Regional Queensland secures NRL finals

In a boost for the Queensland Government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan, six of the NRL's nine 2021 finals will be played in the state's regions, with matches scheduled for Sunshine Coast, Rockhampton, a double header for Townsville, and two games in Mackay along with three finals including the Grand Final at Suncorp Stadium.

Queensland’s outdoor stadiums can now have 100% capacity, and are anticipating more than 52,000 fans to be at Suncorp Stadium for the NRL Grand Final as well as significant crowds for the regional matches.

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

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

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk notes “this state loves its rugby league. 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. Securing an additional 13 matches ensures the winners are Queensland league fans not only for this year but until 2023.”

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

Commenting on the three-year deal, Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Investment, Cameron Dick advised “I’ve always said that if we get the health response right, the rewards to Queenslanders will follow.

“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.”

Queensland 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 3rd October  Grand Final.

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

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

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

Minister Hinchliffe added that the Queensland Government is also working with the NRL on a Centre of Excellence at QSAC for women’s rugby league.

“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.”

2021 NRL Finals:

• Friday 10th September -Sunshine Coast

• Saturday 11th September - Queensland Country Bank Stadium (double header)

• Sunday 12th September - Rockhampton

• Friday 17th September - Mackay

• Saturday 18th September - Mackay

• Friday 24th September - Suncorp Stadium

• Saturday 25th September - Suncorp Stadium

• Sunday 3rd October - Grand Final at Suncorp Stadium

Image: Queensland Country Bank Stadium opening night courtesy of Blair Hughes.