With construction work officially beginning on Orange’s new sports stadium and grandstand, NSW Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty has hinted at the possibility of a major rugby league event for the Colour City.

Visiting Orange last Thursday, Minister Moriarty participated in an official sod-turning ceremony at the stadium site on Forest Road, joining Orange Mayor Tony Mileto, Deputy Mayor Tammy Greenhalgh, Member for Orange Phil Donato, representatives of Zauner Construction, and members of the late John Davis’ family.

Welcoming the Minister, Cr Mileto said this was a milestone event for Orange. While it was a long time getting to this point, Cr Mileto said the end was in sight with construction of the stadium expected to be completed by about December next year.

When asked what ‘big ticket’ sporting events council was hoping to attract to Orange, Cr Mileto said they were exploring a range of possibilities.

“As a council, we should be looking at all opportunities,” Cr Mileto said. “Whether it's big events like... rugby league or women's rugby league, whether it's state sporting carnivals, and we should also be looking outside the box, whether there's an opportunity here to have other events such as music, we are open to everything.”

But Minister Moriarty was willing to get more specific, floating the possibility of Orange hosting a future NRLW Magic Round — if the stadium is completed on schedule.

“When there are opportunities for big events to come to regional communities, and I'm happy to work with communities to see how the government can support them,” Ms Moriarty said

“As an example, but without a commitment, we have a partnership with the NRL for the women's Magic Round to be held in regional communities for three years. I'm looking for communities that are ready to host the women's NRL Magic Round over the next couple of years. It would be great to see this facility finished, to maybe have a massive event like that.”

The NSW Government has provided $59.5 million in funding for the Orange Region Sporting Precinct, with a further $15 million coming from the Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program.

Zauner Construction have been awarded the $15.6 million tender to build the John Davis Stadium and 1350-seat grandstand, along with other amenities. Work is expected to begin within weeks.