See the full NSWRL Release here

The NSWRL is pleased to announce that it has secured one of Australia’s leading sporting venues, CommBank Stadium, to host its Junior Representatives Grand Final Day on Saturday 30 April.

The showpiece event will include the deciders for the SG Ball Cup (Under 19s), Harvey Norman Tarsha Gale Cup (Under 19s Women’s) and Harold Matthews Cup (Under 17s).

It is the first time in three years the Grand Finals for the Junior Representative competitions have been held at CommBank Stadium, with the 2020 edition abandoned due to the COVID-19 pandemic and last year’s matches being staged at Leichhardt Oval.

“The Junior Representatives competitions play an important role in the journey for any player and there are plenty of rugby league stars who started their careers in them,” NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said.

“It’s fitting that the seasons for the leading teams in the SG Ball Cup, Harvey Norman Tarsha Gale Cup and Harold Matthews Cup are held at a world-class facility and the players are given every opportunity to showcase the skills that helped get them there.”

CommBank Stadium CEO Daryl Kerry said he was delighted that the future stars of rugby league would be on show at the home of sport and entertainment in Western Sydney.

“Mark down Saturday 30 April as a special day on the sporting calendar in NSW with three Junior Rep Grand Finals back to back at CommBank Stadium,” he said.

“While CommBank Stadium is well known for hosting NRL footy, it was ultimately built for the fans and the community and the NSWRL’s Junior Representative Grand Final Day is the highlight of the season for so many emerging stars of the game.

“It will be a special occasion for the players and their families, but also a great opportunity for people across NSW to come and see junior rugby league at its best.”

The last time the Junior Representatives Grand Finals were held at CommBank Stadium saw plenty of action with two of the contests going right down right to the wire.

Illawarra Steelers upset Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 34-23 in the SG Ball Cup with a try in the final two minutes sealing the win while the Steelers downed the Newcastle Knights 24-12 in the Harvey Norman Tarsha Gale Cup again with a try in the final two minutes.

 

Here’s your chance to get back to live sport with a fabulous February set to deliver 7 cracking sporting events across 3 codes at CommBank Stadium.

The Western Sydney Wanderers will play three crucial home games in quick succession as they desperately try to get their season back on track under new coach Mark Rudan.

Two sporting classics will follow with the NRL All Stars game to feature the Indigenous against the Maori – and then the Fijian Drua will make their Super Rugby Pacific debut against home team NSW Waratahs.

Then the Parramatta Eels take centre stage for the first time in 2022 as part of an NRL Pre-Season Trials Double-Header!

Here’s what is rolling out at the home of sport and entertainment in Western Sydney this February:

Wed 2 Feb: Western Sydney Wanderers v Perth Glory – the Red & Black faithful will rally behind their team as it enters a bold new era.

Sat 5 Feb: Western Sydney Wanderers v Western United – this game was originally scheduled for New Year’s Day and now looms as a vital game for the Wanderers.

Fri 11 Feb: Western Sydney Wanderers v Melbourne City – the A-League leaders Melbourne City are heading to Western Sydney. The Wanderers need their true fans in the trenches with them for this one.

Sat 12 Feb: NRL All Stars – Real Culture. Real Connection. Real Pride. A rugby league pre-season classic as Maori take on Indigenous from 8.10pm. Maori Women v Indigenous Women from 5.20pm. More than just a footy game!

Fri 18 Feb: NSW Waratahs v Fijian Drua – Super Rugby Pacific Round 1 blockbuster! The historic first Super Rugby game for the Fijian Drua who have put out a rally call across NSW for their supporters to make a pilgrimage to CommBank Stadium for this special sporting event. The Waratahs desperate to open their season on a winning note.

Sun 20 Feb: NRL Pre-Season Trials Double-Header – Parramatta Eels v St George Illawarra Dragons at 6pm; Cronulla Sharks v Penrith Panthers from 4pm. League fans get the chance to see 4 Sydney clubs in action on the same day in the countdown to the 2022 NRL season. By the time home club the Parra Eels take to CommBank Stadium to play the Dragons, the Stadium will be pumping!

