NRL members and fans will enjoy train travel as part of their tickets to all Telstra Premiership games at ANZ Stadium in 2014.





The deal, announced by NRL Chief Executive Dave Smith at tonight’s NRL Season Launch, is part of a $2 million drive to improve fan experience in 2014.





Mr Smith said the NRL wanted to provide the best possible experience for members and fans – and that started from the moment they got on a train to go to a game.





He said the NRL had teamed with the NSW Government and ANZ Stadium to include return rail transport to the stadium for anyone with an NRL ticket.





South Sydney Rabbitohs and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, the major tenants at ANZ Stadium, have also played an integral role in achieving this deal for members and fans.





“It will apply to all 27 club games being played at ANZ Stadium this season. In other words, when you buy a ticket in advance for any game at ANZ you get the transport thrown in,” Mr Smith said.





“Not only is it going to save fans money but it is going to reduce traffic congestion around the ground and give fans a much more enjoyable game-day experience.”





The train travel will apply to the entire Sydney Trains network and the NSW TrainLink intercity network.





That includes fans travelling from as far away as Bomaderry, Bathurst, the Blue Mountains and the Hunter region.





Sydney Trains has also agreed to provide at least two direct rail services between Central Station and Sydney Olympic Park before and after each match at ANZ Stadium.



NSW Premier, Mr Barry O’Farrell, said the agreement was great news for all Rugby League fans.





“There’s nothing like supporting your team at the game and I’m delighted the NSW Government is able to do its bit by providing integrated ticketing deal for all club match games at ANZ Stadium for the first time.





“Our deal with the NRL means supporting your team at ANZ Stadium has never been easier, whether you’re traveling from Redfern or Campbelltown, Cronulla or Penrith, or from Newcastle, the Central Coast and Wollongong.





“We always want to encourage people to use public transport to travel to major sporting events.





“This move will undoubtedly increase the number of customers using the train to get to ANZ Stadium.”