Suncorp Stadium to host NRL Grand Final rematch to thank Cam and JT

Published Monday, 09 October, 2017 at 02:00 PM

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Kate Jones

The Palaszczuk Government and the National Rugby League have agreed to a Grand Final rematch between the Melbourne Storm and North Queensland Cowboys next year.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the rematch, to be held on 23 February, would also be a thank-you to the captains of both sides - Queensland Origin legends Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston.

"Cameron and Johnathan are outstanding ambassadors for their club, their State, their country and the game of rugby league.  They are also selfless contributors off-the-field," the Premier said.

"The game will be promoted as 'A Night with Cameron Smith and JT', and raise funds for the players’ respective charities Ovarian Cancer Australia and Prostate Cancer Foundation and The NRL Cowboys House."

Together they have played 10 All Stars games, 79 Origin games for the Maroons, 88 games for Australia and 657 games for their NRL clubs.  Combined, these prolific try-scorers and goal kickers have scored more than 5000 points.

To put that into perspective, the top eight teams, including the Storm and Cowboys, scored a combined 4225 points during the regular 24-round 2017 season.

Together, they have won six Dally M Medals, five Wally Lewis Medals, four NRL Premierships and two World Cups.

The Premier said she expected a full house at Suncorp Stadium for the Grand Final rematch, and that would further strengthen Queensland's case to host a future NRL Grand Final.

"Cameron and Johnathan are 34-years-young and can turn a game, indeed a season, in their side's favour.  Cameron held the NRL trophy aloft this year and JT did the same with Matt Scott in 2015," she said.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Kate Jones said the fixture was a fitting way to recognise two of Queensland’s greatest rugby league players. 

“This game will be a spectacle to remember for rugby league fans for years to come,” she said.

“In recent years, Johnathan and Cameron have cemented their reputations as true immortals of the sport."

“It’s a great opportunity for Queenslanders to see these greats of the game take the field at the state’s home of rugby league - Suncorp Stadium.”
 
‘A Night with Cameron Smith and JT’ is proudly supported by the Queensland Government as part of the growing Its Live in Queensland events calendar and comes only months after the Government secured a men’s semi-final and men’s and women’s double header final of the Rugby League World Cup for Brisbane in November and December. 

  • Tickets start from just $15 with a percentage of proceeds from each being donated to the charity partners
  • Tickets are on sale from Friday, 13 October via Ticketek.

Photos from today's announcement can be viewed here.


Media Contact:

Premier’s Office:                           Geoff Breusch        0417 272 875

Minister Jones’ Office:                  Jack Harbour          0419 620 447