Sun 27 Feb: Western Sydney Wanderers v Wellington Phoenix – The Wanderers got the better of the Phoenix the last time these two met, and they’ll be looking to do the same to cap off a massive month at home.

Get back into live sport this February and revel in the atmosphere at CommBank Stadium – the Stadium built #ForTheFans.

The Fijian Drua have put out a rallying call to fans across Australia to support their first ever Super Rugby Pacific match against the NSW Waratahs at CommBank Stadium on Friday 18 February.

The historic match was confirmed yesterday as the NSW Waratahs and the Fijian Drua announced their home venues for the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Fijian Drua CEO Brian Thorburn said although the Round 1 blockbuster was an “away match” for his team, both the Drua and the Waratahs – along with home venue CommBank Stadium in the heart of Western Sydney – recognise the historic nature of this event.

“We’re calling on Fijian fans and rugby supporters everywhere to come out in numbers, paint CommBank Stadium blue and fill it with the sounds of Fiji. Let’s show the rugby world what it means for Fiji to have its own team in Super Rugby,” he said.

The Drua have announced separately that their huge Round 13 match against fellow debutants and Pacific vuvale Moana Pasifika will also be played at CommBank Stadium on 14 May.

“This will be a match for the ages as the Drua and Moana go head to head. Friendships and kava will flow after the match, but it will be fierce action on the field with high energy and high impact rugby that Pacific Islanders are renowned for,” Mr Thorburn said.

“The boys are chomping at the bit for this particular match, which will serve up a treat for Fijian, Samoan, Tongan and other Pacific fans.”

The NSW Waratahs will play out of three venues with CommBank Stadium and the Sydney Cricket Ground joining Leichhardt Oval as the home venues for the Tahs in season 2022.

NSW Waratahs CEO Paul Doorn said he was delighted to lock in season 2022 venues for the Waratahs’ Members and partners.

“We have worked closely with Venues NSW and look forward to hosting the Fijian Drua at CommBank Stadium for their first ever Super Rugby match in Round 1, as well as returning to one of the most iconic venues in world sport, the SCG, to face the Rebels,” he said.

“As we navigate the final season away from our brand-new home at the Sydney Football Stadium, we are excited to lock in Leichhardt Oval for five of our seven fixtures.

“The decision to host most our fixtures at Leichhardt Oval provides an opportunity for a consistent game-day experience for our Members and partners at one of the most iconic small grounds in NSW.

“After years of splitting games across the Greater Sydney metropolitan area and regional NSW we are excited to build a real sense of a home venue for the side at Leichhardt Oval in 2022.

“I’d like to thank our Members, fans, and Venues NSW for their continued support of the team throughout the redevelopment of the Sydney Football Stadium.”

The Waratahs’ 2022 ticket prices remain very affordable, with adult GA tickets priced at $20 and Cat 1 at $52, while Membership packages start at just $34 for a Two-Game Flexi Adult Membership, which includes a Waratahs ISC supporter hat and key ring.

In line with previous seasons, all registered NSW junior players aged 16 and under will be able to attend Waratah’s home matches free of charge.

 

Waratahs 2022 Super Rugby Pacific Fixtures:

Round 1: Waratahs v Fijian Drua, Friday 18 February, CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Round 2: Waratahs v Reds, Friday 25 February, Leichhardt Oval, Sydney

Round 3: Brumbies v Waratahs, Saturday 5 March, GIO Stadium, Canberra

Round 4: Force v Waratahs, Friday 11 March, HBF Park, Perth

Round 5: Waratahs v Rebels, Saturday 19 March, Sydney Cricket Ground

Round 6: Reds v Waratahs, Saturday 26 March, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Round 7: Fijian Drua v Waratahs, Friday 1 April, Venue TBC

