Sydney will create history in February, hosting the NRL Harvey Norman All Stars for the first time ever.
The Australian Rugby League Commission confirmed the 2022 NRL Harvey Norman All Stars would be played at CommBank Stadium on Saturday, February 12.
It will be just the second time the All Stars fixture has been held in NSW, following on from the 2017 match in Newcastle.
ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM said the Harvey Norman All Stars was an important event for the Commission.
“It’s no coincidence that our season kicks off with the Harvey Norman All Stars. You can’t imagine our game without the influence of Indigenous and Maori cultures and the leadership role our players have in the community,’’ he said.
“We’re delighted that Sydney will have the opportunity to host these games for the first time. The All Stars features some of the most exciting men and women in the NRL and NRLW competitions and I know the event is one of the highlights of their season.”
NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said the event would benefit communities in Sydney enormously.
“All Stars week is a unique and important part of our rugby league calendar. To be able to celebrate this week in Sydney is an exciting opportunity for players and fans.” Mr Abdo said.
“The event brings communities and cultures together and helps celebrate First Nations people as well as rugby league’s authentic and powerful diversity.
“The 2022 NRL Harvey Norman All Stars will feature the women’s and men’s Indigenous and Maori teams, along with the Indigenous and Maori touch football teams.”
Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council Chair Katrina Fanning said: “All 10 All Stars contests have educated, improved awareness and overall built bridges between communities.
“It has had an incredibly important impact in regional communities but it has also shown its power in our cities including Brisbane and Melbourne. Now Sydney has the chance to experience the life-changing abilities of the All Stars concept.”
NSW Minister for Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the fixture would give sports fans an exciting event to look forward to in February 2022.
“The NRL All Stars pre-season showcase is a wonderful celebration of rugby league and indigenous and Maori culture,” Mr Ayres said.
“As an avid NRL fan I am delighted that Sydney will kick-off the 2022 rugby league season with the NRL All Stars fixture and welcome fans from around the country to CommBank Stadium.
“Sydney and NSW continues to secure significant sporting events that resonate with the community by providing entertainment and inspiration, while also playing a vital role in driving our visitor economy.”
Harvey Norman Chief Executive Katie Page added: “Harvey Norman have been the proudest supporter of the NRL Indigenous All Stars since its inception, 11 years ago. The NRL Indigenous All Stars will be played in Sydney at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta for the first time in 2022. All First Nations’ teams will be honoured to be playing on the lands of the Darug people and will possibly give proud Burramattagal players’ Josh Curran and Quincy Dodd the ultimate home-ground advantage in their respective clashes.
“Anyone who has ever watched the NRL Indigenous All Stars game live will know and tell you the atmosphere rivals State of Origin and Finals for passion, pride and talent on display. Now it is Sydney’s turn to celebrate the brilliance of the men and women of the NRL Indigenous and Maori communities, so save the date.”
Tickets will be on sale tomorrow (Wednesday, December 1), beginning with Parramatta Eels Members at 9am (AEDT), all other NRL Club Members at 9.30am (AEDT), NRL Account Holders at 10am (AEDT) and General Public at 2pm (AEDT).
The 2022 NRL Harvey Norman All Stars will feature the women’s and men’s Indigenous and Maori teams, along with the Indigenous and Maori touch football teams.
Tickets will be available from $25 for adults and $75 for families via nrl.com/tickets. Tickets for special Indigenous and Maori supporter bays, which include a flag with every ticket, will be available from $40.
The All Stars matches will be broadcast live on the Nine Network, Fox League, SKY New Zealand and on NRL Live Pass.
The 2022 NRL Harvey Norman All Stars is proudly supported by the NSW Government, via Destination NSW, along with major partners KARI Foundation and Aboriginal Employment Strategy (AES).
