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http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...r/news-story/e7e2f5fa5579d5b31fd400e326b12300
THE NRL season is poised to kick off next year with a spectacular international double-header in front of a huge crowd at ANZ Stadium.
Plans are well advanced for South Sydney and St George Illawarra to play two English Super League teams — Wigan and Hull FC — on the same day in the pre-season.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal Souths would confront Wigan while the Dragons would play Hull on February 16 in an exhibition extravaganza which should attract at least 40,000 fans.
It is understood the traditional pre-season Charity Shield between the Rabbitohs and Dragons would be played a week later.
Perennial powerhouses Wigan are expected to take on Souths.
With the Nines and indigenous All Stars matches off the agenda in 2018 due to the World Cup crowding the off-season calendar, this double-header could serve as an unofficial start to the NRL year ahead.
The Daily Telegraph has been the told Souths and the Dragons are just awaiting final confirmation from England before the matches are officially announced.
The NRL isn’t contributing financially to the planned matches but Wigan and Hull would pay their own way with gate receipts and corporate sponsorship to cover their costs.
The double-header — which would be the first at the Olympic venue since 2004 — would create enormous interest from fans starved of footy over the summer and enjoy considerable commercial success.
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Rugby league has never engaged two English teams to help kickstart a season.
It is unknown whether the World Club Series — which incorporated the annual World Club Challenge — would now continue being played during the off-season in England.
Wigan officials were recently in Sydney to hold discussions surrounding their match against Souths.
The two games would give South Sydney’s Burgess brothers — Sam, George and Thomas — and Dragons five-eighth Gareth Widdop a chance to play against Old English mates.
One well-placed source said: “It will be a great way to promote international rugby league after the World Cup.
Hull FC are also expected to make the trip.
“Souths and the Dragons have strong and traditional supporter bases. Both also play games out of ANZ Stadium.
“It be interesting to see how many English fans make the journey out to get some sun, surf and footy.”
Wigan and Hull have indicated they would be sending their strongest possible sides to Australia.
Souths have a strong Super League connection with Michael Maguire having coached Wigan in 2010 and 2011, winning a Super League title and the Challenge Cup.
Rabbitohs general manager of football Shane Richardson launched Gateshead Thunder and was also the successful chief executive of Hull while Souths CEO Blake Solly was previously Super League general manager.
THE NRL season is poised to kick off next year with a spectacular international double-header in front of a huge crowd at ANZ Stadium.
Plans are well advanced for South Sydney and St George Illawarra to play two English Super League teams — Wigan and Hull FC — on the same day in the pre-season.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal Souths would confront Wigan while the Dragons would play Hull on February 16 in an exhibition extravaganza which should attract at least 40,000 fans.
It is understood the traditional pre-season Charity Shield between the Rabbitohs and Dragons would be played a week later.
Perennial powerhouses Wigan are expected to take on Souths.
With the Nines and indigenous All Stars matches off the agenda in 2018 due to the World Cup crowding the off-season calendar, this double-header could serve as an unofficial start to the NRL year ahead.
The Daily Telegraph has been the told Souths and the Dragons are just awaiting final confirmation from England before the matches are officially announced.
The NRL isn’t contributing financially to the planned matches but Wigan and Hull would pay their own way with gate receipts and corporate sponsorship to cover their costs.
The double-header — which would be the first at the Olympic venue since 2004 — would create enormous interest from fans starved of footy over the summer and enjoy considerable commercial success.
BARGAIN: The seven best value players of 2017
BOOZE: Blues duo at it again
Rugby league has never engaged two English teams to help kickstart a season.
It is unknown whether the World Club Series — which incorporated the annual World Club Challenge — would now continue being played during the off-season in England.
Wigan officials were recently in Sydney to hold discussions surrounding their match against Souths.
The two games would give South Sydney’s Burgess brothers — Sam, George and Thomas — and Dragons five-eighth Gareth Widdop a chance to play against Old English mates.
One well-placed source said: “It will be a great way to promote international rugby league after the World Cup.
Hull FC are also expected to make the trip.
“Souths and the Dragons have strong and traditional supporter bases. Both also play games out of ANZ Stadium.
“It be interesting to see how many English fans make the journey out to get some sun, surf and footy.”
Wigan and Hull have indicated they would be sending their strongest possible sides to Australia.
Souths have a strong Super League connection with Michael Maguire having coached Wigan in 2010 and 2011, winning a Super League title and the Challenge Cup.
Rabbitohs general manager of football Shane Richardson launched Gateshead Thunder and was also the successful chief executive of Hull while Souths CEO Blake Solly was previously Super League general manager.
