The NRL will turn the "Battle of the West" into the "Battle of Bega" in recovery efforts for the Far South Coast.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The pre-season trial between the Penrith Panthers and Parramatta Eels on February 29 has been moved from Penrith to Bega to be the highlight of a three-day festival of football.
Andrew Johns and Laurie Daley Cup matches will also be shifted from Wollongong to Bega as part of the festival.
The Canberra Raiders have committed to playing their 2021 pre-season trial there, having held one against the Canterbury Bulldogs there last year.
It's all part of the NRL's push to do their bit in helping the fire ravaged regions of the country.
Bega mayor Kristy McBain was elated by the support.
"Our economy has taken a significant hit across a number of industries," she said.
"It's critical we keep taking action to bring some security to local jobs and the families they support.
"I want to thank the NRL for creating this opportunity - it means the world to people.
"To those who have a connection with and love for the Bega Valley and Sapphire Coast I invite you to visit us and share this experience.
"You will be well looked after, but more than that you will play a role in making sure our region and people continue to thrive."
A tourist exclusion zone has made a huge impact during the peak visitor season for many Far South Coast businesses and the NRL has signalled an interest to see a strong injection of support with an influx of league fans for the game.
"This is more than a game - this will be an event to lift the community spirit, say thank you to the many volunteers and selfless workers who gave so much during the recent disaster and bring dollars back into the local economy," NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said.
"Nothing brings communities together quite like rugby league, our game is part of the social fabric of these towns.
"This is an opportunity to provide the locals with a small respite from what has happened, acknowledge and thank the local heroes, and to deliver a much needed economic boost to the region.
"Everyone I speak to on the South Coast has the same message - we need visitors to come back to the area, stay in our motels, eat in our restaurants, visit our beaches and shop in our stores."
The Raiders will return to Bega next year with Ricky Stuart and the Raiders vowing to return after defeating the Bulldogs in a 2019 trial at the ground.
Tickets to see the Eels and Panthers trial game and further details of the visit will be published as they are announced.