Queensland Rugby League chairman Peter Betros says he is keeping his fingers crossed Brisbane will be able to host the 2019 NRL grand final.
The Queensland government is in talks with the NRL to bring the season decider to Suncorp Stadium when Sydney’s ANZ Stadium undergoes renovations, expected to be in 2019-20.
News Corp reported that the NRL preferred the 52,500 capacity Suncorp Stadium to host the final ahead of Melbourne, Auckland and Perth.
It was music to the ears of Betros who had dreamt of a Brisbane grand final especially after last year’s all-Queensland season decider between the Cowboys and the Broncos.
“We’d love for the NRL grand final to be held here but that is an NRL decision, it’s not for us to make,” he said.
“I know the government is very keen, as we are.
“We are keeping our fingers crossed.
“This is the heartland of rugby league in Australia at the moment.”
It is believed the Queensland government will need to upgrade the ground’s big screens, sound system and wi-fi if it is to make a successful grand final bid.
Queensland Tourism and Major Events Minister Kate Jones told NewsCorp she would lead negotiations with the NRL in a bid to earn hosting rights.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Nothing was open after origin 3 last year in suncorp
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Well at least in Queensland you could find somewhere that isn't a gambling establishment and can still serve you beer once you get out of the ground...
Longarm
Guest
As a queenslander who has road tripped to Sydney for the GF with mates for a big weekend, I reckon a Brisbane GF would be a great chance for Sydney fans to do the same. It might even be a once in a life time thing for them. Caxton St would be going off
Emcie
Roar Guru
I'd love to see a daytime gf at the SCG! No chance of that happening though...
Cedric
Guest
I 'm getting ready to book my tickets, not!! One time we have a qld gf and look what's going on! The real government couldn't give a toss! The heartland of rugby league?! Seriously there are some long bows being drawn here! To give the gf up for even one year is silly. Sydney made it and that's where it should stay. I'm from auckland, the last thing I want to see is the gf here even if we had 2 teams in the gf. Stop this do gooder sharing caring rubbish!
Squidward
Roar Rookie
If Sydney can't have it might as well give them a go. Although that joints not much bigger than the SFS or SCG. It better not be a sneaky way to make it a regular thing and ruin tradition
joel
Guest
the first of many
Do it
Guest
As a proud NSW resident, I feel QLD should get the grand final with the full blessing of the NRL. Wish they'd change it back to day time, but too much money to keep it at night.
Epiquin
Roar Guru
Sharing is caring. Let them host it. Show them we forgive them for re-electing Hanson.