Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC) is looking forward to working in partnership with Canberra Raiders to help deliver a big couple of days for sport fans.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The NRL draw was revealed on Thursday with Canberra Raiders set to return to Wagga next year and host Newcastle Knights on Saturday, May 8, the day after the Gold Cup.
Canberra hosted Penrith two years ago in Wagga on the day after the Gold Cup and it proved a big success, for both the Raiders and MTC.
MTC chief executive Steve Keene welcomed the scheduling of the Raiders game to coincide with the Wagga carnival.
"It was a fantastic concept two years ago and I think the club and the community really embraced it," Keene said.
"So to have it back on the same weekend is a real coup for the community and we'll be working hard with the Raiders and Wagga City Council to make sure it's a fantastic weekend for the community."
Keene believes the NRL game will only help maximise the Gold Cup crowd in a year where the MTC will be looking to bounce back after the general public were unable to attend the 2020 event due to COVID.
"I think so, I think both the NRL and the racing industry can lean on each other and potentially maximise both events," he said.
"I only see it as a positive for the community."
The Raiders sponsored a race on Town Plate day in 2019, an example of how both parties worked together last time.
READ MORE
