Wagga to host NAB Cup clash

WWCC signed a controversial $300,000 deal with the newest AFL club in May this year in exchange for the Giants promoting the region and bringing a number of benefits to the city.

The deal paid off yesterday when the AFL announced it would play a pre-season game at Robertson Oval in March.

Mr Griffiths put the game down to the deal signed with WWCC and, in particular, the work of former mayor Kerry Pascoe.

"Obviously the Giants would like to thank Wagga City Council for their support of AFL and for the redevelopment of Robertson Oval," Mr Griffiths said.

"And for embracing our club and helping us grow our game.

"The hard work of Kerry Pascoe and the council has resulted in this NAB Cup game and it's a credit to the city of Wagga."

The draw for the 2013 NAB Cup was released yesterday and Wagga is one of six regional centres to be handed a game by the AFL.

The Giants will play Brisbane on Saturday, March 2 under lights at Robertson Oval.

The game was promised to Wagga in the GWS deal and Cr Pascoe was yesterday thrilled to learn of the NAB Cup announcement.

“I was ecstatic when I found out today,” he said. 

“It goes to show if you persist – and I certainly have with the various meetings with the AFL and everything – you are going to get a substantial game played in Wagga.

“Robertson Oval has turned out extremely well and when you’ve got the facility, a lot is going to happen.”

Wagga mayor Rod Kendall was pleased to see the $300,000 deal in action. He believes the AFL will be impressed with Robertson Oval and the city.

“It’s terrific to see the first real outcome of our agreement with GWS, and to see it’s come to fruition so seamlessly,” Cr Kendall said.

The game will be one of seven NAB Cup games not to be televised during the pre-season competition.

Cr Pascoe hopes if the lighting is upgraded in future years more NAB Cup games can be televised at Robertson Oval.

“No better thing could happen than to get a televised game ... that would put Wagga on the map,” he said.