WIN Stadium to host Australia-New Zealand Test double-header
WIN Stadium has been announced as the venue for end-of-season Tests between Australia at New Zealand.
Showdown: Latrell Mitchell and Dallin Watene Zelezniak. Picture: AAP Image/David Rowland
The Jillaroos will tackle the Kiwis in Wollongong on October 25, before the Kangaroos clash with New Zealand.
"Rugby league has a home in the Illawarra, so we’re delighted to bring the pinnacle of rugby league back to Wollongong for the first time in five years,” NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg said.
“We recorded one of the best-ever attendances for WIN Stadium the last time Test match rugby league was played in Wollongong.
“So, I’ve got no doubt the local support will be strong and compliment those travelling fans who can’t wait to be at the stadium come October 25."
Wollongong last hosted an international in 2014, when Australia thrashed Samoa 44-18 in the Four Nations and also held a 2008 World Cup game, when Fiji stunned France 42-6.
New Zealand upstaged the Aussies 26-24 in a thrilling clash in Auckland in October, after trailing 12-8 at half-time.
The fixture comes after the success of the first ever Super League game played outside of Europe, when eventual champions Wigan defeated Hull last year. St George Illawarra kick off their NRL season in Townsville against North Queensland on March 16, after Saturday night's Charity Shield against South Sydney at Mudgee.
The Dragons' first game at WIN Stadium is in round six on April 20 against Manly.
Coach Paul McGregor was pleased to see the Dragons begin their pre-season with a 18-10 victory over Newcastle on Saturday.
"It was good," McGregor said. "We got to use 28 players, I thought the first 20 minutes were really clean, we had really nice control on the ground, we ran some good shape and executed quite well.
"All in all, it's a trial, it's a build to round one. The boys are back playing, against opposition now other than themselves, which they've done for 14 weeks and it does open up a little bit of how well some players went for selection."
The trial, hastily relocated from Kogarah on Thursday, was the first opportunity for the Dragons to show off their new look attack and the early signs were promising for the Dragons faithful.
As had been speculated throughout the summer, the Dragons lined up with captain Gareth Widdop playing fullback, recruit Corey Norman at five-eighth, Ben Hunt at halfback and Cameron McInnes at hooker.
Dressed to impress: Corey Norman made his first appearance in Dragons colours. Picture: Anna Warr