LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
This weekend, rugby league fans across Australia will witness history being made as the National Rugby League (NRL) showcases its national footprint with games in five states and territories.
The NRL's status as the top sport in Australia and the Pacific will be on full display as fans flock to stadiums for a weekend of exciting matches.
The weekend will kick off with two blockbuster games at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, followed by a game in Wollongong between the Dragons and Titans.
The national reach of the sport will be highlighted on Saturday with a double-header in Perth and a game in Darwin later that night.
The Melbourne Storm's success will be showcased at AAMI Park on Sunday, followed by a game in Newcastle to round out the weekend.
This weekend marks a historic occasion for the NRL, as it will be the first full eight-game round without a game in Sydney, excluding special events like Magic Round and the 2021 Covid bubble.
Rugby league historian David Middleton has noted the significance of this milestone in the NRL's history.
Overall, this weekend's matches will serve as a testament to the NRL's popularity and widespread appeal across different regions in Australia.
It demonstrates the league's ability to attract fans from all over the country and highlights its position as the premier sport in the region.
As fans gather in stadiums across the country, the NRL's national presence and influence will be on full display, solidifying its status as a powerhouse in Australian sport.