Councillors voted unanimously in favour of a notice of motion submitted by Deputy Mayor Sally Halliday, calling on council to approach the Newcastle Jets and Central Cost Mariners regarding a trial match in Maitland.

The trial, to be colloquially referred to as the Trial M1 Darby Match, would take place in October as part of the lead up to the 2018/19 A-League season. 

Speaking to the motion, Cr Halliday said the proposed trial could build on the success of the Newcastle Knights and Parramatta Eels trial match which opened the refurbished sportsground in February. 

"What an opportunity to attend an event like this in our own backyard," she said. 

"Why shouldn’t we continue to build our event and sporting reputation in NSW by holding this match?" 

A report tabled earlier at the meeting noted the success of the Knights and Eels trial, which achieved a capacity crowd of 6500.