Mackay secures two 2021 NRL semi-final matches

Mackay’s worst kept secret is out. Fans are expected to fly and drive from all over Queensland in what is tipped as a huge boon for the sugar city. Here’s what we know.

Three NRL footy matches seemed an impossible dream two months ago but the host run is not over with Mackay securing semi-finals action.

BB Print Stadium will increase capacity for final matches on Friday September 17 and Saturday September 18, both at 7.50pm.

Teams will be announced after this weekend of finals.

Tickets go on sale today at 4pm online only through the MECC website.

The delivery of the first two matches at BB Print Stadium has been widely praised, with the state of the pitch and event organisation considered factors in our favour for more games.

Mackay successfully delivered the Roosters v Eels game on July 29 and the Raiders v Warriors match on August 27.

Dylan Brown of the Eels is tackled during the round 20 NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Parramatta Eels at BB Print Stadium in Mackay. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

The Raiders and Roosters faced off Thursday night at BB Print, rounding out the hat-trick of top-class NRL action in Mackay.

It was there Roosters coach Trent Robinson said he “definitely” expected to return to the sugar city for finals.

“The thing I love about coming up here is there’s footy fans from all over, so you see all different jerseys, you don’t have to wear Roosters or the Raiders jerseys, you can wear whatever jersey you support because you’re a rugby league lover,” he said.

“So you see all different jerseys in the crowd and they love their footy, I know they’re excited to have NRL games here and they turn up.

“So it’s been great to come up here and just see the genuine people who love watching footy and come out and watch it and enjoy it.

“I remember coming up here for a trial, we played the Cowboys up here at the start of 2017 with some of these guys, and it’s been great.

“We were happy to come up here again after the trip versus Parramatta, so it was good to come out here again and play.

“It’s been good coming to the regional areas and Queensland has treated us really well and we need to pay it back by moving to some different areas so we’ll do that.”

Give Us A Game – our pitch for an NRL game in Mackay.

But when asked, the NRL said it could not yet confirm or deny the matches now considered the worst-kept secret in Mackay.

Extra seating that arrived on s truck at BB Print Stadium leant further credibility to Mackay’s worst kept secret – that semi-finals are a real possibility.

A truck with extra seating arrived at BB Print Stadium on Sunday ahead of what is expected to be two NRL semi-final matches. Picture: Matthew Forrest

Mackay has impressed the NRL hierarchy with how the games have come together and healthy broadcast figures for the July 29 and August 27 clashes.

Once confirmed, fans will be encouraged to book through the MECC online rather than through the box office unless they have special access requirements.

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said securing the NRL finals games was massive news for the region.

“We’ve already been able to showcase Mackay through the three NRL games we secured late in the season, including this Friday’s Raiders and Roosters game in the final round,’’ he said.

“Being selected by the NRL to host two finals matches is a vote of confidence in Mackay’s ability to host big sporting spectacles.

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said you couldn’t buy better advertising for Mackay than hosting the two matches that are broadcast to more than 100,000 viewers. Picture: Heidi Petith

“Not only will the finals games again put Mackay on a national stage, they will also strengthen our relationship with the NRL, with a view to hosting future regular season games here.

“We’re currently working on planning for our South Mackay Sports Precinct and the BB Print Stadium masterplan.

“These NRL finals games set this sporting hub up for future success.”

The Daily Mercury campaigned to get us a game in Mackay but to potentially get five games is a testament to the people getting the grounds ready, increasing capacity and working with Channel 9.

Queensland is also fighting to land a “bush bonus’’ for fans during fierce negotiations to host this year’s NRL grand final.

The crowd is seen during the round 24 NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Canberra Raiders at BB Print Stadium in Mackay. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

The Queensland Government is understood to have told NRL powerbrokers it wants a rural spin-off as part of any deal to host the 2021 decider.

The government has asked whether NRL games could be taken to the state’s regions, to places such as Mackay and Rockhampton next season, no matter what the Covid situation is at that time.

As the NRL continues to negotiate with the Queensland government on the anticipated announcement that Suncorp Stadium will host a historic first-ever grand final outside of NSW, it has been revealed it will not be used during the first week of the finals.

The Sunshine Coast, Townsville and Rockhampton set to host finals matches for the first time.

Chad Townsend of the Warriors is tackled during the round 24 NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Canberra Raiders at BB Print Stadium in Mackay. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

Minor premiers the Storm are poised to launch the 2021 final series against either the fourth-place Sea Eagles on Friday night at Sunshine Coast Stadium.