Mackay’s NRL bid hinges on SEQ lockdowns

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said he would love to host ‘as many games as we possibly can’ as the NRL waits on government decision.

Mackay’s opportunity to host a second NRL game will hinge on the state government’s decision surrounding the ongoing lockdown in South East Queensland.

The region secured the rights to host two NRL games at BB Print Stadium, with the Sydney Roosters and Parramatta Eels clash the first of the matches Mackay was promised.

Tom Opacic of the Eels takes on Adam Keighran of the Roosters during the round 20 NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Parramatta Eels at BB Print Stadium, on July 29, 2021, in Mackay, Australia. Picture: Albert Perez – Getty Images

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said he was still positive the region would be rewarded with a second match.

“At this stage we don’t know, should the lockdown be lifted on Sunday we expect the NRL will desire to have games played in regional Queensland,” he said.

“We’re working to secure as many games as we possibly can, but the decision depends on how much further the Covid spread happens.”

Mackay’s first NRL game since 2013 was a major success, with tickets sold out within an hour after going on sale.

Fans during the round 20 NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Parramatta Eels at BB Print Stadium, on July 29, 2021, in Mackay, Australia. Picture: Albert Perez – Getty Images

Cr Williamson said the NRL feedback gave him optimism of hosting more games in the future.

“Feedback from the NRL as well as Channel 9 was exceptional, I’m exceptionally proud of our team and community to put that on in a week,” he said.

“I received many messages from people all around Australia saying it looked tremendous, and that people were very proud Mackay was displayed in that way.

“We’ve never had that opportunity to promote Mackay on this scale before, we had advertisements throughout the eastern seaboard.”

Sitili Tupouniua of the Roosters celebrates with team mates after scoring a try during the round 20 NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Parramatta Eels at BB Print Stadium, on July 29, 2021, in Mackay, Australia. Picture: Albert Perez – Getty Images

Cr Williamson said he would welcome any team to the region.

“I will take whatever we can get because I’m sure whoever plays here will get the same experience that Sydney and Parramatta got, and the Mackay community will support whoever comes,” he said.

“We’ve had the Cowboys here before and it’d be great to host them again, but the exposure that comes with hosting interstate teams is also tremendous.”

James Tedesco of the Roosters looks to pass the ball during the round 20 NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Parramatta Eels at BB Print Stadium, on July 29, 2021, in Mackay, Australia. Picture: Albert Perez – Getty Images