Tweed scores 2017 State of Origin training camp for NSW
09 December 2016
Event will provide welcome economic and tourism boost for Tweed
The Tweed will host the 2017 State of Origin training camp for the NSW VB Blues Rugby League team at the Cudgen Leagues Club at Kingscliff.
The camp will establish for one week before games one and three of the series, which will be held on 31 May and 12 July 2017 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
NSW Rugby League Chairman Dr George Peponis OAM and NSW VB Blues Coach Laurie Daley believe the Tweed is the perfect location for the camp, offering the ideal preparation for Origin with its proximity to Brisbane and a supportive community.
Dr Peponis said: “We are pleased to have the opportunity to come to the Tweed region to prepare for the 2017 Holden State of Origin Series and are really thankful to Geoff Provest MP, the NSW Government’s Department of Industries and Tweed Shire Council for making it possible.”
Daley said he believed the move to the Tweed would result in better preparation for the two Brisbane Origin matches, with less training time lost in travel.
“We wanted to change our approach to the Brisbane games and have less time in Brisbane, as well as not losing a day in travel as we have done in the past,” Daley said.
“In addition, the Tweed has a strong Rugby League history and it will be great to have the support of the local community as we prepare for the series.”
Working behind the scenes to secure the high-profile event were Member for Tweed, Geoff Provest MP, Tweed Shire Council and the Mantra Group.
In addition to the support from the NSW Government Department of Industries, Tweed Shire Councillors voted unanimously to support the decision to assist with costs associated with establishing the camp in the Tweed. The Mantra Group is also partnering with NSWRL to host the team at its Mantra on Salt Beach Resort on the Tweed Coast.
Member for Tweed, Geoff Provest said: “Bringing our 2017 State of Origin team to train at the very gates of Maroon territory is a clever tactic and I know football fans and the wider Tweed community will be as excited about this announcement as I am.”
Mantra on Salt Beach General Manager Scott Robertson said he and his team are delighted to accommodate the NSW Blues at the popular seaside Kingscliff resort.
“We’re proud to be supporting the state, the team and our community, as fostering local spirit is incredibly important to us,” Mr Robertson said.
The event would showcase the Tweed on the national and international stage, as well as significant associated expenditure for accommodation and food associated with the team, media and fans.
“This opportunity represents an enormous national and international boost to the Tweed region as a recognised and appealing destination, reinforcing the Tweed as a sports training and event destination,” Tweed Shire Councillor and Tweed Shire Sports Advisory Committee member, Pryce Allsop said.
“Apart from the economic and tourism boost for the Tweed, locals can get involved as the NSWRL is proposing community and business events,” Cr Allsop said.
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Caption: Announcing the big news today were Tweed Shire Councillor Pryce Allsop, NSW VB Blues Coach Laurie Daley, NSW Rugby League Chairman Dr George Peponis OAM and Member for Tweed, Geoff Provest MP