Supporters at Cowboys-Rabbitohs game add voices to push for new world-class Cairns stadium

There was plenty to love about the atmosphere on Saturday night, but no escaping the fact Barlow Park was built for athletics and only boasts 1700 stadium seats.

THE air at Barlow Park was full of thousands of screaming, footy-mad fans as the Cowboys took it to the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Cairns’ first NRL game since 2019.

A final count showed 7128 people packed the stand – and hill – at Barlow Park as new Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou returned to the site of his success earlier in his coaching career at the Northern Pride.

But it wasn’t to be, with the Cowboys defending their turf and running out 24-12 winners, much to the delight of the crowd.

PHOTOS: Rabbitohs vs Cowboys at Barlow Park

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There was plenty to love about the atmosphere and the quality footy on display on Saturday night.

Yarrabah’s rugby league-mad community repaid the love shown by Souths earlier in the week by turning out in droves on Barlow Park’s eastern hill.

But there was no escaping the fact that Barlow Park was built for athletics and only boasts 1700 stadium seats.

Wendy Porter and her eight-year-old daughter Coco Porter Pitt – who plays for the Mossman Sharks – had some of the best seats in the house, behind the tryline on the northern end.

“We thought it was a great little set up, we thoroughly enjoyed the game,” she said.

Junior cricket at Griffiths Park

But Ms Porter said the distance between the fans and the action due to the athletics track that rings the field was notable compared to other stadiums like Townsville.

It’s an issue that a new rectangular stadium would fix.

“It would be absolutely incredible,” Ms Porter said of the push to get Cairns a proper stadium.

The case for a new top-tier sporting venue was again front and centre this week, with Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel saying the Far North deserved a venue to attract high level sporting events and serve the community.

And long-term stadium campaigner John Moore on Saturday said a council plan to source federal funding for a massive upgrade was for the first time ever, “moving in the right direction”.

At the other end of the field, Tim Dykstra and his son Archer said it was great to see footy back in full swing.

His first visit to Barlow Park for a league game, Mr Dykstra said the facilities were great, but there was room for improvement.

Junior cricket at Griffiths Park

“It’s definitely not the biggest stadium but the layout was pretty good. We didn’t have any dramas finding anything or finding a place to sit,” he said.

“They need a big screen for starters … and the lines (for the food) were (not good).”

Mr Dykstra agreed that a new rectangular stadium would be a winner for Cairns.

Cowboys fan Iesha-Jade Matysek said: “I believe that we could definitely do with an upgrade – for sure.”

Junior cricket at Griffiths Park

What do you think of the facilities at Barlow Park? Taken at Barlow Park, 4pm Saturday

Sam Putland, Redlynch

Sam Putland at Barlow Park. Picture: Brendan Radke

It’s been really good so far. We got here early and there was not much of a crowd, there was no line for beers. There could be more shade, but the view is really good.

Scott Whelan, Westcourt

Scott Whelan at Barlow Park. Picture: Brendan Radke

The stadium could do with an upgrade to bring more NRL games here. Upgrade the existing stand and add another one. Townsville has a million dollar stadium, why doesn’t Cairns?

Tshahna Sands-Sexton, Yarrabah

Tshahna Sands-Sexton at Barlow Park. Picture: Brendan Radke

I think that it’s pretty good, I like the view. The facilities are good for food and drinks. I think it needs more shaded seats and an extra grandstand.

Rondell Stafford, Yarrabah

Rondell Stafford at Barlow Park. Picture: Brendan Radke

Overall I think the facilities are good, but at big games they get busy. They should have a grandstand on the hill with covered seating. That would be great for hot days and rainy days.

Originally published as Supporters at Cowboys-Rabbitohs game add voices to push for new world-class Cairns stadium