Published Friday, 16 March, 2007 at 05:25 PM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
HISTORIC WEEKEND FOR RUGBY LEAGUE IN QUEENSLAND
Premier Peter Beattie, Deputy Premier Anna Bligh, and Minister for Sport Andrew Fraser donned club colours today to help celebrate an historic weekend of rugby league action in Queensland.
Mr Beattie said the huge doubleheader at Suncorp Stadium reinforced Queensland’s reputation as Australia’s sporting event capital.
He said the Smart State had been assigned the two biggest games of the opening round of the 2007 National Rugby League season.
“We have the best players, the best games and there is no doubt we have the best fans,” Mr Beattie said.
“There are eight matches in the first round of the NRL and approximately 200,000 fans are expected through the turnstiles in total.
“Almost half of those fans are expected to attend the two matches in Queensland at Suncorp Stadium.
“The Broncos-Cowboys clash is close to a sell out with more than 50,000 expected, and more than 45,000 fans are set to enjoy the debut of the Gold Coast Titans.
“It is terrific endorsement of the strength of the game in Queensland.
“It is also endorses once again the wise investment our Government made in the redevelopment of Suncorp Stadium – the best rectangular football stadium in the world.
“With Dairy Farmers in Townsville and Skilled Park under construction on the Gold Coast we have some the best sporting and entertainment facilities in the country.”
Mr Beattie said he was an Atherton boy so he would be cheering on the Cowboys in tonight’s match.
Deputy Premier Anna Bligh said she was looking forward to the Gold Coast Titans first match in the competition against the Dragons.
“I am a Gold Coast girl – so the Titans are my team,” she said.
“I know a lot of locals have been waiting for a long time for the Gold Coast to have a presence in the national competition again.
“Paul Broughton and Michael Searle have made their dreams come true and have done a terrific job putting a strong, competitive team together.
“I predict the Titans will be a force to be reckoned with from the opening kick off.”
Minister for Sport Andrew Fraser said he was a long-time Broncos supporter.
“As the Member for Mount Coot-tha my electorate is the home of the Broncos,” he said.
“They are one of the most popular and successful clubs in the competition and I predict the reigning Premiers will have another big year.
“Hopefully this year the Titans and the Cowboys battle it out to earn the right to take on the Broncos in the 2007 Grand Final!”
16 March, 2007
Further inquiries: Premier’s Office: 3224 4500
Mr Beattie said the huge doubleheader at Suncorp Stadium reinforced Queensland’s reputation as Australia’s sporting event capital.
He said the Smart State had been assigned the two biggest games of the opening round of the 2007 National Rugby League season.
“We have the best players, the best games and there is no doubt we have the best fans,” Mr Beattie said.
“There are eight matches in the first round of the NRL and approximately 200,000 fans are expected through the turnstiles in total.
“Almost half of those fans are expected to attend the two matches in Queensland at Suncorp Stadium.
“The Broncos-Cowboys clash is close to a sell out with more than 50,000 expected, and more than 45,000 fans are set to enjoy the debut of the Gold Coast Titans.
“It is terrific endorsement of the strength of the game in Queensland.
“It is also endorses once again the wise investment our Government made in the redevelopment of Suncorp Stadium – the best rectangular football stadium in the world.
“With Dairy Farmers in Townsville and Skilled Park under construction on the Gold Coast we have some the best sporting and entertainment facilities in the country.”
Mr Beattie said he was an Atherton boy so he would be cheering on the Cowboys in tonight’s match.
Deputy Premier Anna Bligh said she was looking forward to the Gold Coast Titans first match in the competition against the Dragons.
“I am a Gold Coast girl – so the Titans are my team,” she said.
“I know a lot of locals have been waiting for a long time for the Gold Coast to have a presence in the national competition again.
“Paul Broughton and Michael Searle have made their dreams come true and have done a terrific job putting a strong, competitive team together.
“I predict the Titans will be a force to be reckoned with from the opening kick off.”
Minister for Sport Andrew Fraser said he was a long-time Broncos supporter.
“As the Member for Mount Coot-tha my electorate is the home of the Broncos,” he said.
“They are one of the most popular and successful clubs in the competition and I predict the reigning Premiers will have another big year.
“Hopefully this year the Titans and the Cowboys battle it out to earn the right to take on the Broncos in the 2007 Grand Final!”
16 March, 2007
Further inquiries: Premier’s Office: 3224 4500