Canberra countdown begins

The ACT Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation Andrew Barr and three leading Raiders players joined forces today to mark the final countdown to next month’s Rugby League World Cup and Canberra Stadium’s first international league Test match.

The Raiders’ great form this season has seen Joel Monaghan (Australia), Neville Costigan (PNG) and Scott Logan (Scotland) chosen in preliminary 40-man World Cup squads, which will be reduced to 24 following the NRL Grand Final on October 5.

RLWC08 General Manager David Nissen said that as the Raiders prepare for their last home game of the NRL season against the Bulldogs this Sunday, it was timely to remind rugby league fans in the nation’s capital that in just over 50 days they will be treated to their first international league Test at Canberra Stadium when Scotland and France clash.

“I would like to offer my congratulations to Minister Barr and the ACT Government for securing the France/ Scotland match for Canberra on October 26, day two of the Tournament featuring 10 nations in 18 matches at 12 venues in Queensland, NSW, Victoria and the ACT,” he said.

“In fact, it is just 52 days today until the first World Cup match in Townsville on October 25 and we have experienced great interest in all matches, not only from Australian rugby league fans but from our international supporters in New Zealand and the UK in particular.

“The 13th World Cup will have the largest television audience in the Tournament’s 54-year history, with a total of 103 countries broadcasting matches to a worldwide audience of tens of millions of viewers.”

Minister Barr said the ACT Government was delighted to have local players from the Raiders involved in such a world-class event and was proud to acknowledge their participation, as well as the Government’s financial support.

“The ACT Government is supportive of the RLWC and has contributed just under $30,000 to assist on this occasion,” Minister Barr said.