NRL’s arrival to open new doors for city

RUGBY LEAGUE: Excitement surrounding news of Toowoomba hosting its first NRL premiership match next season has led to speculation about what benefits will flow from the landmark move.

The Gold Coast Titans will face a yet-to-be-named club at Clive Berghofer Stadium in the opening premiership rounds while their home Cbus Super Stadium is used for the Commonwealth Games.

Chairman Paul Reedy from the Western Mustangs, which are affiliated with the Gold Coast club, said Toowoomba’s recognition at NRL level potentially opened many doors.

“This will be showcasing our wonderful city of Toowoomba to the world with the game being televised at least on Foxtel,” Reedy said.

“We would really love this to be considered as a permanent thing every year or at least every second year.

“We would like to think that’s a possibility if we can put on a great day and make it a huge success.”

Reedy also expects the Titans’ visit to strengthen their support base in the Downs region with a growth in club membership likely to follow.

“If they can increase their membership footprint up here in Toowoomba and the western region, it becomes an area they need to support by taking the game to the people,” Reedy said.

“I think they would be hoping to pick up at least 2000-to-3000 members when they visit.”

The under 18 and under 20 Western Mustangs’ teams are expected to feature in home matches on a gala support program to the NRL blockbuster.

Further information on the match will be released when the full 2018 NRL premiership schedule is announced in coming weeks.