Roosters hatch Grand Final legacy

The Sydney Roosters and the Gold Coast Titans are in Mackay this weekend to kick off Queensland’s NRL 2021 Grand Final legacy.

Tomorrow’s match at BB Print Stadium is part of an agreement to bring more premiership games to regional Queensland in 2022 after the State’s first NRL Grand Final.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the Grand Final legacy game would add hundreds of thousands of dollars to Mackay’s visitor economy and Covid-19 recovery plan.

“It’s fantastic to welcome the Roosters and the NRL back to Mackay in 2022 after last year’s Semi Final showdowns at BB Print Stadium,” Ms Gilbert said.

“The Roosters and Titans clash is one of the NRL premiership games the Palaszczuk Government secured for regional Queensland after the State hosted the 2021 NRL finals series and the Grand Final.

“We’ve locked in an NRL Grand Final legacy match for Mackay because we know big sporting events bring the community together and attract visitors who contribute to the Covid recovery of our tourism economy.

“This is a wonderful investment in rugby league and Mackay’s tourism and hospitality industry.”  

Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said first-class football was great opportunity for a weekend getaway to Mackay.

“More than 100 players, coaching and support staff from both teams are in Mackay for the round nine NRL premiership game,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“The big winners in Mackay this weekend are the fans, accommodation and transport providers, hotels, cafes, restaurants and local tourism operators.

“When football supporters come to Mackay to see the big game in action, they also spend time enjoying the region’s breath-taking visitor experiences.

“This weekend is a celebration of our Grand Final legacy and the important part Queensland played in keeping the 2021 NRL premiership season safe from the pandemic.”

The Roosters will remain in Queensland ahead of next weekend’s huge NRL Magic Round Brisbane, which is predicted to generate $22 million for Queensland’s Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan.

Sydney Roosters Captain, James Tedesco said Mackay was like a second home to the team in 2021.

“The support we received from our members and rugby league fans in the region was awesome,” he said.

“We’re excited to be back to Mackay and looking forward to reconnecting with the community.”       

Regional Queensland NRL matches return in Round 21 on 6 August when the Rabbitohs and Warriors play on the Sunshine Coast and on 7 August the Bulldogs and Cowboys meet in Bundaberg.

Media: 0427 475 089.