Townsville has won the right to host the historic 2023 Ampol Women’s State of Origin match, with Country Bank Stadium chosen as the venue for game 2 of the series.
The Palaszczuk Government, alongside the National Rugby League (NRL) today, announced that for the first time, Game two of a series will be played on Thursday, June 22.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said it would be a historic year for the women’s game, and Townsville will be a focal point of it.
“For the first time ever, two women’s State of Origin matches will be played as part of a series. And for the first time ever, Townsville will host a women’s interstate match. We saw how north Queensland responded to the men’s State of Origin match in 2021. I have no doubt that supporters in the region will respond again for the best female interstate players.
“Women’s Origin has grown significantly ever since the first match in 2018, and the first-ever game in Townsville will provide another opportunity to showcase the best female players in a new region.
A month later, the Cowboys will play their first ever NRLW match, enhancing the development and growth opportunities in north Queensland
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart they have already started counting down the time.
“We’re excited to back the expansion of the NRLW in North Queensland with a new look State of Origin contest and this year’s launch of a Townsville-based Cowboys women’s team. It’s fair to say the famous ‘QUEENSLANDER’ call will be heard loud and clear across the State from Townsville for the city’s second State of Origin in as many years.”
Sports Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said there was a $2 million predicted boost for the visitor economy due to the State of Origin bringing people to Townsville.
“The Palaszczuk Government built Queensland Country Bank Stadium to secure more first-class, visitor economy-supporting sports content for Townsville, like the NRLW State of Origin,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“Together with a new Cowboys team joining the NRLW competition, we hope the State of Origin will inspire North Queensland girls. It’s through events like Origin we can show young North Queenslanders what they can achieve when they follow their dreams of representing their community, state and country.”
Keep up to date with the latest news.
