Indigenous NRL All Stars match secured for Cbus Super Stadium

The Queensland Government has secured the All Stars match between the Australian Indigenous and New Zealand Maori teams for the Gold Coast's Cbus Super Stadium on 22nd February next year.

Queensland Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the All Stars clash complemented a rich calendar of Indigenous celebrations across Queensland including the Yarrabah Music and Cultural Festival, Quandamooka Festival, Cairns Indigenous Art Fair and the Gulf Country Frontier Days Festival.

Queensland Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni advised the securement would inspire a new generation of indigenous footy players, stating  “through Activate! Queensland the State’s first 10 year sport and active recreation strategy, the State Government will give more Queenslanders the chance to play footy, by overcoming barriers to participation.

“We’ll achieve our goals through strategic investment and partnership with the QRL and its grassroots clubs, and by ensuring obstacles like remoteness or income aren’t stopping kids from playing.

“As part of our plan, it’s critical that government ensure that young indigenous kids can see, for their own eyes, a pathway to success, and the All Stars concept does that.”

Minister Jones advised "the All Stars concept was originally launched on the Gold Coast in 2010 and has grown to become an important part of the NRL’s calendar.

“This announcement comes off the back of a hugely successful inaugural NRL Magic Round in Brisbane in May where almost 50,000 fans travelled to Brisbane for the event – yet more proof that footy fans will travel to Queensland to watch quality rugby league.”

Queensland Assistant Tourism Industry Development Minister and Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said the game would generate more than 20,000 visitor nights and $4 million for the Gold Coast’s tourism economy.

Minister Scanlon noted “New Zealand is a vital tourism market for the Gold Coast. This match will appeal to Kiwi footy fans which we know will have a flow-on effect for tourism operators.

“We know that when tourism is booming, local businesses on the Gold Coast benefit. Events like this are important to growing this industry.

“When people bring their families for the footy they often stay for a holiday and return to the Coast in the future. That’s exactly what we want when thousands of interstate and international tourists arrive for the All Stars clash in February.”

Gold Coast acting Mayor Donna Gates said she was very pleased to welcome this great match back to the city: “It has become a must-watch event on the NRL calendar and we couldn’t be more proud to host it here.

 “With the projected economic impact for the City in the millions this is another example of the Gold Coast again showing we are a true sports event destination.”

Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council Chair, Katrina Fanning thanked the Queensland Government and City of Gold Coast for their support of the All Stars return to the Gold Coast in 2020.

Fanning added "the All Stars concept goes well beyond the on-field matches and I look forward to celebrating our Indigenous and Maori cultures together in February.”

Two showpiece games - both a men’s and women’s All Stars match - will be played.

The NRL will also stage various community events across the Gold Coast in the week leading up to the event including school visits and a youth summit.