What needs to happen so Queensland scores NRL Grand Final

Securing the 2021 NRL Grand Final is within Queensland’s grasp. All we need is for the dominoes to fall in our favour. Here’s how it could happen.

QUEENSLAND’S chances of hosting an NRL Grand Final are increasing by the day as the stadiums saga in NSW drags on amid high-level negotiations between the code’s bosses and the Palaszczuk Government.

The Courier-Mail understands the NRL is growing increasingly frustrated with delays and uncertainty over the planned redevelopments of Sydney’s biggest football stadiums, giving Queensland a genuine tilt at hosting the blockbuster decider in 2021.

The revelation comes just days after a high-powered meeting between NRL CEO Todd Greenberg and Queensland Tourism Minister Kate Jones where the duo discussed Brisbane’s chances of hosting a grand final while both ANZ Stadium and Allianz Stadium are out of action due to the NSW government’s controversial $1.5 billion redevelopment plan.

Next year’s grand final has already been confirmed for the SCG – a cricket ground where rugby league fans would need binoculars to watch the action, and there is a growing groundswell of support featuring the voices of some of the game’s biggest names to bring the 2021 decider to Brisbane.

Ms Jones yesterday gave little away after her meeting with Mr Greenberg but reaffirmed Queensland’s desire to pinch the sport’s biggest spectacle from a dithering NSW, which is unlikely to have either Allianz or ANZ Stadium back online by 2021.

“We spoke about an NRL Grand Final in Queensland. Todd tells me he’s still negotiating with the NSW Government who are meant to deliver a stadium by 2021,” said Ms Jones.

“I made Queensland’s case very clear – we want a grand final in Queensland and that the NRL stands to benefit from increased revenue if they move the decider to Suncorp Stadium in 2021.”

Suncorp Stadium is crying out for an NRL Grand Final.

While the NRL is giving the NSW government every chance to salvage the situation, the 2021 grand final now seems almost certain to be held at either the SCG – already an unpopular choice for next year, or an interstate venue.

Sources close to the negotiations believe Queensland is firming as the hosting destination, particularly after showcasing the game’s Magic Round this year with tremendous success.

Mr Greenberg said negotiations were ongoing.

“We will continue to work closely with state governments to find a solution which both recognises the NSW Government’s significant investment in stadia, but also provides the best options for the game and our fans,” he said.

It comes as Rugby League broadcaster Channel 9 wants to kill off an existing NRL club to make way for a new Brisbane team.