Halliwell Jones Stadium to host International Origin match (From Warrington Guardian)

Warrington Wolves' Halliwell Jones Stadium to host International Origin match in June

12:08pm Thursday 10th January 2013 in Wolves news By Christopher Terris Taylor

Wolves' Halliwell Jones Stadium will host some high-profile games in 2013

WARRINGTON Wolves’ Halliwell Jones Stadium will host an International Origin match between England and the Exiles on Friday, June 14, kick off 8pm.

Hoping to build on last year’s two-match series between England and their Super League teammates from Australia and New Zealand, the RFL have decided to move the series to new pastures instead of returning to last year’s venues, St Helens’ new Langtree Park Stadium and Huddersfield’s Galpharm Stadium.

Wolves’ chief executive Andy Gatcliffe believes the RFL’s decision is the latest vote of confidence for a facility that was also chosen to host two World Cup games later this year.

“It is a real joy for the Halliwell Jones Stadium that we will be hosting the Exiles match and the World Cup games,” he said.

“On top of which, we have Ben Westwood’s testimonial match later this month and for the fourth year in a row we are hosting the Championship Finals triple-header in September.

“It reflects on the quality of the facility and the off-field people we have here at the club.

“The RFL put great trust in us and know that they will get a first class service, which is why they keep coming back time and time again.”

Ben Westwood’s testimonial match against Wigan Warriors will be held on Saturday, January 26, kick off 3pm, while the Championship Finals day triple-header arrives in Warrington on Sunday, September 29.

Wolves’ stadium will also host a Rugby League World Cup group match between New Zealand and Samoa on Sunday, October 27 and a quarter-final game on Sunday, November 17.

Gatcliffe also thinks the RFL’s decision will benefit the town as a whole, and not just the club itself. “Every extra game we host here we are delighted about, as it raises the profile of the Halliwell Jones Stadium," he said.

“It also brings great economic benefit to the wider community, as the business community really do benefit from these games.

“Pubs, restaurants, taxi firms, hotels, they all feel the benefits to the area’s economy.”

“It is going to be a really good year for the club and the borough.”