The state’s regional areas are set to welcome high-level Rugby League as the Intrust Super Premiership NSW holds its Country Round in Round 9.

Bathurst, Moss Vale, Cessnock, Woy Woy and Nowra will taste semi-professional Rugby League, as the NSWRL looks forward to the annual Country-City Clash at Tamworth’s Scully Park on 8 May.

NSWRL CEO David Trodden reiterated the importance of recognising regional audiences.

“It’s important that the competition is accessible to as many people as possible and the rural population,” Trodden told NSWRL.com.au. “Earlier this year we held our fourth consecutive Hogs For The Homeless tour, which saw a crew of NSW True Blues visit regional areas and engage fans who don’t normally get the chance to meet their heroes.

“The NSWRL is committed to reaching rural audiences and the relocation of the premier state-based Rugby League competition in Country Round underpins that.”

Trodden points out that the competition already reaches further than it ever did before, with permanent fixtures in Newcastle, Wyong, Canberra and Wollongong.

“Rugby League has gradually expanded over the past 20 years,” Trodden said. “We have audiences that span across the state on a normal weekend, but this weekend will be particularly wide-reaching for the Intrust Super Premiership NSW.”

To be held across the weekend of 30 April and 1 May, the fixtures are as follows:

Saturday, 30 April 2016

12.40 pm Penrith Panthers v Mounties - Carrington Oval, Bathurst (Fox Sports Match Of The Round)

3.00 pm Wests Tigers v North Sydney Bears - Moss Vale Oval

4.45 pm Wentworthville v Newtown Jets - Cessnock Showground

7.30 pm Newcastle Knights v Wyong - Woy Woy

Sunday, 1 May 2016

11.45 am (NZ time) NZ Warriors v Canterbury Bulldogs - Mt Smart Stadium

3.00 pm Manly Sea Eagles v Illawarra Cutters - Nowra Showground

The Intrust Super Premiership NSW is the NSWRL’s blue-ribbon open-age competition and a vital feeder system for the NRL and the NSW VB Blues. Following the Intrust Super Premiership NSW on Facebook, on Twitter and by using the #IntrustSuperPremiership hashtag. For all the latest on the Intrust Super Premiership NSW, stay locked on www.NSWRL.com.au.