THE NRL is negotiating with Suncorp Stadium management about staging a version of English rugby league’s Magic Weekend in 2019.
The format would involve the NRL holding either four or five matches at Suncorp Stadium over two days.
However, there is also the possibility that Suncorp could host an entire NRL round, as occurs on Super League’s Magic Weekend.
The idea is an extension of Suncorp Stadium’s popular NRL double-header concept, which the NRL has programmed again next year again on May 12.
In the aftermath of the NRL’s decision this month to commit to Sydney for the next 25 grand finals under a stadiums program by the NSW Government, the NRL confirmed that a package of events was being put together for Queensland.
The State Government tried to secure the 2019 or 2020 grand final for Suncorp Stadium and Major Events Minister Kate Jones was left to conclude that Queensland has been the victim of a “Sydney stitch up’’, despite $610 million investment or promised investment in NRL home-ground stadiums by Queensland governments since 2003.
“Among the options are the return of the Nines, All Stars and a Magic Weekend,’’ an NRL spokesman said.
“Naturally there will continue to be Origin matches at Suncorp and Tests in Queensland.
“We have already indicated that the Townsville Stadium would be ideal for some Tests and the Queensland Government may bid to stage an Origin game there.”
Suncorp Stadium general manager Alan Graham said negotiations about a Magic Weekend of NRL had a way to go.
“We would need to ensure that whatever deal is offered would have to be commensurate with the expectations of Queenslanders and a reflection of the investment the State Government has made in the stadiums in Queensland,’’ Graham said.
“It should also reflect the NRL’s commitment to the rugby league community in Queensland. On that basis, we are in the process of negotiations but at only the preliminary stages.’’
England’s Super League has for 11 years played an entire round at one stadium and at St James’s Park in Newcastle this year, 35,0361 watched three games one day before another 30,046 attended the following day.
Jones said in response to the NRL’s stadiums agreement with the NSW Government that the Queensland Government would still support events that bring visitors to Queensland and deliver a return on taxpayers’ investment.
A “Magic Weekend’’ at Suncorp Stadium would likely replace the double-header fixture in the years covered by any agreement.
The third biggest NRL crowd of 2017 was 44,127 for the May double-header in which Brisbane beat Manly and the Titans surprised Melbourne.
The same match-ups are scheduled next season for the May 12 double-header and tickets go on sale on Monday with Ticketek.
The NRL also has premiership double-headers in 2018 at Perth’s new 60,000 stadium in round 1 and at ANZ Stadium later in the year.
