It will top … State of Origin.

“Someone from England will be watching, someone from France, Ireland, Japan, Italy and even Argentina,” Ms Hill said.

“The city should be proud of itself.” The decision to build a world-class stadium five years ago has been a game changer.

Ms Hill said it had been hard for Townsville to differentiate itself and lure tourists from holiday hot spots Cairns and the Whitsundays.

The stadium has changed that – Townsville is now the undisputed events capital. So if you haven’t got a ticket, do yourself a favour and get online and buy one.

The importance of the event world rugby can’t be understated.

It’s history in the making, and who doesn’t like being a part of history?