Published Friday, 12 January, 2007 at 02:37 PM
Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure
The Honourable Anna Bligh
SUNCORP SCORES COUPS WITH NZ TEST AND COWBOYS V BULLDOGS
7 January 2007
Rugby league fans in Queensland will be able to cheer on the Kangaroos with Suncorp Stadium set to host April’s Trans-Tasman Test against New Zealand.
Suncorp, with its 52,500 seat capacity, has beaten its southern rivals to secure the stand alone international.
At this stage, the April 20 Test is the only time Tri-Nations champions Australia will play New Zealand on home soil this year.
Acting Premier Anna Bligh and Sports Minister Andrew Fraser said the Test was just reward for the Queensland public’s response to representative football.
“Queenslanders are passionate about their football and to secure the Trans-Tasman Test is an acknowledgment of their support,’’ Ms Bligh said.
Sports Minister Andrew Fraser added: “It is only fitting for one of the state’s leading sports to take centre stage at Suncorp Stadium.”
“Suncorp can now be regarded as the premier venue for rugby league in Australia and come April 20, I’m sure the stadium will be filled to the rafters with a roaring crowd.
In last year’s corresponding game, more than 44, 000 fans saw Australia beat the Kiwis 50-12.
“Fans were treated to the final representative game of star halfback Andrew Johns and the debut of Bronco Karmichael Hunt. These moments are what Test football is all about.
“And that the venue secured another ‘international act’ after last month’s Robbie Williams concert is another feather in the stadium’s cap.’’
Suncorp advanced its claims for April’s Test following the disappointing crowd for the Tri-Nations final against New Zealand at Sydney’s Aussie Stadium in November.
Just 28,000 turned up to watch Australia win 16-12 in double extra time.
In another coup for Queensland rugby league fans, Suncorp will also host a Bulldogs v Cowboys NRL match this season with the Bulldogs moving its Round 11 home clash from Sydney to Brisbane.
“This proves Suncorp’s status in the rugby league world _ even a New South Wales side wants to use the facility as a ‘home’ venue,’’ Mr Fraser said.
Bulldogs CEO Malcom Noad said: "Suncorp is a great stadium and the opportunity to play against the Cowboys in Brisbane was too good to pass up.
“We have a strong supporter base in south-east Queensland and we are pleased to give them another chance to see their favourite players in action.”
Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes added: “As the home ground for the Broncos, Suncorp Stadium has the earned the reputation of being an intimidating arena for visiting teams. Interestingly for us, the team has always enjoyed running out onto that field.''
"I don’t know if it’s because of the great atmosphere or because of the strong support from the Bulldogs fans in Brisbane, but I know we’re looking forward to Suncorp being our “home ground” for that one round of the NRL season,” he said.
Media contact: Minister’s Office 3224 6509
Rugby league fans in Queensland will be able to cheer on the Kangaroos with Suncorp Stadium set to host April’s Trans-Tasman Test against New Zealand.
Suncorp, with its 52,500 seat capacity, has beaten its southern rivals to secure the stand alone international.
At this stage, the April 20 Test is the only time Tri-Nations champions Australia will play New Zealand on home soil this year.
Acting Premier Anna Bligh and Sports Minister Andrew Fraser said the Test was just reward for the Queensland public’s response to representative football.
“Queenslanders are passionate about their football and to secure the Trans-Tasman Test is an acknowledgment of their support,’’ Ms Bligh said.
Sports Minister Andrew Fraser added: “It is only fitting for one of the state’s leading sports to take centre stage at Suncorp Stadium.”
“Suncorp can now be regarded as the premier venue for rugby league in Australia and come April 20, I’m sure the stadium will be filled to the rafters with a roaring crowd.
In last year’s corresponding game, more than 44, 000 fans saw Australia beat the Kiwis 50-12.
“Fans were treated to the final representative game of star halfback Andrew Johns and the debut of Bronco Karmichael Hunt. These moments are what Test football is all about.
“And that the venue secured another ‘international act’ after last month’s Robbie Williams concert is another feather in the stadium’s cap.’’
Suncorp advanced its claims for April’s Test following the disappointing crowd for the Tri-Nations final against New Zealand at Sydney’s Aussie Stadium in November.
Just 28,000 turned up to watch Australia win 16-12 in double extra time.
In another coup for Queensland rugby league fans, Suncorp will also host a Bulldogs v Cowboys NRL match this season with the Bulldogs moving its Round 11 home clash from Sydney to Brisbane.
“This proves Suncorp’s status in the rugby league world _ even a New South Wales side wants to use the facility as a ‘home’ venue,’’ Mr Fraser said.
Bulldogs CEO Malcom Noad said: "Suncorp is a great stadium and the opportunity to play against the Cowboys in Brisbane was too good to pass up.
“We have a strong supporter base in south-east Queensland and we are pleased to give them another chance to see their favourite players in action.”
Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes added: “As the home ground for the Broncos, Suncorp Stadium has the earned the reputation of being an intimidating arena for visiting teams. Interestingly for us, the team has always enjoyed running out onto that field.''
"I don’t know if it’s because of the great atmosphere or because of the strong support from the Bulldogs fans in Brisbane, but I know we’re looking forward to Suncorp being our “home ground” for that one round of the NRL season,” he said.
Media contact: Minister’s Office 3224 6509