It’s going to be a farewell for the City v Country Origin when the final match is played at the Glen Willow Regional Sporting Complex in May, but Country coach Craig Fitzgibbon believes the event will still be massive.
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First established in 1928, and only breaking during the years of the Super League War, the Sydney against the rest competition has often been seen as a pathway to the State of Origin.
Now the NRL, and Country Rugby League partners, have called a halt to the event just nine years before it’s 100th anniversary.
“Yeah it’s sad to see it go, because we love the dedication the fans have to it every year,” Fitzgibbon said of the departing fixture.
“We’re lucky, in a way, to be in the last ever match though – it gives us a chance to say goodbye and participate in the big event.”
The added value of the final hit-out is at the back of the minds of all who are competing, including the former captain of the Roosters turned helmsman for Country.
“We always want to win, but it will be a bit of value going out on top – we have a lot of guys who are always ready to pull on the jumper and play for the win.
“Country is ready to give the match a send-off it deserves.”
General access tickets go on sale 10am February 21 on the NRL.com website, with options available for hill seating or grandstand access for local league enthusiasts.