Thousands of NRL fans are expected to descend on the Sunshine Coast in June as Queensland hosts its first-ever Women’s State of Origin match.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones today announced ticket sales for what’s expected to be a sell-out event on Friday 19 June.

“This game will be a blockbuster,” she said.

“We secure big events like this for the Sunshine Coast because we know how important they are for the local tourism industry.

“We’re expecting a capacity crowd of 12,000 people on the Sunshine Coast for the first ever Women’s State of Origin match – a great win for local footy fans.”

Ms Jones said the NRL were encouraging families to enjoy the event with adult tickets $10 and children under 15 years admitted for free.

“Our message to footy fans is clear – come to the Coast, enjoy the State of Origin and stick around for a holiday,” she said.

“The match will also be broadcast beautiful pictures of the Sunshine Coast live on television to hundreds of thousands of people through the Nine Network, Fox Sports and NRL Live Pass, as well as Sky NZ in New Zealand.

“This will have a great flow-on effect for the Sunny Coast.”

NRL General Manager of Elite Women’s Programs Tiffany Slater said Queensland and the whole Sunshine Coast region was passionate for rugby league.

“I know just how passionate, and I look forward to seeing this passion translate into a packed Sunshine Coast Stadium come June 19,” Ms Slater said.

“We’ve witnessed some incredible moments of skill, athleticism and camaraderie during the first two instalments of this fixture but it’s the scores of young girls and boys in the crowd interacting with their idols that really makes this event like no-other.”

The Women’s State of Origin match is staged as part of the Holden State of Origin Series, which in 2020 will be hosted across four cities – Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney for the men’s matches and the Sunshine Coast for the women’s match.