Congratulations to the NSW Blues
01 June 2017
Training camp at Kingscliff may have made all the difference
The Tweed is also a winner after the NSW Blues turned the tables on Queensland in State of Origin 1 last night, with a decisive 28-4 win at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
The victory followed a successful training camp in the Tweed, with the Blues squad training at the grounds at Cudgen Leagues Club and staying at Mantra on Salt Beach, Kingscliff since last Tuesday. The close proximity to the border may have given them an extra edge.
“Since they arrived in the Tweed, the squad has been generous with their time with the Tweed community, including a visit to Brother’s Leagues Club in Murwillumbah to visit flood affected families and members of the Murwillumbah Colts Junior Rugby League Club,” Mayor of Tweed, Councillor Katie Milne said.
“I’d like to congratulate the coach, Laurie Daley and the team on their win and warmly welcome the squad and NSW Rugby League back for the next training camp for State of Origin 3, before the 12 July clash at Suncorp.”
Local league players are enjoying the interaction as well. The Cudgen Hornets had a bye in the Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League competition on the weekend and ran an opposed training session against the Blues at their temporary training headquarters at Cudgen Leagues Club's Ned Byrne Field.
Hundreds of fans of all ages have enjoyed watching the Blues train at Ned Byrne Field and many have been able to meet the players and get their autographs. Even three times world surfing champ Mick Fanning dropped by to meet the players at a training session.
Council’s General Manager, Troy Green, said he was pleased to see the combined efforts of the local member, the Mantra Group and Tweed Shire Council in securing the Blues training camp for the Tweed had been rewarded with a victory in State of Origin 1.
“I was thrilled to see Blues James Maloney take the first try for the series, and that Andrew Fifita was awarded Man of the Match, after he spent so much time playing footy with all the kids at Brothers in Murwillumbah last Tuesday,” Mr Green said.
“It’s a win for us too – the Tweed has benefited from hosting the Blues through an economic and tourism boost, as well as giving a real lift to the spirits of people affected by the flood in Murwillumbah.”
“Kingscliff was mentioned a number of times in last night’s pre-match commentary and with such a massive domestic and international television audience, you can’t put a price on that positive publicity,” he said.
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Caption: The NSW Blues squad has given back to the Tweed community while they've been based at their training camp at Kingscliff. Photo: NRL Photos