Ten regional centres will host an NRL game in 2022 but Rockhampton is not one of them

Management of Browne Park’s Rob Crow responds after city is overlooked, despite successfully hosting three NRL fixtures this year.

St George and the North Queensland Cowboys faced off at Rockhampton’s Browne Park in their Round 24 NRL game on August 28 this year. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Rugby league powerbroker Rob Crow is asking for a “please explain” after Rockhampton was not allocated an NRL game in season 2022.

Games have been allocated to 10 regional centres, including Mackay and Bundaberg, in the draw which was released on Tuesday.

But Rockhampton - which this year successfully hosted three NRL games, including a semi-final - was overlooked.

St George Dragons and the North Queensland Cowboys faced off in the Round 24 NRL match at Rockhampton’s Browne Park on August 28, 2021. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Crow, who is from the Management of Browne Park, said he was “disappointed” by the snub.

He also said he was unaware that the NRL was planning to play games outside their traditional venues next year.

“As far as I knew, they were going back to normal next year so there were no games on offer,” he said.

“There were never any discussions about if we were interested or not.

“I’ve sent an email to the NRL to see what process had taken place and if we were considered, why we weren’t provided with a game.

Rob Crow from the Management of Browne Park is disappointed that Rockhampton will not host an NRL game in 2022.

“Mackay has been given a game but we went out of our way just as much as they did to host games this year.

“They have got a newer stadium than us but that can’t be an excuse not to place games here.”

Crow said Rockhampton had a proven track record and all the feedback from the NRL about the city’s ability to host games had been positive.

The redevelopment of Browne Park is set to start in late 2022.

Capacity will be increased to 10,000, with initial plans including a western grandstand with seating for up to 4,000 spectators, upgraded player and media rooms, new lighting towers, better catering, and toilets.