Organisers are anticipating rugby league fans will remain loyal to the first NRL All Stars match in Newcastle despite the severely hot weather conditions predicted from Friday.
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Temperatures on match day are expected to reach maximums of between 34 degrees Celsius at Nobbys Beach and 44 at Wallsend, but the NRL are hopeful at least 20,000 people will make the effort to attend McDonald Jones Stadium for the annual fixture.
“We’re expecting a crowd over 20,000 through the gates,” an NRL statement said.
“Newcastle loves their rugby league and the weather forecast is for clear conditions so some of the superstars of the game – men and women – can put on a great show.”
Forecasts point to cooler temperatures by kick-off (8pm) in the main game, which will feature players like Johnathan Thurston, Greg Inglis and Dane Gagai.
Crowds totaling 180,106 have seen the previous six All Stars encounters in Queensland, including a best of 41,021 in Brisbane in 2013.
