Shield at Ocean Park

SHAMROCKS have been selected to host an Australian Rugby Shield match featuring the NSW Country Cockatoos and the Darwin Mosquitos.

The reigning Illawarra District Rugby Union premiers’ home ground, Ocean Park, will be the venue for the match, which is scheduled for Saturday, May 24.

To add excitement to the clash, Shamrocks mainstays Josh Woodford and Daniel Porra could play for NSW Country on their home turf.

Shamrocks are the first Illawarra side to secure an Australian Rugby Shield fixture in more than five years.

In recent years, the NSW Country and the NSW Waratahs have played at Wollongong’s WIN Stadium.

“The Shamrocks Rugby Club has an excellent field and amenities which will provide Country Rugby with the opportunity to showcase the NSW Country Cockatoos at a regional venue,” NSW Country Executive Officer Terry Woodward said.

Shamrocks’ spokesperson Scott McKellar said the announcement was a great achievement in the club’s history.

“Our members have worked so hard over the past five years in building this top-level rugby complex to what it is today,” he said.

“To be selected to host such a prestigious rugby match is very rewarding.

“To make the match more special is that two of our players, Daniel Porra and Josh Woodford, will most likely be representing the Cockatoos on their home patch.

“Josh and Daniel will be very excited to get this opportunity to play such a high-level match in front of their home crowd.”

The match will be held on Saturday, May 24 with the Illawarra Rugby Union adjusting the draw to maximise attendance at the game.

Shamrocks will host archrivals Vikings in the curtain-raiser while all other Illawarra matches will be played on Sunday, May 25.