The Blues will host last year’s runners-up at Robertson Oval from November 3-6.

It will be the second time in three years that Wagga has hosted a Shield match, after NSW downed Victoria in 2015.

Wagga mayor Greg Conkey believes it is a great coup for the city.

“It is very exciting to have them back in town,” Conkey said.

“We had the Women’s Big Bash last year, which was very popular, and we are a rural and regional sporting capital.”

Wagga City Council entered into an agreement with Cricket NSW to host Shield and Futures League matches in the city on Monday night, however both organisations refused to officially divulge dates.

However The Daily Advertiser can reveal the Sheffield Shield will start on the first Saturday in November and the Futures League match will be held next month.

Robertson Oval continues to impress cricket officials which is part of the reason for the matches.

“It is certainly a great facility, and we have the accommodation and support services to host these big events,” Conkey said.

The timing of the Sheffield Shield match comes up against the first one-day international of the summer, but there is still a good chance a number of Australian Test stars could make an appearance.

Nathan Lyon was part of NSW’s team for the 2015 match while the Test bowling artillery of Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins are all possibilities to play for the Blues.

Test captain Tim Paine also plays for Tasmania.

No matter who lines up, Conkey expects it will be a quality clash.

“Hopefully we will be able to get some Test cricketers there and we will certainly get some really top state cricketers,” he said.

“That is great and with a great venue we expect a big crowd from throughout rural NSW which will be good for the city. A lot of money will be poured into the city but sport is the winner here and we are attracting a real quality event.”

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