Push to bring Canberra Raiders NRL and NRLW to Wagga backed by community

Wagga Rugby League chairman Warren Barclay said the NRL and NRLW in Wagga would be great for promoting the sport and ensuring the younger kids get to see the elite stars. File picture

Negotiations to bring elite footballers from the nation's capital to Wagga next year are continuing with organisers hoping the touted deal can come to fruition.

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Wagga Rugby League chairman Warren Barclay said the proposed event would be great for promoting the sport and ensuring younger children get to see the elite stars.

"[It's a] promotion not only of the game itself, but the pathways for local people, local players that can hopefully one day achieve by going to the NRL," he said.

He also noted the social and economic side of an event like this for not just the rugby league community, but for the broader city as well.

"It's not just the followers of the game that benefits, it's also the community itself," Mr Barclay said.

He said on previous occasions when the Raiders had taken to the field in Wagga, crowds of up to and beyond 10,000 fans had shown up.

"It's certainly well patronised ... especially off the back of the NRLW," he said.

Wagga Council's manager of leisure and strategic recreation Marc Geppert said the proposed event is "really exciting stuff".

"Our wish is to see a double-header. On the back of the success of the NRLW Magic round, we just think that it would be awesome for the city and Canberra Raiders have shown a keen interest to bring elite content back," he said.

While the double-header is not yet nailed down, Mr Geppert said it would be significant for locals to see both the NRL and NRLW on the same day.

"Especially for the aspiring athletes that are coming up, you need to be able to see it to believe it ... Magic Round was a huge success so we're looking to build on that momentum especially with the elite female sport," he said.

Canberra has played four NRL games at Wagga Wagga, the last of which was a thrilling 31-30 victory over the Dolphins in 2023.

"The Canberra Raiders welcome last night's decision by Wagga Wagga City Council to continue negotiations with the club about bringing NRL content to the Riverina in 2027," a Raiders statement read.

"The club and council are both keen to explore this opportunity. An NRL competition match has not been played in Wagga Wagga since 2023.

"The Raiders are also in discussions with the NRL about the club's allocation of home matches for the 2027 season. Talks with council will continue alongside these discussions.

"The Raiders value their connection to the Riverina and thank the Wagga Wagga City Council for their ongoing support in hosting matches. The club will provide further updates when discussions are finalised."

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