Sports · Other Sports · 1 hr ago
Nearly 40,000 tickets sold for Sydney Rugby League World Cup opener
New Zealand and Australia open the Rugby League World Cup in Sydney on Thursday at Allianz Stadium.
Officials say just under 40,000 tickets have been sold for the match, at a stadium with room for 42,500.
That would make it Sydney’s biggest rugby league Test crowd in more than 50 years; the last sellout for an international match there was in 1974.
Thousands of New Zealand supporters are expected, hoping their team can win the opening game against Australia.
New Zealand winger Ronnie Mulitalo is known for trying to unsettle opponents with verbal taunts, while Australia captain Isaah Yeo says players must handle that in their own way.
New Zealand’s squad includes Queensland players Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai, who will represent the country for the first time.
Rugby league officials say the strong interest reflects growing competition among international teams, including Samoa and Tonga.
The match is the World Cup’s opening game, and the ticket total could rise before kick-off.
Just under 40,000 tickets had been sold for Thursday’s Rugby League World Cup opener in Sydney, officials said on Tuesday.
The match at Allianz Stadium is expected to draw Sydney’s biggest crowd for a rugby league Test in more than 50 years.
The stadium has a capacity of 42,500.
New Zealand supporters have bought thousands of tickets, with their team hoping to upset Australia in the opening game.
- Who
- Australia and New Zealand will play in the opener. Ronnie Mulitalo and thousands of New Zealand supporters are expected to attend.
- What
- Nearly 40,000 tickets have been sold for the Rugby League World Cup opener.
- When
- Thursday night; officials confirmed the ticket sales on Tuesday.
- Where
- Allianz Stadium in Sydney.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A crowd of 55,505 watched Australia play Great Britain in the third Test at the SCG.
The Sydney attendance record for an international in the NRL era was set at 34,571 for the Centenary Test between New Zealand and Australia.
Officials confirmed that just under 40,000 tickets had been sold for Thursday’s opener.
The World Cup opener is scheduled to be played at Allianz Stadium.
- Tickets sold
- Just under 40,000
- Stadium capacity
- 42,500
- Venue
- Allianz Stadium, Sydney
- 2008 Centenary Test attendance
- 34,571
- 1974 third Test attendance
- 55,505
What people are saying
He’s one of those players you don’t necessarily like playing against because he’s so loud and always letting you know about it – to be on the same team as him is awesome
I don’t get caught up in it because it doesn’t help me play my best, but for someone I’m sure it will.
The interest in international rugby league is there, and it will only continue to grow.
Sources
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