in profiling our great city and providing new reasons to visit. The last ANZAC Test generated $1.8 million for the ACT economy.
“It will be a lot easier for our friends across the ditch to join us and support the Kiwis just by jumping on a Singapore Airlines Capital Express direct flight from Wellington to Canberra,” Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.
“I hope our NZ visitors will take the time to explore our nation’s capital and in particular the Australian War Memorial, which immortalises the ANZAC story that will forever bind our two nations.”
“Both Minister Berry and I would like to thank the team at the NRL for working with the ACT Government to make this second ANZAC Test a reality.”
Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10am on Wednesday 15 February through Ticketek.
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