NRL finals a win for regional Queensland

This season, Queensland will host eight NRL finals games plus a Suncorp NRL Grand Final local rugby league fans have always dreamed of.

In a boost for the Government’s Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan and a great finals win for regional Queensland, six of the nine NRL finals will be played in rugby league’s traditional heartland.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said six finals matches would include the Sunshine Coast, Rockhampton, a double header for Townsville, and two games in Mackay.

“This state loves its rugby league,” the Premier said.

“It’s a tremendous gesture from the NRL and will provide an economic boost spread over our regional cities

“We have always said Queensland fans deserve a Grand Final and this year we’ve landed one.”

Pop up vaccine clinics will also be trialled at this weekend’s game in Rockhampton in the hope of using them at other venues.

The unprecedented deal with the National Rugby League also guarantees two premiership games per year will be played in regional Queensland for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. 

“Securing an additional 13 matches ensures the winners are Queensland league fans not only for this year but until 2023,” The Premier said.

And in addition, Brisbane’s tremendously popular Magic Round has been locked in for the next three years.

Treasurer and Minister for Investment Cameron Dick said the three-year deal was a dividend for the hard work and dedication of Queenslanders in delivering our health response to COVID-19.

“I’ve always said that if we get the health response right, the rewards to Queenslanders will follow,” the Treasurer said.

“Today is proof of that - delivering guaranteed NRL games to the heartland of regional Queensland right through to 2023.

“To anyone who says we shouldn’t invest in regional Queensland, I have two words – back off.”

Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the NRL’s decision to play this year’s Grand Final at Suncorp Stadium was truly historic.

“This will see a festival of league celebrations right across the State in the lead up to the October 3 Grand Final,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“It will invest millions of dollars into local economies and boost intra-state tourism into regional Queensland cities.

“This is an unprecedented venture into regional Queensland by the NRL.

“We’re also working with the NRL on a Centre of Excellence at QSAC for women’s rugby league which complements the Palaszczuk Government’s investment in women’s sport.

“Queensland is a nursery for rugby league talent, and it makes sense to work with the NRL on ways we can support our future stars.”

“Queensland’s world-leading response to the pandemic has given us the flexibility to host major sporting events and teams including last year’s AFL bubble and the AFL Grand Final, the entire WNBL season, Super Netball, the Rugby Championship, international women’s cricket and Super Netball.”

“The added benefit is Queensland’s outdoor stadiums can now have 100 per-cent capacity, so we can expect more than 52,000 fans to be there at Suncorp Stadium for the NRL Grand Final and big crowds at regional matches,” he said.

“And a TV audience of more than 3 million viewers in 70 countries means it’s a wonderful opportunity to promote our great state.”

2021 NRL Finals:

Friday 10 September Sunshine Coast

Saturday 11 September Queensland Country Bank Stadium (doubleheader)

Sunday 12 September Rockhampton

Friday 17 September Mackay

Saturday 18 September Mackay

Friday 24 September Suncorp Stadium

Saturday 25 September Suncorp Stadium

Sunday 3 October Suncorp Stadium – Grand Final

ENDS

Media contact: Darren Roberts 0427 475 089