Grand final debates on new turf

THE Caloundra RSL Cup grand final could be played at the newly built Stockland Park stadium later this year.

The Crushers train at Nambour Showgrounds before last year’s grand final. The 2011 decider may have a new venue. Picture: Jason Dougherty

THE Caloundra RSL Cup grand final could be played at the newly built Stockland Park stadium later this year with Sunshine Coast Gympie Rugby League officials set to decide on a venue for the decider this week.

SCGRL chief James Ward yesterday confirmed to the Daily the venue had been “tentatively booked” for the September 10 match.

A decision is likely to be made tomorrow night at an association board meeting on whether the premiership matches should be moved from the Nambour Showgrounds.

Ward said the booking was made to ensure the facility, which is expected to be completed by July, wasn't booked for another event.

“It'll be the premier facility on the Coast with the grandstand and the playing surface always comes up good,” he said.

“We didn't want someone to come in and book it which is why we made the booking but it's not confirmed yet.”

The Kawana stadium will seat more than 1000 spectators and has four dressing rooms and function areas. Additional demountable stands are also at the ground.

The showgrounds, which are considered to be the home of rugby league in the region, are still an option but Ward said increasingly stringent conditions on hosting events had made it a difficult venue to use and the view for spectators wasn't ideal due to how far the field was from the stands.

“We had one of the biggest crowds we've ever had there last year,” he said. “But time doesn't stand still. Things progress and we have to look at other avenues.”

Ward said it was possible junior finals could be played on the Friday night with the senior deciders to be held on the Saturday.

Originally published as Grand final debates on new turf