Mackay a ‘fantastic’ hosting city for NRL, deserves more games

Mackay has played a pivotal role in the survival of the NRL season, and the regional city has now earned the right to host permanent fixtures each year.

Mackay’s NRL hosting duties have finished for 2021, but the taste of elite football has developed a hunger for future games in the rugby league community.

BB Print Stadium held three regular-season and two semi-final matches, with the spectacle and entertainment improving with every game.

And businesses through the region benefiting from the economic boon.

Give us a sporting chance — the Mackay Daily Mercury is campaigning to overhaul our sports precinct and get us ready for the world stage.

Mackay resident and Brisbane Broncos fan Leo Morrison said he would love to watch more games live, with the Sea Eagles and Roosters clash on Friday his first NRL final.

“It would be so good to get some more games,” he said.

“If we can get another stand that can seat more people we’d fill it every time, everyone here loves the footy and it’s been awesome to have so much in Mackay.

“I think we’ve earned it.”

Broncos fan Leo Morrison (left), Panthers supporter Lailani Morrison and Broncos boy George Morrison at the Manly Sea Eagles v Sydney Roosters NRL semi final match at BB Print Stadium, Mackay, September 17, 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

Penrith Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary said the facilities were “amazing”.

“As much as we would’ve loved to play that game in Sydney we’re obviously really grateful that we were able to play it at all,” he said.

“I was actually pretty surprised, the ground out there was amazing, especially after a game the night before.

“The field was really awesome, and to bring it up to Mackay is great for the game and the crowd was really good tonight, it really heightened the intensity of the game.”

Nathan Cleary of the Panthers thanks fans after the NRL Semi-final match between Penrith Panthers and Parramatta Eels at BB Print Stadium on September 18, 2021 in Mackay, Australia. Picture: Matt Roberts

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said the Mackay fans created an atmosphere that was “fantastic”.

“It was awesome, it’s just a shame it wasn’t 50,000 people,” he said.

“The crowd was really into it, it was great, and I thought the surfaces were as good as anywhere in Australia.”

The positive responses from Cleary and Sydney coach Trent Robinson about their sides’ experiences in Mackay bode well for the region’s chance to secure NRL matches in 2022.

With a potential expansion to BB Print Stadiums grandstands on the cards, hosting regular NRL fixtures may not be far behind.

Nathan Cleary of the Panthers thanks fans after the NRL Semi-final match between Penrith Panthers and Parramatta Eels at BB Print Stadium on September 18, 2021 in Mackay, Australia. Picture: Matt Roberts