The British and Irish Lions Tour of Australia kicked off in Perth last week and the first game in NSW will see the Combined NSW/Queensland Country team take on the Lions on Tuesday at Hunter Stadium. 

 Police have launched Operation Eales to ensure the safety and security of players, officials and spectators and supporters during each of three NSW matches. The Lions will play the Waratahs at Allianz Stadium on Saturday and the final test match against the Wallabies at ANZ Stadium on July 6.

Operation Eales will include officers from the Northern Region, assisted by the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), Operations Support Group (OSG), Mounted Police Unit, Dog Unit, Police Transport Command, PolAir, Licensing Police and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command.

Security guards will help police target trouble makers, anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related crime, and ensure all fans get to and from the stadium safely.

Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell said all eyes were on Australia during the tour and police would target anyone trying to spoil the event for others.

“Rugby has a long-standing reputation as a gentleman’s game and officers will be holding spectators to that reputation. We will not tolerate alcohol-fuelled violence and antisocial or dangerous behaviour,’’ he said.

Assistant Commissioner Mitchell urged anyone travelling to Newcastle for Tuesday’s match to plan ahead.

In addition to regular train and bus services, Newcastle Buses will run a shuttle from Queen’s Wharf Brewery via the Honeysuckle precinct to the game between 5pm and 7pm, then as required after the game.

Visit the events page at 131500.com.au for latest timetable and ticketing information for trains, buses, ferries and taxi ranks.

Visit livetraffic.rta.nsw.gov.au/ for traffic information and live traffic reports.

Visit hunterstadium.com.au/news/important-information for venue and parking information.

Gates will open at Hunter Stadium at 4.15pm and kick-off for the main game is 7.30pm.