Auckland, New Zealand April 6, 2011 - With the rugby league test planned for Christchurch on May 6 having moved to the Gold Coast, the NZRL has worked with a number of organisations to arrange a jam packed weekend of family fun which it is hoped will bring some light relief to members of the Christchurch community.

First up there will be a Community Day on Wednesday May 4, when a number of NRL and past Kiwi players will visit Christchurch and spend the day visiting local schools, displacement centres and hospitals. Canterbury Rugby League will host a community carnival in the late afternoon and this will be followed by an evening fundraising event.

On Thursday May 5, 250 fans will board flights to the Gold Coast; on the flights will be NRL and past Kiwis players, representatives from Cure Kids and families chosen to take part.

As VIP guests of the NZRL and ARL, the Christchurch families will be provided with accommodation, transport to the test on Friday, given the opportunity to attend a theme park on Saturday and an event with the Titans at Currumbin Wildlife Park on Saturday evening. Come Sunday they will be back at the league when the Titans take on the Warriors in round nine of the NRL before returning to NZ on Monday May 9.

NZRL CEO Jim Doyle said “The aim of the weekend is to give families a break from the earthquake recovery process and on-going aftershocks. We really appreciate the Australian based NRL players giving up their time to come to NZ and spend time with our community.

“Of the 250 travelling, we are able to choose 90, and this will be done locally by Canterbury Rugby League through the local clubs which have been most badly affected by the earthquake.

“We know league supporters were disappointed that the test had to move to Australia and this is one way of saying thank you to them for their support.

“We’d like to thank Jetstar, the Gold Coast Titans, Queensland Tourism and Timeshare Accommodation for their assistance and generosity in helping us put this together.”

ENDS

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