Four Nations double header to draw big crowds

Brisbane is set to host its first ever rugby league Four Nations international double-header, bringing an anticipated six thousand interstate and overseas tourists to Queensland in October.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said the 2014 Rugby League Four Nations opening round would give our local tourism industry the chance to shine.

“Tourism and Events Queensland has partnered with the NRL to bring this event to Queensland and host thousands of rugby league fans,” Ms Stuckey said.

“It’s expected to bring an estimated $4 million in visitor expenditure to the Queensland economy and delivers on our election promise to grow tourism as one of the four pillars of the economy.

“Support for events like the Rugby League Four Nations tournament is part of our plan to double annual overnight visitor expenditure from $15 billion to $30 billion by 2020.

“Queensland boasts a loyal rugby league community. Hosting a significant event such as the 2014 Rugby League Four Nations tournament reinforces Brisbane as a premier event destination.

“Queensland is a great state with great opportunity and the opening round played in Brisbane will see the city broadcast nationally and overseas into New Zealand, the UK and the Pacific Islands.”

Assistant Minister for Public Transport and Member for Chatsworth Steve Minnikin made the announcement at Suncorp Stadium where the highly-anticipated games will be played on 25 October.

“The Brisbane opener will be an unforgettable day of league as England takes on either Fiji or Samoa directly followed by a match between our Australian Kangaroos and the New Zealand Kiwis,” Mr Minnikin said.

“Australia and Brisbane last hosted the Four Nations in 2010 where the final drew a crowd of 36,299 to Suncorp Stadium, but this is the first time Brisbane has hosted an International Rugby League double header.

“The Queensland Government’s 20-year tourism plan, Destination Success, recognises the importance of events like this in driving repeat visitation to destinations like Brisbane.”

Sport Minister Steve Dickson said the ongoing investment in sports infrastructure across the State was crucial to attracting major events in Queensland.

“The Government promised to delivering better infrastructure across Queensland, including sports infrastructure, which attracts major events, creates jobs and stimulates local economies,” Mr Dickson said.

“We have some of Australia’s best facilities including Suncorp Stadium, and I’m expecting a full house for what will be a great event for Queensland.”

NRL Head of Football, Mr Todd Greenberg said the Four Nations double-header at Eden Park in 2010 exceeded all expectations and we had already seen in Brisbane how well fans had embraced double-headers played here in the Telstra Premiership.

“This is one of the great venues in sport and it will be an exciting way to launch the tournament,” Mr Greenberg said.

[ENDS] 10 April 2014

Media contacts:

Minister Stuckey’s office 3719 7252

Tourism and Events Queensland – 0408 768 948

NRL - David Taylor 0405 228 974