Finals score major win

Townsville in grand final box seat if Covid strikes

TOWNSVILLE has reinforced its credentials as a host for large scale sporting events after successfully staging the NRL finals double header at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday night.

A crowd of 18,244 fans was treated to a nailbiter with the Sydney Roosters just holding on against the Gold Coast Titans 25-24, followed by a stunning 16-10 upset of the Penrith Panthers by the Sydney Rabbitohs.

An NRL spokesman said they were pleased with the crowd and atmosphere, “particularly given the Cowboys were not playing and the short notice for the game”, but didn’t address the largely vacant corporate section in the stadium.

With the threat of Covid-19 looming large over Brisbane and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk warning that the next 24 hours were critical, NRL chairman Peter V’landys confirmed Townsville was the back-up option for the NRL Grand Final if Suncorp Stadium couldn’t host a suitable crowd.

Reflecting on Saturday night’s games, Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-smith said it was a great opportunity for the community to cheer on four teams in two entertaining games showcasing the stadium at its best.

“We welcomed the NRL with open arms for State of

Origin and we have done it again for the qualifying finals,” Ms Brumme-smith said.

“Every time we see an event like this in our stadium it provides a significant boost to the city’s accommodation, dining, retail and more.

“It’s events like the NRL and upcoming Rugby Championship, which are helping to prop up the tourism sector at a very difficult time.”

Townsville Mayor Jenny

Hill said the NRL finals double header once again demonstrated that Townsville could successfully host major sporting events.

“The broadcast of the games also provided a platform to promote our exciting city to those watching in southern states still locked down because of Covid-19.

“Away from the stadium, we saw many of our local hotels and hospitality venues enjoy strong bookings and trade.”

But it wasn’t all roses, with West End resident Gary Campbell blasting the inadequate public transport arrangements for the double header, complaining there weren’t additional buses.

“Public transport was a joke. There was a disconnect between what was needed and what was available,” Mr Campbell said.

“I estimated that there were over 200 people waiting for taxis. I ended up walking home from the city.”