The flags were hung on Friday in a bid to brighten the CBD and draw attention to the upcoming game.

"These flags in our CBD are a great promotion for the game between Souths and Penrith on May 23," Dubbo Regional Council mayor Ben Shields said.

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"Our flag promotions are a great way of advertising the match and brightening our CBD."

Tickets went on sale earlier this month, first to Rabbithos members, before the general public two days later.

They sold out quickly.

"The fact that tickets sold out in the first 24 hours shows the appetite Dubbo has for NRL matches and means there will be a great atmosphere for the match on May 23.

"I am just as excited about the match next year, which will hopefully be less impacted by COVID restrictions and will give Dubbo an opportunity to show how it can pack out Apex Oval," he said.

A crowd of more than 10,000, pending any COVID restrictions, is a possibility for the clash between the two genuine premiership contenders, with the mayor hopeful that a great game in May might lead to a longer term relationship.

"There is great support for Souths in Dubbo and they have indicated their enthusiasm to give back to our community through their Souths Cares program and player visits. I am very hopeful and optimistic that the relationship with Souths will extend beyond our currently agreed two games," he said.

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