AS the second city of NSW, it is perhaps curious that 2019 will mark the first foray of the state’s Super Rugby side into the Hunter.
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That does not diminish the occasion and achievement of finally drawing March’s match against the Japanese Sunwolves to McDonald Jones Stadium.
A foot in the door, here provided by the demolition and rebuilding of Sydney’s Allianz Stadium, may be all that is required to push the city’s claim for a more regular chance to host.
The Waratahs are hitting the road in their upcoming season. They will play three games at the new Western Sydney Stadium and one at Manly’s Brookvale Oval. Three matches remain unassigned, with at least one expected to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The Hunter region’s sporting credentials have received a boost in recent years, with a suite of high-profile matches hosted with the kind of ease for spectators that hides the aplomb behind the scenes.
While Supercars’ use of city streets sets it apart, and makes its costs and benefits an ongoing bone of contention in the council chamber and beyond, the Hunter’s bona fides for stadium events are clear.
Last season’s A-League decider, the first held outside a metropolitan city, filled the venue. Before that, again in the round ball code, Sam Kerr’s backflip raced around the nation when the Matildas downed Brazil in Newcastle. Before that came David Beckham’s LA Galaxy side visiting for a friendly with the Newcastle Jets, and the Asian Cup that landed the Socceroos at Broadmeadow on their way to claiming that title.
“We can see the confidence in sporting teams continually coming back to Newcastle because the crowds are so strong,” lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes said on Tuesday. “I see this as a great opportunity to start pushing the envelope to have more international competitions here in Newcastle."
On November 14, Australian rugby fans will find out if the region will host the Women’s Rugby World Cup. Rival bids have been lodged by New Zealand, France, Portugal, England and Wales. What better way to display the region’s credentials as a venue for international rugby than with a Super Rugby match hosting a team based overseas?
Like the players themselves, all Newcastle can do is remain ready to take our chances when they come.
