Whispers over NRL finals in North Qld

TOWNSVILLE'S chance to host an NRL final hangs in the balance with discussions between game officials and city leaders still under way.

It’s become the city’s worstkept secret with multiple sources telling the Townsville Bulletin the finals will head north on September 11.

But it is understood the city’s chance to host the matches could come down to a monetary sweetener.

Townsville is expected to host a double header, which will include at least one elimination final, at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Rumours began to swirl earlier this week after the state government requested finals games be taken to the regions.

While it is understood the NRL has begun negotiating with local contractors and the North Queensland Cowboys about staffing the event, it is understood the final call has not been made, with the governing body and local government discussing financial compensation.

Sources say the NRL has inquired about hotel rooms in the city and asked the Cowboys to keep Queensland Country Bank Stadium in the Covid-19 bubble.

A source told the Bulletin there was little chance the city would host just one of the qualifying semi-finals.

With a double-header on the cards, it is likely the city is in the running to host the 5v8 and 6v7 elimination finals. This weekend's final round will determine which teams make the eight and where they land.

It is believed the NRL is unlikely to make a final call on the venues until Sunday, with tickets on sale Monday.

Cowboys coach Todd Payten said he believed a move to host NRL finals in North Queensland was great for the game, but did leave the club more disappointed they wouldn’t be taking part after finishing outside the top eight.

“I think it is great, there is no rugby league supporter like a North Queenslander,” he said. “We saw what kind of spectacle Origin was and I thought the club and everyone did a great job. It would be great for everyone.”