Orange could host a Canterbury Bulldogs trial match in 2019.
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Member for Orange Phil Donato and Orange City Council’s sports and recreation committee chairman Jason Hamling have had “positive and fruitful” discussions with the NRL club.
Councillor Hamling, who is also deputy mayor, said it was a great idea and initial talks had been positive.
“I walked out of the meeting confident something would happen,” Cr Hamling said.
He said the ideal game would be the third pre-season trial game.
Cr Hamling said Orange had a track record in attracting big sporting events including the Big Bash League, an A-League trial, City vs Country Origin and a National Rugby Championship game which was later called off.
He said one off events were good, but greater economic benefits came from junior competitions where families visited for several days.
Cr Hamling said a deal similar to what Bathurst had with the Penrith Panthers would be “a long way off”.
“Ultimately it’s council who will foot the bill, not the Bulldogs,” he said.
“There’s a cost, it’s not a thing that the Bulldogs come out free of charge.”
Cr Hamling said considerations to host a game wouldn’t just be about ensuring the grounds are in good condition, but ensuring adequate parking, room for corporate and media organisations as well as enough room for spectators.
Council has secured land off the Northern Distributor in order to develop a multi-use sports and recreation facility for junior championships and potentially, an NRL fixture.
Cr Hamling said a rectangular field was on the wishlist, but the multi-use facility would be squarely aimed at providing sporting and recreation facilities for a growing population.
Mr Donato said a 2018 trial game wouldn’t be possible due to the Rugby League World Cup.
He wanted to see Orange develop a relationship with the Bulldogs but said “nothing had been signed”.
Mr Donato said he’d be speaking with the club over the last five to six months.
“Council has been supportive of the idea, they see the economic benefits but also the social benefits with players visiting the schools,” Mr Donato said.
“It’s just a matter of getting the logistics and the timing right.”
Mr Donato said he wanted to see a second or third trial game hosted in the city so that it wouldn’t “just be a run-around” for junior players.
“I want to make sure it’s a spectacle that’s great for tourism and great for the town,” he said.
While wanting to see a deep relationship develop between the city and the club, Mr Donato said before any talk of future fixtures, there would need to infrastructure improvements to host a proper NRL game.