Mr Kelly said a “full house” at Lavington Oval could convince the National Rugby League to bring more games to town and provide a further boost to the code’s growth locally.

Mr Kelly, the Sea Eagles’ chief, and first-grade hooker Matt Ballin visited Albury yesterday as the build-up to the match for competition points begins.

“It is a big regional town and got a lot to offer,” Mr Kelly said.

“We definitely want to see this being a full house.

“We want to see as many supporters get out to see the best NRL talent on display for competition points.

“If we can make this a success other teams will follow.”

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The Sea Eagles play two of their 12 home matches away from their Brookvale Oval base each season

The club’s two home games this season at Brookvale have drawn around 10,500 fans and the pre-match expectation is more will attend the Lavington game.

It has been underwritten to the tune of $180,000 in a joint venture between Albury Council, Albury Thunder and the Commercial Club.

“We know there is plenty of support for rugby league,” Mr Kelly said.

“The junior numbers, in particular, are growing very quickly.

“We want to give back a bit to the rugby league community as well.

“It is important this is a success for the region first and foremost.

“But ultimately it sends a signal to all other clubs to play a game in a region like Albury.”

The match was confirmed only a month ago and will be the biggest sporting event at the Lavington ground since the 1992 world cup cricket match.

In 2012, Canberra Raiders and Melbourne Storm played a pre-season game before 6500 fans and a year earlier 8000 braved a freezing night in May to watch the City-Country clash.

Mr Kelly said both clubs were serious about fan engagement before and after the game.

The Raiders will arrive on Wednesday and begin promoting the game and Manly arrives on Good Friday.

The game starts at 5.30pm.