Places sold out, merchandise is in high demand as Bundaberg will host the first NRL match

A white picket fence protects the carefully manicured green grass of the Salter Oval, but will fall apart when the city’s biggest sporting event arrives this Sunday.

Bundaberg is busy counting down the NRL round of 21 clash between the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and final challengers North Queensland Cowboys, the first time the city will host a competition points match.

Temporary stands have been set up for sold-out spectators, and space has been made for the arrival of a large media crowd to broadcast the match to league fans across the country.

“I think it’s going to be an audience record,” said Bundaberg Rugby League chairman Mike Ireland.

“The Cowboys are second on the competition ladder and the Bulldogs are starting to collect some wins as well.”

Long shot from the temporary stands at the Salter Oval
Temporary stands have been built to accommodate the anticipated record crowd.(ABC Wide Bay: Scott Lamond)

There is a lot at stake en route to the final and both teams have revealed what they hope will be a winning combination.

Bulldogs: 1. Jake Averillo, 2. Jacob Kiraz, 3. Aaron Schoupp, 4. Braidon Burns, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Matt Burton, 7. Kyle Flanagan, 8. Max King, 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10 .Paul Vaughan, 11. Josh Jackson, 12. Jackson Topine, 13. Tevita Pangai Junior, 14. Zach Dockar-Clay, 15. Joe Stimson, 16. Harrison Edwards, 17. Chris Patolo.

cowboy: 1. Scott Drinkwater, 2. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 3. Valentine Holmes, 4. Peta Hiku, 5. Murray Taulagi, 6. Tom Dearden, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, 9. Reece Robson, 10 .Coen Hess, 11. Tom Gilbert, 12. Jeremiah Nanai, 13. Jason Taumalolo, 14. Jake Granville, 15. Reuben Cotter, 16. Luciano Leilua, 17. Griffin Neame.

This year’s Cowboys revival has shocked NRL fans after the club finished penultimate in 2021.

Head coach Todd Payten found himself in the hot seat during last season, but his side’s revival has silenced critics and he now sits firmly as the front-runner for coach of the year.

This will be the first time since their grand final appearance in 2017 that the team has played final football.

Meanwhile the Bulldogs who are in 12th position are looking to continue their form with a third win in a row this weekend.

The Dogs are starting to hit their stride under interim coach Mick Potter who will be looking to unleash his lethal combination in Matt Burton and Josh Addo-Carr in the Salter Oval.

‘fly off the shelf’ support gear

Daniel Unwin runs a sportswear shop in Bundaberg CBD where he says support merchandise for both teams is “flying out”.

“It’s huge. Queenslanders love football, especially in Bundaberg,” he said.

“It’s a legit NRL game, the Cowboys are here so it’s a big draw, and we’re seeing a lot of excitement.

“This is the real problem. You’re going to have two sides of the full-strength NRL, both in very hot form, so this would be a great thing for our region.”

Salter oval sign
The sold-out crowd is anticipated to break field attendance records as TV and streaming reach fans across the country.(ABC Wide Bay: Scott Lamond)

The last time the Cowboys played at Bundaberg was against the Brisbane Broncos in a friendly in 2016 in front of over 8,000 fans.

Sunday’s game was officially sold out soon after last week’s final ticket release, while at Salter Oval the goalposts had to be shifted five meters to meet NRL specifications.

“The post will stay there permanently, and we haven’t played any local league here for a few weeks so it’s nice and green,” said Mr Ireland.

Big Willie says ‘about time’

This NRL game will be the first of three to be played in Bundaberg under an agreement between the Bulldogs, the Bundaberg Regional Council and the Queensland government.

Future Bulldogs matches will be scheduled at the Salter Oval in 2023 and 2024.

bulldog legend Willie Mason at the Salter Oval in Bundaberg
Bulldog legend Willie Mason said he was surprised the official NRL game was being played for so long in Bundaberg.(ABC Wide Bay: Scott Lamond)

Former Bulldog, Origin great and international doubles player Willie Mason said he couldn’t believe it was taking long for the NRL to bring competition matches to Bundaberg.

“I’m glad the NRL is doing this. You can tell from the energy about the rugby league, it’s about time,” he said.

The Bulldogs will have an open training session on Saturday from 11am at the Salter Oval.

Gates will open on Sunday at 10:30 am, with the Bundaberg Rugby League A Grade semi-final between ATW and the Brothers starting at 11am.

Ticket holders are reminded not to bring their own seats to the floor.

Kick off for the Bulldogs and Cowboys game is 2pm.

Equipment

Ladder

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