Townsville will host the NRL’s opening major event in 2021 with the Indigenous All Stars v Maori All Stars match to be played in the city for the first time.

The NRL announced on Wednesday that Queensland Country Bank Stadium would be the host venue for the annual game on February 20.

It’s expected to be the first full house at the new stadium after the grand opening NRL match in round one earlier this year was impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Full crowds were only able to return in Queensland from mid-November.

It will be the first major event at the new stadium.

“North Queensland is rugby league heartland and I know this game will mean a lot to the local community,” NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said.

“All Stars is an event like no other on our calendar. It brings people together and helps us celebrate First Nations people and rugby league’s incredible diversity.

“All Stars is more than a game, it’s a week of community engagement, education and cultural awareness.

” It means so much to our playing group and to the Australian Rugby League Commission.

“We’re also excited to be taking our first major event to Townsville’s new stadium.

“This state-of-the-art venue will provide the region with the opportunity to host some of our best events.”

The women’s Indigenous and Maori teams will play before the men’s game in a double header.