Brisbane will host this year’s NRL grand final with Suncorp Stadium confirmed to be the first venue outside of Sydney to hold the event.
Some 33 years after the Brisbane Broncos entered the competition, Queensland’s capital has landed rugby league’s end-of-season showpiece.
The state has only hosted one competition decider, with Brisbane beating Cronulla in the breakaway Super League in 1998.
However, the October 3 NRL grand final will be the first time Queensland hosts the season finale in a unified competition.
“This year we will create history, playing the grand final in Brisbane for the very first time,” ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys said.
“This will be an historic moment for the city and a reward for the support the Queensland community has given us throughout 2021.
“This year will always be remembered as the year Queensland hosted all of our major events; All Stars, Magic Round, three State of Origins and the grand final.”
The NRL also confirmed that week two of the finals would be held in Mackay, before bringing the preliminary finals back to southeast Queensland in week three.
Week one of the finals has already been scheduled for regional Queensland on the Sunshine Coast, Townsville and Rockhampton.
The deal to host the grand final also includes confirmation that Queensland will keep Magic Round until the end of 2023.
Brisbane had always been favourite to host the grand final given the Queensland hub, despite interest from Melbourne and the NRL towards New Zealand.
“Depending on COVID-19, that can be to a packed stadium of 52,000 people,” Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.
“Never in my lifetime did I think we would have an NRL grand final here in Queensland, and finally that has happened.”
The announcement came after the NSW government confirmed on Wednesday that they would not be able to hold the event.
It means Suncorp Stadium will be the sixth venue to host a decider, with the ground largely considered the best for atmosphere in the NRL.
“The way the stadium is set up, it’s unbelievable,” South Sydney and Maroons centre Dane Gagai said.
“When you get a packed house there and you got the flames going and the crowd is roaring it’s one of the best things you can play at.
“I do enjoy playing there but I’m sure some of the other boys do too.”
Meanwhile the Queensland government will also trial vaccination hubs at Rockhampton’s qualifying final between Parramatta and Newcastle on Sunday.
Rellum
Roar Guru
:stoked:
Nat
Roar Guru
Didn't you know that Beer protects us from covid? As long as we have a drink in front of us - no masks required. True Story :laughing:
Rellum
Roar Guru
It would be good if they could adjust the schedule to have the QRL game on before the NRL GF ay, but I guess to late for that.
Rellum
Roar Guru
As it should be
Paul Monaro
Roar Rookie
Brilliant venue for the GF. But Annastacia and “Depending on COVID-19, that can be to a packed stadium...." is a bit of worry. Fingers crossed.
Nat
Roar Guru
Ouch. :laughing:
Toranahills
Guest
Super League was 97 from memory - Bris Vs Cronulla @QE2. Newcastle Vs Manly in the ARL.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Long long long overdue. Finally fixing one of the big injustices in Aus sport. Hopefully it doesn't take another 24 years for the next one.
Rellum
Roar Guru
I will expect it will be full of QLD fans, Broncs and Cows. It will be an event that will be sold out before any teams are know for the final.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
A Wallabies game. Quality will be down on a State Cup game though
no one in particular
Roar Guru
do they have to do quarantine coming back from Qld? If so, a Bulldogs player or a player signed to play for them
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
Not too hard when you are the only bidder taken seriously for the olympics and COVID free.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Great to see a GF in QLD . Long overdue. Also all those regional games give a huge boost to RL. Fantastic thinking by the NRL.
Paul
Roar Guru
I believe Sydney/NSW has a contract to stage the GF for a lot of years.
leon
Guest
too bad the border will be closed! only Qlders
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
All the teams not making the finals will return to Sydney with their entourage's which will break quarantine first . Is their a market on it .
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
Sensible decision . Just doesn't have the same feel . Rather there than the other alternatives but someone will have fault with it .
Christov
Guest
Wow, first the Olympics and now the NRL final, Anna must be an astute dealer
Nat
Roar Guru
Beauty! Just a shame the Broncos just missed the 8 this year. I wonder what they are going to put around the game this year. No NRLW or State Cup Challenge. The QRL GF is a week later in Redcliffe.
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
I'd expect Suncorp to be red and green. South Sydney has the largest supporter base in Queensland than any non-Qld team. They also have some of their favourite son, Bennett and loyal disciples Gagai, Arrow, SuA and soon to be Reynolds.