City of Newcastle (CN) is expecting a multi-million-dollar windfall from hosting its first State of Origin fixture next season.

Game two of the women’s series, featuring the New South Wales Blues and Queensland Maroons, will be played at McDonald Jones Stadium on Thursday 6 June.

It forms part of an historic expanded three-match concept, which kicks off at Suncorp Stadium a few weeks earlier.

The third showdown, and potential decider, is then scheduled for Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Thursday 27 June.

McDonald Jones Stadium venue manager Dean Mantle forecast the eagerly-awaited clash would “sell out”.

“This is a huge coup for us,” he said.

“Given what we’ve experienced with the Newcastle Knights’ NRLW side recently, we’re anticipating another massive crowd of locals and visitors.

“And, why shouldn’t we?

“Newcastle is the best place to have a game like this.

“This year’s second Women’s State of Origin match attracted a record crowd of more than 18,000 fans to Townsville, while more than 12,500 people packed the stands for the Knights’ semi-final against the Brisbane Broncos, setting a new NRLW mark for a standalone encounter.”

The announcement follows a push by Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Townsville mayor Jenny Hill to bring the women’s representative showpiece to rugby league’s regional heartlands.

Both wrote a joint letter to the ARLC in June, calling for regular hosting rights for the top tier competition.

It was further backed up by a Lord Mayoral Minute, unanimously endorsed by council, and advocacy from the NSW Government.

CN CEO Jeremy Bath said the State of Origin extravaganza would deliver a massive financial boost for local businesses.

“We’re predicting between $6 and $7 million to flow into the economy,” he stated.

“That’s on the back of concerts from Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney.

“City of Newcastle is committed to attracting and hosting major events as a key economic and tourism driver for our region.

“They deliver both an immediate and ongoing benefit for the community and our visitor economy, help to create jobs and support industries while continuing to highlight our city as an amazing tourism and events destination.

“Both Newcastle and Townsville boast rich rugby league histories and passionate fan bases, making them the perfect host cities for next year’s Women’s State of Origin.

“And, with strong support from Venues NSW and McDonald Jones Stadium, we knew that Newcastle was the right location to stage a match.”

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• Newcastle to host Women’s State of Origin showdown
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