NRL grand final 2022: Queensland’s big push for Suncorp Stadium to host decider
The battle for the NRL grand final remains in the balance after a three-hour meeting of the ARL Commission failed to deliver a verdict on whether NSW or Queensland will host the decider.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The desperate battle for the NRL grand final remains in the balance after the ARL Commission again delayed a decision on rugby league’s showpiece event.
News Corp can reveal a marathon three-hour meeting of the ARL Commission failed to deliver a decisive verdict on whether Queensland or NSW will host this year’s NRL grand final.
The NRL has come under fire with furious league fans demanding an urgent answer on Wednesday night as supporters attempt to book flights and accommodation for the marquee decider.
It is understood a final call will be made within 24 hours as the ARLC mulls over a late charge from the Queensland government following a breakdown in talks between chair Peter V’landys and the NSW government.
The Queensland government wants to stage up to three NRL grand finals before the 2032 Olympics and that is a key plank of their $10 million pitch to ambush their NSW counterparts and steal more marquee deciders for Suncorp Stadium.
Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Before Wednesday night’s ARLC meeting, NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said the decision may yet be delayed another day as League Central weighs up Queensland’s audacious late surge.
“No, we won’t necessarily have a decision today,” he said.
“This is a really important decision and the commission needs to consider all elements.
“We are still in active negotiations. We want to resolve the matter as quickly as possible. I think everybody wants certainty now. The commission has important decisions to make. There will be a meeting later today and no doubt there will be further meetings to go.
“We will announce this when the commission is ready and has all the information.”
Asked to nominate the frontrunner, Abdo said: “I am not in a position to say who the frontrunner is.
“We obviously have strong interest from the Queensland government – for a number of years.
“We’re in active dialogue with the NSW government. The commission needs to consider everything in front of them and make a call.”
On Wednesday morning, premier Palaszczuk threw her support behind Suncorp’s bid as pressure mounts on the NSW government in the fight for the grand final.
News Corp understands the Queensland government is rated a “60-40 chance” to pull off a $10m Suncorp Stadium heist — and if they succeed, it won’t be the only NRL grand final in their sights.
The Olympics is a decade away and during that time, Queensland government chiefs want two or three NRL deciders to demonstrate their pulling power ahead of world sport’s greatest showpiece.
ARLC chairman V’landys revealed the final call is on a “knife’s edge” after another round of high-powered negotiations with the NSW and Queensland governments on Tuesday.
The NSW government has been at war with V’landys for the past fortnight after premier Dominic Perrottet revealed an $800 million suburban stadium funding plan was in jeopardy due to the southern state’s flood crisis.
Despite the war of words, the NSW government was tipped to clinch the 2022 grand final given the NRL’s contractual commitment to stage the decider in Sydney until 2042.
But in a stunning 11th-hour twist, the ARL Commission is leaning towards awarding the NRL grand final to Queensland’s Suncorp Stadium for the second consecutive year.
Palaszczuk confirmed in parliament on Wednesday morning that the Queensland Government was officially bidding for the decider.
“We all know Queensland is the place to be for good jobs, better services and a great lifestyle,” she said.
“If that includes hosting this year’s NRL grand final, then I say ‘you beauty’.
“It is no secret the NRL is considering a new home for this year’s grand final. Why not Brisbane for the second year in a row?
“Big events fill hotels, cafes, restaurants and put a big smile on cabbies’ faces.
“The economic boost from Magic Round, another Queensland innovation, has made it one of the most valuable properties in Australian sport, with benefits that flow throughout the economy.
“The NRL knows Queensland is a safe pair of hands and there are no greater fans of rugby league than the current State of Origin champions – Queensland.
“What I remember from that night, apart from the Maroons’ courageous win, was the streets and businesses filled with fans, and hospitality and other workers earning a living.
“This has been a Queensland story since Covid. A strong health response that has paved the way for the strongest economic recovery in the nation. Events like Origin, including in Townsville, have all played a part.
“The decision about where this year’s grand final should be is for rugby league to make, and rugby league alone. Peter V’landys is a friend to Queensland, a fan of Queensland and man of his word. I’ve always found him very good to deal with and I know that respect is returned.
“My government is always open to opportunities that will help us provide good jobs, better services and great Queensland lifestyle.
“For now the scoreboard reads – decision pending. Let’s hope the Bunker makes the call we are hoping for ... for Queensland, the heartland of rugby league.”
It is understood that the latest increased offer from NSW is still less profitable to the NRL than what was on the table from Queensland.
That scenario would come as a crushing blow for Perrottet and the NSW government, which has until midday on Wednesday to table a palatable final counter offer — or risk losing the grand final to the Sunshine State.
Well-placed sources have told News Corp that as it stands, the Queensland government has edged ahead of their NSW counterparts. In boxing parlance, Queensland is ahead on points, but the NSW government may yet deliver a knockout blow.
Mindful of Queensland’s increasing threat, the NSW government upped the ante in the last 24 hours with an increased offer, but V’landys’ fractured relationship with Perrotet has opened the door for Suncorp Stadium.
Palaszczuk came to the rescue of the NRL last season during the Covid crisis and if the NSW government drops the ball politically, Suncorp will celebrate back-to-back deciders.
Contrary to a Sydney media report that up to $7 million in extra revenue would be made by hosting the grand final in Sydney, News Corp understands shifting the flagship event to Brisbane would actually deliver the NRL more money - to the tune of $10m.
It is understood the extra revenue would be derived largely from better stadium hiring terms.
V’landys insisted talks had been conducted in good faith despite claims on Monday night that the grand final would remain in Sydney, which the ARLC chairman labelled erroneous.
That report was the latest episode in what has become a delicate negotiation involving V’landys, NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo, Perrottet and new NSW sports minister Alister Henskens.
At the heart of the issue is the state government’s decision to backflip on a promise to fund upgrade story suburban grounds.
In return for a long-term commitment to play the grand final in Sydney, the state government had promised to provide funds to upgrade Leichhardt Oval, 4 Pines Park on Sydney’s northern beaches and Pointsbet Stadium at Cronulla.
That commitment is now in jeopardy after the state government said they needed the money for emergency funding for flood relief.
South Sydney have been caught up in the drama as well as they attempt to negotiate a return to Allianz Stadium – they are locked into a long term deal at Accor Stadium.
The NSW government are regarded as favourites to retain the NRL decider, although the Commission has a strong representation of Queenslanders who would no doubt take great delight in moving the grand final for the second year in succession.
“The new sports minister has been good to deal with,” V’landys said.
“It has been done in good spirits. It’s not as if we have been at war with each other. I think people are trying to paint it in a different way to what it is.
“The discussions in the last week have been in good faith.”
Join the conversation
Kangaroos selection shocks: NRL legends’ Test careers appear over
Mal Meninga has dropped a major selection bombshell by overlooking both James Tedesco and Kalyn Ponga for Kangaroos selection, with the list of surprise omissions and debutants not ending there. See the full squad.
Read more
‘Bewildering’: Decision to omit Kernick from Jillaroos slammed
Sydney Roosters star and women’s Dally M winner Olivia Kernick has been overlooked for Test selection as coach Brad Donald shakes up a squad which lost its last match to the Kiwis.
Read more