The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs will play the North Queensland Cowboys for NRL premiership points at Salter Oval in August next year.
The 2022 NRL draw was released today, confirming the round 21 clash would take place in the Bundaberg Region at 2 pm on Sunday 7 August.
A partnership between Bundaberg Regional Council, the State Government and the Bulldogs will see the Bundaberg clash go ahead, providing an economic boost to the region and delighting and inspiring local rugby league fans.
Mayor Jack Dempsey said it was exciting to see the Bundaberg NRL game confirmed.
“I’ve been talking to the Bulldogs and State Government about this for several months and it’s terrific to see it come to fruition,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“Council is contributing $150,000 cash and in kind.
“It’s an investment that will bring top-class professional sport to Bundaberg, provide national media exposure and inspire our youth.
“The club is keen to develop a partnership with Bundaberg that includes community engagement and coaching clinics.
“Salter Oval will be decked out with temporary stands and amenities to cater for an expected crowd of 10,000 people.”
Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith said the announcement was a “gamechanger” for the region.
“This is about the State Government, Council and the NRL working together to bring something iconic to Bundaberg,” he said.
“In the past we have had trial matches and we have had the Maroons up here as well but this is the real thing, the real deal.
“We can't wait to see kick off next year for Round 21, 2022.”
Bulldogs welcome Bundaberg NRL game
The Bulldogs released a statement on its website welcoming the Bundaberg NRL game and revealing plans to engage with the community.
“With the local community desperate to see the top NRL stars, the Bulldogs have made a decision to thank the many people in Bundaberg who have made such a concerted effort to support this initiative by organising a visit that will see community visits, school clinics and a chance to mix with the local community,” the statement said.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs board director Andrew Gifford said the club was ecstatic to announce the Bundaberg NRL game.
“We are very pleased to be part of the region and commit to the region,” Mr Gifford said.
“We are looking forward to playing here.
“The collaborative approach here in Bundaberg will make this a great event and hopefully we can do it in years to come.
“Our players want to come up and be part of the community.”
He said, while it was dependant on schedules ahead of the Bundaberg NRL game, the Bulldogs would like to take part in school and community events.
See the full 2022 NRL draw at nrl.com.
