![HIGH HOPES: West Entertainment Group's Rod Laing said the planning of NRL matches at Scully is being taken a day at a time as the pandemic lingers. Photo: Gareth Gardner HIGH HOPES: West Entertainment Group's Rod Laing said the planning of NRL matches at Scully is being taken a day at a time as the pandemic lingers. Photo: Gareth Gardner](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/afalkenmire/157d835a-2c0e-4468-b543-1a884ce59eec.jpg/r0_0_3681_2511_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
TAMWORTH'S footy field could score a stadium packed with spectators at the upcoming NRL clash, with more tickets expected to go on sale as COVID rules relax.
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Tickets to the showdown between Wests Tigers and the Sharks in August have been selling out as allocations were released to members, and now to the general public.
But, Wests Entertainment Group chief executive Rod Laing said he had high hopes the crowd cap would be lifted in time for the game.
"Those allocations are smaller because of the COVID restrictions that we are currently on ... the last thing we want to do is preempt it and sell it to 100 percent capacity and then have to deal with refunds," he said.
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"By the time August rolls around, there will be more allocations become available as restrictions are eased."
Mr Laing said a packed out park would see 10,000 people attend the game at Scully Park on August 21, while current restrictions limit spectators to 5500.
If sweeping restrictions don't ease in time, Mr Laing said he would "absolutely" apply for an exemption for the grounds from the state government.
"We would see more people coming into town ... for that night, so that would have a flow-on effect from food and beverages, to restaurants, pubs and clubs and it will be enormous if that's the case," Mr Laing said.
"I think there will come a time when we can get back to 100 per cent ... it's about getting back to as close to normal as possible."
He said COVID had forced the company to become more flexible - a game might take five or six months to plan, but Mr Laing said they really have to take it "one day at a time".
Tickets for general admission to the hill and grandstand seats will go on sale to the general public on Wednesday.
And, fans in Tamworth might not have to wait long to witness live NRL action.
The New Zealand Warriors extended their stay in Australia until June, and Mr Laing confirmed to the Leader there was a "strong possibility" Scully Park could host a Warriors match in May.
"We've been placed on standby given the current situation," Mr Laing said.
"For us to be considered for a second NRL game speaks volumes of the facility and the relationship between ourselves and the Warriors."
A few details need to be worked out before the call is made.
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