Season kick-off will be a beauty | Coffs Coast Rugby League | NRL Rugby in Coffs Coast

The South Sydney Rabbitohs thrilled the kids when they attended the NRL Community Carnival on the Coffs Coast this week.

Trevor Veale

RUGBY LEAGUE: Rugby League at all levels will be celebrated when the Rabbitohs and Titans hit town next week.

South Sydney and Gold Coast NRL teams will hold a pre-season clash on Saturday,

February 20, at BCU International Stadium in Coffs Harbour.

Coffs Harbour City Council Sports Unit manager Nikki Greenwood said organisers have incorporated a range of events on the day to make sure there is plenty of entertainment before the main game kicks off at 7pm.

“Gates open from 4pm so get there early to find a good spot for the pre-match fun,” she said.

A Group 2 Sevens competition begins at 5pm and will feature the Bellinger Valley-Dorrigo Magpies, Coffs Harbour Comets, Orara Valley Axemen and the Woolgoolga Seahorses.

The Axemen are defending champions after narrowly defeating eventual premiers Sawtell in 2009’s inaugural event.

There will be four round robin games with the winners playing the final.

So come along and cheer for your favourite local club.

But if speed is more your thing, make sure you get there for the ‘Fastest Footballer’ sprint competition which will see footballers from all codes compete for the top honour.

Once spectators have settled in to watch the big event they need to stay put because there will be no pass outs after 7pm.

Strong ticket sales are being recorded in the lead up to the match with corporate areas sold out and general admission tickets selling well.

“It’s shaping up to be a cracker of a game with 2500 tickets already sold,” Greenwood said.

“Earlier this week a small number of grandstand tickets were re-released to the public so if you thought you had missed out now is your chance to get a grandstand ticket – just make sure you are quick.”

The Rabbitohs kicked off their 2010 pre-season with a strong win over the Sea Eagles at their annual Return to Redfern match last weekend.

English international recruit Sam Burgess starred for the Rabbitohs in their massive 42-12 win and will be on display tonight for the NRL All Stars at Skilled Stadium.

Fans requiring more information about purchasing tickets or buses to and from the game can find out more at the council website: www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/nrl2010.