melbourne books the rugby league world cup blockbusters


melbourne books the rugby league world cup blockbustershttps://hnb.dhs.vic.gov.au/...

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Tuesday, 19 July, 2016

MELBOURNE BOOKS BLOCKBUSTERS

THE

RUGBY

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CUP

The blockbuster opener of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup between Australia and England will be played in Melbourne. Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren today announced the Kangaroos would launch their campaign at AAMI Park against the old enemy. Victoria has also secured a critical quarter-final clash. There’s nothing like a World Cup opener, and there’s no better stage for it than a packed AAMI Park. The host country has won more titles than any other nation, but England is a formidable opponent. The tournament will pit two of Australia’s rugby league legends against each other when England coach Wayne Bennett comes up against Mal Meninga, who takes charge of Australia. It’s also a chance for Victorians to watch Melbourne Storm captain Cameron Smith in the green and gold. The World Cup will attract the world’s best 14 nations, all vying for the silverware over five weeks of gruelling competition. Australia has won a record 10 Rugby League World Cups. Events like the Rugby League World Cup attract visitors from all over Australia and the world, boosting the state’s economy and generating jobs for locals. The big sporting events belong in Victoria because we do them best. Our stadiums are unrivalled, and our passion for sport is world renowned. We were recently named Ultimate Sports City of the Decade at the SportBusiness 10 Year Anniversary Awards in Switzerland, and for good reason. Victoria is home to some of the world’s best sporting events, including the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, the Australian Open and the Spring Racing Carnival. The Rugby League World Cup will begin on October 27 next year. Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events, John Eren “We’ve secured two of the blockbuster games of the tournament, including an epic opener between two arch rivals and a critical quarter-final contest.” “We love the big contests in Melbourne, and we do them so well. Victorians turn out in their droves when our national teams come to town, and visitors from all over Australia and the world love seeing the big games here.” “It’s more than just a great sporting spectacle. The big events create valuable tourism opportunities for Victoria, meaning busier bars, shops and hotels – and that means jobs for locals.”

Media Contact: Patrick Lane 0437 884 010 | [email protected]