Round 8: BYE

Round 9: Waratahs v Force, Saturday 16 April, Leichhardt Oval, Sydney

Round 10: Chiefs v Waratahs, Friday 22 April, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Round 11: Waratahs v Crusaders, Saturday 30 April, Leichhardt Oval, Sydney

Round 12: Moana Pasifika v Waratahs, Saturday 7 May, Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland

Round 13: Waratahs v Hurricanes, Saturday 14 May, Leichhardt Oval, Sydney

Round 14: Highlanders v Waratahs, Sunday 21 May, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Round 15: Waratahs v Blues, Saturday 28 May, Leichhardt Oval, Sydney

NRL fans will get the chance to watch four Sydney clubs in action in a huge pre-season trials double-header at CommBank Stadium Sunday 20 February.

Home club the Parramatta Eels will play St George Illawarra Dragons at 6pm following a match-up between the Cronulla Sharks and reigning premiers the Penrith Panthers from 4pm.

Tickets will go on sale for Eels Members on Friday 21 January at 9am, and general supporters from all four clubs will be able to lock in their seats from Monday 24 January at 11am.

The trials will give fans an insight into their clubs’ prospects for season 2022.

The Eels commence their 2022 premiership campaign against the Gold Coast Titans at CommBank Stadium on Sunday 13 March (4pm kick-off) before taking on the Dragons in a Round 4 blockbuster back home on Sunday 3 April (6pm kick-off).

See the full media release here

The A-Leagues has today announced that Sunday’s game between the Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne Victory has been postponed.

The announcement comes as the Victory have a number of active cases among the men’s football department and is one of three games postponed for this weekend.

These positive cases were reported on 10 and 11 January following either RAT or PCR testing.

Protocols put in place by the A-Leagues continue to be effective for screening and subsequent RAT or PCR testing in detecting the virus and ensuring immediate isolation.

The primary concern is for the health, wellbeing and safety of all players, staff and their families. We will continue to work with all clubs to confirm a new schedule for all postponed matches as soon as possible.

Stay tuned for more event updates.

See the full A-Leagues media release here

The match between the Western Sydney Wanderers and Perth Glory, scheduled to be held this Saturday 8 January at CommBank Stadium, has been postponed due to Perth Glory still based in Perth.

The Wanderers will now travel to AAMI Park on Sunday 9 January to play Melbourne City in a re-scheduled fixture this weekend.

Protocols put in place by the A-Leagues continue to be effective for screening and subsequent RAT or PCR testing in detecting the virus and ensuring immediate isolation.

The primary concern for the A-Leagues is the health and wellbeing of the players, staff and their families.

See the full APL release here

The A-Leagues has today announced the Western Sydney Wanderers’ New Year’s Day Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s game against Western United has been postponed.

The decision comes due to ongoing COVID-19 cases within the Western United men’s football department, with additional members returning positive tests.

The scheduled Liberty A-League Women’s match between the Western Sydney Wanderers and Canberra United, originally scheduled as a double header with the now postponed Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s match at Commbank Stadium will be relocated to Wanderers Football Park at the original kick off time and date, 1 January at 5:05pm AEDT.

The primary concern is for the health and safety of all players, staff and their families. All positive cases and those close to them are adhering to relevant state government health directives.

The A-Leagues protocols continue to be effective for screening and subsequent PCR testing in detecting the virus and ensuring immediate isolation.

Stay tuned for further announcements on rescheduled fixtures at CommBank Stadium.

It’s not every day you get to run out on to CommBank Stadium with NRL superstars like Turbo Tom Trbojevic and Sean Keppie . . . so Friday 3 December  was very special for more than 100 people living with a disability, along with their families and carers.

On International Day of People with Disability, the Stadium hosted the launch of the #WhatAbilityFoundation whose stated mission is to “unlock experiences for people living with a disability and their families”.

The brainchild of ex-NRL star Steve Dresler, the Foundation has launched an ambitious target to unlocking 1 million community experiences by 2026 . . . and today’s live sporting experience on the hallowed turf of CommBank Stadium was their first such special experience.

