Preparations in full swing for footy trial
Bega Valley Shire 26 Feb 2020
Preparations in full swing for footy trial

26 February 2020

On the back of the announcement from the National Rugby League (NRL) that this Saturday’s ‘Battle of the West’ trial game between Penrith and Parramatta at the Bega Recreation Ground is an official sell out, we are certainly set for an exciting few days of action.

In addition to ripping in on Saturday in a game that shapes as key in both clubs’ preparations for the upcoming season, both the Panthers and Eels will also be undertaking a range of activities across the region from Thursday onwards.

School visits are planned at the Tathra, Narooma, Moruya, Bodalla, Quaama, Eden, Pambula, Merimbula, Wolumla, Bega Valley and Candelo Schools; State of Mind activations will be held in Moruya, Eden, Pambula and Narooma; the players will be meeting with volunteers and emergency responders in Cobargo, Bemboka, Eden and Narooma; and open training sessions and meet and greets will be happening at the Rec on Friday morning.

As the NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said – the visit will certainly “be about more than just footy”. 

When the stands and hills are packed and the live site on the adjourning George Griffin Oval is in full swing on Saturday, there will be multitude of locals who will be able to rightly feel a sense of pride in what they have contributed to the event.

These are the folks who have given their time, effort and expertise behind the scenes, so we can all enjoy what promises to be a fantastic spectacle and an event that will live on in the memory for many years to come.

Despite the regular damage done to the grounds by our resident Corella population, Pat Wilson and his staff from the Pambula-Merimbula Golf Club have produced a terrific playing surface, while Council’s Leisure and Recreation, Town, Urban Maintenance and Mowing teams have also done a mountain of work to have the facilities ready.

A big shout too to the local footy volunteers such as Dax Kelly and his line marking helpers.

Local businesses including Geoff Metzler and Associates, B & J Fencing, Woodstock’s Earthmoving, Core Electrical, Harris Plumbing, South East Civil and Crane, TNC Mini Earthmoving, Bega Landscape Supplies and Barkers Landscape Supplies have also stepped up when called on.

All profits from ticket sales and donations made through Ticketek will go to The Salvation Army’s Rural Assistance Appeal which helps rural communities and individuals who’ve been affected by the drought and bushfires.

Game Day Information

The gates and live site open at noon. The trial game will be preceded by Andrew Johns (Under 16’s) and Laurie Daley Cup (Under 18’s) matches at 12.05 and 1.40pm respectively. Kick off for the trial between the Panthers and Eels is 4pm. Those who hold a match ticket are encouraged to download tickets before arriving or to have tickets printed before the game. Locals and visitors, and those without a match ticket, are encouraged to make use of the live site which will be activated on George Griffin Oval. The entertainment at the live site will feature local artists Sam Stevenson as well as Matt Glass & The Loose Cannons, alongside Amy Shark and Brad Cox, from 6.15pm, immediately following the trial match. The live site will also include a Kids Zone and food stalls and will show the Panthers-Eels trial on the big screen. The trial match will be broadcast nationally by FOX Sports, Channel Nine, Telstra LivePass and free on the NRL App.

Photograph: The Bega Recreation Ground is looking a picture ahead on Saturday’s NRL trial game between the Panthers and Eels.

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