Big names loving it in Far North
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The Cowboys last played an NRL trial against the Gold Coast Titans in 2015 and were set to return earlier this year against the Brisbane Broncos until their opponents accepted an invitation to the World Club Series.
“We try to get up here as much as we can. Obviously it’s a bit difficult for the players and the demand, but we love getting up here,” Tate said.
“This is always good. As a player you love coming to these sorts of places.”
Tate said he remained hopeful of another invitation as the away team in 2018.
“That’s not our decision, that’s something for the Rabbitohs or the NRL, but we love coming up obviously. It’s a big thing for us to be able to come up to play here,” he said.
“Obviously this isn’t our home game but there’s a lot of Cowboys supporters as you walk around here and it’s huge and lets hope it can continue.”
Lockyer said Cairns had shown why the NRL should continue to support rugby league in regional areas.
“It’s great for the game and it’s great for the town,” he said.
“I’ve been coming to this game for all five years now and it’s always a good experience and takes you back in time a little bit because you haven’t got your big grandstands, there’s people out there sitting on the hill and that’s what footy is about, bringing communities together and enjoying the entertainment.
“I’ve got to say, I went and had lunch down the boardwalk before I came here and I don’t think I’ve seen Cairns this busy for a while.
“Maybe the game in town has helped that, but you talk about bush footy a lot and while we’re not in the bush here, just taking NRL games away from metropolitan areas can only be a positive for the game.”
Lockyer said a running track around the ground did make the viewing experience not as good as some grounds, although he felt it handled the event well.
“It’s just part of the evolution of cities like Cairns. If you want to attract the big events, you need the facilities,” he said.
“For Cairns, you’re going to get a lot more bigger games if you’ve got the right facilities.”
Cowboys coach Paul Green said he would love to return to Cairns again next year and felt the facilities were up to scratch for a suburban ground.