By the smiles on the faces of the kids and adults alike, today was a huge success!

Athletes from the NRL and NRLW, Rugby AU, Australian boxing, Cricket NSW and Netball NSW came together with business and community leaders in support of the Foundation and its mission.

On the athletes’ side, Turbo Tom and Sean Keppie were joined by Bella McKenzie and Jesse Southwell from Rugby AU, Olympian boxer Harry Garside, Hannah Southwell, Kennedy Cherrington and Botille Vette-Welsh from NRLW, Lauren Cheatle from Cricket NSW, and Bulldogs players Joash Papalii, Kaylib Savage, Danny Ghantous, Bilal Yazici, Diego Bravo-Graham and Cameron Lawrence.

Inspirational BMX rider Kai Sakakibara, who was badly injured in the lead-up to the #Tokyo2020 Olympics, was among a panel of speakers.

Congratulations to What Ability Foundation CEO Steve Dresler, Board Members David Sexton, Melodie Wight and Charlotte Goninan, and their support staff.

The time to be happy is now.

The place to be happy is here.

The way to be happy is to make others so.

 

#You may like to follow the progress of the #WhatAbilityFoundation across their social media platforms.

See the full NRL release here

Sydney will create history in February, hosting the NRL Harvey Norman All Stars for the first time ever.

The Australian Rugby League Commission confirmed the 2022 NRL Harvey Norman All Stars would be played at CommBank Stadium on Saturday, February 12.

It will be just the second time the All Stars fixture has been held in NSW, following on from the 2017 match in Newcastle.

ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM said the Harvey Norman All Stars was an important event for the Commission.

“It’s no coincidence that our season kicks off with the Harvey Norman All Stars. You can’t imagine our game without the influence of Indigenous and Maori cultures and the leadership role our players have in the community,’’ he said.

“We’re delighted that Sydney will have the opportunity to host these games for the first time. The All Stars features some of the most exciting men and women in the NRL and NRLW competitions and I know the event is one of the highlights of their season.”

NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said the event would benefit communities in Sydney enormously.

“All Stars week is a unique and important part of our rugby league calendar. To be able to celebrate this week in Sydney is an exciting opportunity for players and fans.” Mr Abdo said.

“The event brings communities and cultures together and helps celebrate First Nations people as well as rugby league’s authentic and powerful diversity.

“The 2022 NRL Harvey Norman All Stars will feature the women’s and men’s Indigenous and Maori teams, along with the Indigenous and Maori touch football teams.”

Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council Chair Katrina Fanning said: “All 10 All Stars contests have educated, improved awareness and overall built bridges between communities.

“It has had an incredibly important impact in regional communities but it has also shown its power in our cities including Brisbane and Melbourne. Now Sydney has the chance to experience the life-changing abilities of the All Stars concept.”

NSW Minister for Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the fixture would give sports fans an exciting event to look forward to in February 2022.

“The NRL All Stars pre-season showcase is a wonderful celebration of rugby league and indigenous and Maori culture,” Mr Ayres said.

“As an avid NRL fan I am delighted that Sydney will kick-off the 2022 rugby league season with the NRL All Stars fixture and welcome fans from around the country to CommBank Stadium.

“Sydney and NSW continues to secure significant sporting events that resonate with the community by providing entertainment and inspiration, while also playing a vital role in driving our visitor economy.”

Harvey Norman Chief Executive Katie Page added: “Harvey Norman have been the proudest supporter of the NRL Indigenous All Stars since its inception, 11 years ago. The NRL Indigenous All Stars will be played in Sydney at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta for the first time in 2021. All First Nations’ teams will be honoured to be playing on the lands of the Darug people and will possibly give proud Burramattagal players’ Josh Curran and Quincy Dodd the ultimate home-ground advantage in their respective clashes.

