Suncorp ‘once in lifetime’ chance

ARL Commissioner Kate Jones says a final decision on the NRL grand final is imminent, with Suncorp Stadium on the verge of clinching its first NRL grand final.

Jones declared that scenario was a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity for Queensland rugby league fans.

It is understood ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys will finalise talks with the Queensland and NSW governments in the lead-up to the NRL’S opening finals game between Manly and Melbourne on Friday night.

The NSW government holds the NRL grand final rights for the next 25 years, but southern political heavy-hitters are resigned to a one-off transfer to Suncorp Stadium given the Covid crisis that has sent their state into full lockdown.

Suncorp could be formally unveiled as the winning venue as early as Wednesday, with Jones relishing the prospect of an NRL grand final at the home of Queensland rugby league.

“At this stage, we are working closely with our partners and we should have an announcement on the grand final by the end of the week,” Jones said.

“We are continuing to work with the NSW government and Queensland government.

“I have been on record for a long time, since we opened Suncorp Stadium, saying this is the best rugby league stadium in the country.

“We have to acknowledge the NSW government legitimately has rights to the grand final so we are working with both the NSW and Queensland governments.

“But can I say this, both governments are very much committed to ensuring we get a good outcome for footy fans across the country.”

Queenslanders have not witnessed a grand final on Brisbane soil since the Super League decider between the Broncos and Cronulla at ANZ Stadium in 1997.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have a grand final here in Queensland at Suncorp Stadium,” Jones said.

“I have been watching footy all my life and to have a grand final here in our own background is something I think all Queenslanders will really embrace.

“This is something we have been asking for as footy fans in the Sunshine State for years and it would be amazing to see it come to fruition.”

Maroons skipper Daly Cherry-evans has enjoyed some magical moments at Suncorp Stadium, including last year’s Origin series triumph, and said he hoped to lead Manly into this year’s grand final on Queensland soil.

“If the grand final is at Suncorp, it would be outstanding,” he said. “I was born and raised in Queensland and nothing beats a full house at Suncorp. Queensland people love their footy and 50,000 fans at Suncorp would be an unforgettable experience.

“To run out onto Suncorp as a Queensland kid, it’s the stadium you dream of playing at.

“If we can get the grand final here and take advantage of that, it would be really special.

“There is a lot more motivation for me to be potentially playing a grand final at Suncorp.”