The Fraser Coast will further stamp its growing reputation as a major sports events destination with the region to host a Wynnum Manly Seagulls Intrust Super Cup game in the region for the next three years.Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said he was delighted the Wynnum Manly Seagulls were bringing games to the Fraser Coast, starting with their clash with the Sunshine Coast Falcons at Maryborough’s Eskdale Park on Sunday 5 April 2020.
“The Intrust Super Cup competition is a pathway to the NRL for elite rugby league players in Queensland, and it will be fantastic for local fans and players to see such high level games in their own backyard,” he said.
“The games will provide a significant tourism boost for the Fraser Coast with the teams bringing their supporters and players to the region, and the matches could potentially be televised on Channel 9 to an expected audience of more than 50,000 people.
“We also welcome the fact the Seagulls are looking to incorporate training clinics and a fan day into their visit to the Fraser Coast next year.
“Eskdale Park has a wonderful history with the ground hosting games between Brisbane and Maryborough in the very first Queensland rugby league competition in 1909, and it’s fantastic news that the Wynnum Manly Seagulls have chosen to play one of their home games here next year.”
Wynnum Manly Seagulls Chief Executive Officer Hanan Laban said: “the Wynnum Manly Seagulls are very excited to bring our Intrust Super Cup, Hastings Deering Colts and Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup sides to the Fraser Coast region.
“The Queensland Rugby League completed a re-zoning of the development areas for Intrust Super Cup clubs and the Fraser Coast region was included in the Seagulls’ catchment area.
“This match is a fantastic opportunity to increase our engagement with the Fraser Coast community and promote the wonderful pathway that exists through the Seagulls.
“We also look forward to seeing current Seagulls squad members and Fraser Coast locals, Braden Whittaker and Tyson Miller, play in front of their friends and family.”
Cr Seymour said the Intrust Super Cup game at Eskdale Park builds on the steady stream of recent major sporting events on the Fraser Coast, including the Brisbane Roar visit, Touch Football Junior State Cup, sailing championships, the Joeys Mini World Cup and the Hervey Bay 100 triathlon.
“Sporting events on the Fraser Coast are bringing in thousands of visitors who inject millions of dollars into our local economy when they spend money with local businesses, such as accommodation providers and restaurants and cafes,” he said.
“Council is determined to ensure we build a strong and resilient local economy alongside a healthy and active community. Supporting sporting events like this game and visit by the Wynnum Manly Seagulls help us achieve those goals.”