“Anyone who has ever watched the NRL Indigenous All Stars game live will know and tell you the atmosphere rivals State of Origin and Finals for passion, pride and talent on display. Now it is Sydney’s turn to celebrate the brilliance of the men and women of the NRL Indigenous and Maori communities, so save the date.”

Tickets will be on sale tomorrow (Wednesday, December 1), beginning with Parramatta Eels Members at 9am (AEDT), all other NRL Club Members at 9.30am (AEDT), NRL Account Holders at 10am (AEDT) and General Public at 2pm (AEDT).

The 2022 NRL Harvey Norman All Stars will feature the women’s and men’s Indigenous and Maori teams, along with the Indigenous and Maori touch football teams.

Tickets will be available from $25 for adults and $75 for families via nrl.com/tickets. Tickets for special Indigenous and Maori supporter bays, which include a flag with every ticket, will be available from $40.

The All Stars matches will be broadcast live on the Nine Network, Fox League, SKY New Zealand and on NRL Live Pass.

The 2022 NRL Harvey Norman All Stars is proudly supported by the NSW Government, via Destination NSW, along with major partners KARI Foundation and Aboriginal Employment Strategy (AES).

Head to the What Ability Foundation website for more

CommBank Stadium is thrilled to partner with the What Ability Foundation on their official launch event – an all abilities experience at the Stadium on Friday 3 December, International Day of People with a Disability (IDPwD).

Founded by former Parramatta Eels player, Steve Dresler, What Ability Foundation is a new registered Australian charity with a mission to unlock community experiences for people living with a disability or diminished capacity and their families.

The Foundation partners with experience providers nation-wide across sport, live entertainment, adventure, hospitality and dining to provide ticketed experiences for not only the individual, but for the whole family!

The day will bring together 100 people with a disability accompanied by their families and carers from disability support services across Sydney, as well as a team of professional and semi-professional athletes to help unlock the charity’s first live sporting experience.

Thanks to CommBank Stadium, children and young adults with a range of disabilities and their support workers will access the field, explore the locker rooms and play alongside athletes including Manly Sea Eagles NRL player Sean Keppie, Australian Olympic boxer Harry Garside and Australian Netball player Jamie-Lee Price.

A corporate function to officially launch the charity will feature a speaker panel hosted by author and journalist Elle Halliwell. The panel will challenge how we think about disability by exploring how we can all help grow a more inclusive Australia. It will include an athlete who is also a support worker, a parent and a politician.

For What Ability CEO and founder, Steve Dresler, What Ability Foundation is an extension of the service provider What Ability. It is all about putting smiles on the faces of people living with a disability, while bringing joy to families who may be experiencing financial hardship or who are unable to fully participate in the community.

“So many families who are raising children with a disability struggle to provide activities and experiences that most of us take for granted. It can be as simple as a game of bowling and movie tickets or as epic as a day pass to a theme park.”

“The Foundation is here to break down barriers and unlock experiences to give families an equal opportunity to access the communities they live in – the ability to move, jump, play, swim and experience life to the fullest.”

“We know that disability affects the entire family and that siblings and parents can also benefit from such experiences…life for families living with disability can be challenging and these families deserve to have fun.”

Individuals can register to apply for fully-funded ticketed experiences in their State or Territory for themselves or the person in their care at www.whatabilityfoundation.org.au.

Follow the Foundation on Facebook @WhatAbilityFoundation Instagram @WhatAbilityFoundation or LinkedIn @WhatAbilityFoundation.

Background

What Ability Foundation is a not-for-profit charity that exists to unlock community experiences for people with a disability and their families. The additional costs for families who have a loved one with disability are significant.

Often parents are unable to work and the pressure on household budgets means they cannot afford to access community events or activities.

Our Founder Steve has worked with countless families who are constantly challenged to fund activities we ourselves enjoyed as kids. Something as small as a bowling ticket or as costly as an overnight’s accommodation are out of reach for many. He saw the benefits first hand, and the impact these experiences had on their lives.

What Ability Foundation aims to unlock over ONE MILLION experiences across Australia to people with a disability or diminished capacity and their families by 2026!

