Newcastle Knights superstar Yasmin Meakes is calling on all Novocastrians to fill McDonald Jones Stadium when the Women’s State of Origin series rolls into town.
And, with tickets for the showdown between NSW and Queensland going on sale from 10am on Thursday 5 February, the Australian representative remains confident of hitting “sold out” status.
That optimism’s probably warranted, too, after almost 22,000 fans attended last year’s extravaganza.
In 2026, the Blues and Maroons face-off in the Hunter on Thursday 30 April from 7.45pm.
But, while thrilled her hometown will host game one, Meakes is also wary of NSW’s poor record in Newcastle.
“Yes, we haven’t had the best of luck,” she said.
“So, I definitely want to get rid of that hoodoo.
“However, we’ve never had the opening match at McDonald Jones Stadium.
“If we can have a big crowd on hand, which I know Newcastle will, I think it’ll set the tone and send the Queenslanders packing.
“State of Origin is the best game of the year.
“To me, I always feel Newcastle is the home of NSW Rugby League and the NRLW.
“Everyone supports us, no matter the weather, and they turn out regardless of what’s happening in the world.
“It’s a credit to our supporters.
“They’re continually showing their support for the women’s game.”
Chair of City of Newcastle’s (CN) Sports Infrastructure Working Group Peta Winney-Baartz said events, like State of Origin, were key to creating a vibrant and prosperous city.
“Sold-out shows, record crowds and repeat bookings by organisers demonstrate the huge demand in Newcastle for things that engage all ages and demographics… and cater to a range of tastes,” she explained.
“Major international-level events, such as the Rugby World Cup, also help put Newcastle on the map with global audiences, providing opportunities to capture tourism, economic growth and job creation by catering to locals and attracting fans from around the country and across the world.”
CN’s Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee chair Jenny Barrie echoed those sentiments.
“Newcastle has become a must-stop destination for promoters looking for a world-class city to stage major events or be included on their national tour schedules,” she said.
“This reputation continues to grow off the back of a strategic focus and investment by councils, as well as collaborations with the NSW Government through Destination NSW and Venues NSW.
“City of Newcastle is committed to attracting, retaining and delivering high‑quality events that generate immediate economic returns and ongoing advantages for the community.
“They contribute millions in direct spending and unlock a breadth of wider benefits, including repeat tourism, stronger supply chains, enhanced workforce skills, increased industry capability and more employment opportunities for locals.”
Visit Ticketek to secure your tickets.
For more sports stories:
- Newcastle to host four Rugby World Cup fixtures
- Holbrook names 28-man squad for Knights’ first hit-out
- Singleton breaks decade-long drought to claim JBS crown
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