NRL 2023: Rugby league the loser after poor scheduling as Broncos clash with Matildas vs Nigeria

Move aside Broncos, there’s a bigger star in town. The NRL has clearly underestimated the pulling power of the Matildas, who are set to dominate the Brisbane box office after a stunning clash.

Watch out Broncos, there’s some new stars in town! The Matildas are set to beat out the Broncos in Brisbane this week. Picture: Getty Images.

Move aside Reece Walsh … there’s a bigger star in town.

They are called the Matildas soccer team and they have the Broncos measure … for a second time.

Not only have the Broncos had to vacate their home ground Suncorp Stadium during the Women’s World Cup, they will this week lose the box office showdown with the huge drawing Matildas as well.

In a schedule clash which is either naïve, arrogant or unduly dismissive, the NRL has programmed the Broncos Thursday night match against the Roosters at the Gabba in direct competition to the Matildas’ sold-out clash against Nigeria a few kilometres away at Suncorp Stadium.

Watch out Broncos, there’s some new stars in town! The Matildas are set to beat out the Broncos in Brisbane this week. Picture: Getty Images.

Many fans who wanted to go to both games are disappointed and that old saying – rugby league was the winner – does not apply on this occasion.

The Matildas have sold out the 55,000 capacity Suncorp while the Broncos are likely to get around half that many at the Gabba.

The World Cup draw came out first – in last October – so league were the ones that had to make the choice of whether they got out of the road of Matildas or took them on.

Olympic gold medallist Natalie Cook – who supports both the Matildas and the Broncos – is heading to Suncorp.

The Matildas have kicked the Broncos out of Suncorp Stadium, who will play at the Gabba instead. Picture: Supplied.

“I am going to the Matildas and I also flew down to Sydney to see their opening game,’’ Cook said.

“I am a Broncos fan but when it comes to a clash the green and gold of Australia will always take preference.

“I am not sure whether this clash is by accident or design but it’s a shame. The popularity of the Matildas transcends the sport they play.

“I was at a function the other day and saw (Queensland captain) Daly Cherry-Evans wearing a Sam Kerr jersey with his girls who I would say want to play for the Matildas.

“The Matildas have sold more jerseys than the Australian men’s team.’’

The NRL has scheduled the Broncos to clash with the sold-out Matildas vs Nigeria clash. Picture: Getty Images.

The Roosters clash is a career highpoint for Broncos forward Kobe Hetherington, 24, who will celebrate his 50th NRL game.

“It feels good to hit the 50,’’ Hetherington said.

“It’s something I’ve dreamed of being a kid just to play NRL.’’

Hetherington, son of flint-hard forward Jason, was born in the tiny central Queensland town of Baralaba and conceded he may have spent his working life in the mines had his football career faltered.

“Yeah that’s it, that’s what every country boy sort of does out here, if you don’t make footy you just go to the mines, and work.

“It’s been a pretty long journey, right up to my debut. There was a few times there I wanted to go out into the mines but I’m glad I stuck with it.

“I’ve got my old boy to thank for that. He got me through the tough times.’’