Following two jam-packed seasons in 2020-2021, Pedestrian Group hasA announced the return of the hugely popular Disney+ Drive-In to CommBank Stadium in 2022.

One of Sydney’s favourite family pastimes the last two summers, the Disney+ Drive-In will once again overtake CommBank Stadium’s northern carpark in March and April.

Ticket details will be released soon, but fans can get excited for a movie program that has something for everyone.

From new release films including: Free Guy, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Jungle Cruise, plus: Deadpool, Die Hard, The Devil Wears Prada and Pirates of the Caribbean. Movie lovers can also see Throwback Thursday classics like Pretty Woman, Moulin Rouge, and The Emperor’s New Groove, and Fan Fave Fridays including much loved Disney classics: Moana, The Lion King, Princess Diaries, and Home Alone 2.

And for the first time, the public will have the option to book tickets to The Park, a section of the Disney+ Drive-In for couples to enjoy films from a picnic setting complete with bean loungers, table service and dedicated volume controlled radio hire.

For the latest info on tickets and programming head here

CommBank Stadium’s Business Development Manager, Jordan Kerry, said: “The Disney+ Drive-In is one of truly unique community events of the past few years and we are excited to have it back at CommBank Stadium in 2022.

“The Stadium is part of the social fabric of Western Sydney and events like this continue to show the venue as a valuable community asset.”

DoorDash will once again return as the exclusive food delivery partner, with event-goers able to order food from their favourite Western Sydney restaurants right to their car door.

See the full 2022 NRL Draw here

The Parramatta Eels will play 11 games at their spiritual home CommBank Stadium in 2022 and will launch their season with a spectacular Round 1 Sunday afternoon NRL/NRLW Double-Header on 13 March.

The Eels will play the Titans at 4pm on Sunday 13 March, with their NRLW team making their CommBank Stadium debut against Gold Coast at 2pm.

The Round 1 Sunday Double-Header will go close to filling the 30,000-seat capacity CommBank Stadium and Members and supporters are encouraged to secure their tickets early.

In total, CommBank Stadium will host 19 NRL events in an action-packed 2022 season with the Wests Tigers and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs playing four home games each at the venue.

CommBank Stadium brings fans closer to the action than ever before and the atmosphere promises to be electric after Western Sydney fans were starved of live footy action during a pandemic-impacted 2021 season.

The Wests Tigers will be the first Sydney club to run out on to CommBank Stadium with a Round 1 cracker against the Storm at 7.30pm on Saturday 12 March.

The Eels then swing in the following day and will follow that Round 1 match with huge home games against the Dragons in Round 4 on Sunday 3 April at 6.15pm and the Easter Monday grudge match against the Tigers in Round 6 (4pm).

Eels Members and supporters have great memories of Easter Monday at CommBank Stadium . . . the Eels opened the new Western Sydney stadium in 2019 with a spectacular 50-point win over the Wests Tigers in front of a capacity crowd.

The Eels have three crucial Sydney v Sydney home games at CommBank Stadium in the run home to the finals . . . taking on premiers the Penrith Panthers in Round 20 on Friday night 29 July, the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Round 22 on Friday night 12 August and then the Bulldogs in Round 23 on Saturday 20 August at 3pm.

The Tigers’ season opener against the Storm will be followed by CommBank Stadium home games against the Rabbitohs in a Round 7 ANZAC weekend match-up on Saturday 23 April (7.30pm), the Panthers in Round 18 on Sunday 17 (2pm) and then a Round 24 clash against the Dragons on Sunday 28 August (2pm).

The Bulldogs’ first of four home games at CommBank Stadium in season 2022 will be against premiers the Penrith Panthers on Sunday 10 April at 6.15pm. They then have games in Round 15 against the Tigers at 4pm on Sunday 19 June, the Sharks in Round 16 on Saturday 2 July at 3pm and a Round 19 clash with the Titans at 2pm on Sunday 24 July.