The Westpac NSW Sky Blues are feeling as excited about the rapid rise in popularity of the women’s game as the record numbers flocking to watch them with the news today that Game Two of the Ampol Women’s State of Origin next Thursday (6 June) at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium is a sell-out.
NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said the ticket allocation for the 30,000-plus seat stadium for the match on 6 June had been exhausted.
“Women’s Rugby League is fast, it’s skilful, it’s exciting, and fans are responding in droves,” he said.
Sky Blues lock Olivia Kernick said the escalating crowd figures underlined the fact the women’s game was continuing to create a wave of excitement.
“It’s amazing how far the game has come over the last few years,” Kernick said.
“Just to think of playing in front of such a big crowd is incredible, perhaps a little nerve-wracking too if I’m honest.
“I’m just excited to be playing in front of these sorts of crowds.”
Game One in 2023 at CommBank Stadium attracted 13,000 fans, while more than 18,000 attended Game Two in Townsville.
Game One this year at Suncorp Stadium set a new record of 25,492 which will now be exceeded next Thursday.
It is a far cry from the 7,000 who came to the inaugural Women’s State of Origin game at North Sydney Oval in June 2018.
“It is quite incredible to think we’ve sold out a stadium like Newcastle,” said Sky Blues winger Tiana Penitani.
“We know the Newcastle community really know how to turn up for the players.
“It’s actually no surprise to us that they have sold out but still very exciting news to get this morning.
“How far the game has come in the last five years is quite astounding.”
Click here for tickets for Game Three at Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Thursday 27 June.
