NRL’s submission calls for Canberra to invest in stadium like Queensland Country Bank Stadium

The home of the North Queensland Cowboys is being held up as the poster child for rugby league stadiums in small regional cities. Here’s why.

A general view of the crowd is seen during the round four NRL match between North Queensland Cowboys and Gold Coast Titans at Qld Country Bank Stadium on March 25, 2023 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

The home of the North Queensland Cowboys is being held up as the poster child for rugby league stadiums in small regional cities with the NRL urging the country’s capital to take a page out of the North’s playbook.

The NRL has made a submission to a Senate Committee’s inquiry into fostering and promoting the significance of the nation’s capital, suggesting Canberra should follow Townsville’s lead to gain international recognition with major events.

The NRL says that Canberra’s GIO Stadium, which opened in 1977, has “lost its appeal” because it is “no longer fit-for-purpose” and the organisation looks to favour venues like Queensland Country Bank Stadium and Commbank Stadium in Sydney.

Canberra’s GIO Stadium was originally known as Bruce Stadium and was constructed in 1977 for the Pacific Conference Games and was upgraded in 1985 for the Athletics World Cup. Picture: NRL Photos

The submission states that while Townsville and Canberra may be at opposite ends of the country, both cities face similar, if not polar, weather issues.

Townsville’s stadium has been built to withstand cyclonic winds.

Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

“Each city experiences climate conditions that affect people’s willingness to attend a sporting event – high temperatures and wind in Townsville, low temperatures in Canberra,” the submission states.

“Community rugby league in both cities is well established and experiencing participation rate growth.

“Appetite for city regeneration and the re-establishment of a city identity exists.

“The previous Townsville stadium – 1300Smiles Stadium, was located on the outskirts of the city with similar issues to GIO stadium Canberra such as poor access to public transport and amenities.”

The NRL submission states that the stadium was a crucial part of urban revitalisation initiative in the region.

Valentine Holmes of the Cowboys is tackled by Mosese Suli of the Dragons during the round 11 NRL match between North Queensland Cowboys and St George Illawarra Dragons at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on May 13, 2023 in Townsville, Australia. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

Since Queensland Country Bank Stadium opened in February 2020, it has hosted 54 major events including the first State of Origin held outside a capital city.

Next month, it will host the Women’s State of Origin.

North Queensland Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel said the stadium had made a big difference to the club.

He said early Friday night games at the old 1300Smiles Stadium had some of the lowest turnout, but now, they were some of the most popular games.

NQ Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel says home games at the club’s new home ground has invigorated the economic contribution to inner city venues. Picture: Evan Morgan

Mr Reibel said the old stadium was fans’ only destination for the night because it was so isolated, and now that had changed. He said people were driving or using public transport to come to the city before the game and then going out after.

“What’s happening now is a Cowboys game provides an opportunity for three different destinations in one night. So what that does is invigorate the economic contribution to the inner city venues,” Mr Reibel said.

He added that even with the initial backlash from some fans in regards to the lack of parking at the stadium, it was proved that “habits can change”.

Mr Reibel added that the amenities, including the dressing rooms, warm-up spaces and recovery options at the new stadium had made a big difference for the playing group.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk joined NRL CEO Andrew Abdo, Minister Stirling Hinchliffe and local MPs Les Walker, Scott Stewart and Aaron Harper ahead of Origin in Townsville in 2021. Picture: Adam Head

Townsville MP Scott Stewart said the stadium, which was built by the state government, was now the “centrepiece of Townsville”.

“Townsville is the events capital of Northern Australia and we’ve proven that by hosting State of Origin, a Wallabies test match, the Matildas along with many other events at the stadium,” he said.

“Events like this help support local businesses and inject millions of dollars into our economy.”

Mayor Jenny Hill says she hopes Townsville will remain the ‘poster child’ for the NRL. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said she hopes even if Canberra secured a new stadium, the northern city would remain the poster child for the NRL.

“I’d hate sharing that success with anything, but if we’re going to, I think Canberra is a good place to start,” Cr Hill said.

She added that the council had put a lot of effort into developing entertainment and food options, like Townsville Eats, in the city on major event nights.

“With the big games like the Storm, Brisbane … we get a lot of people coming up from interstate,” Cr Hill said.

“So that has given us an opportunity to expose the city.

“Having the Eats … it means that it creates a party atmosphere, but a safe party atmosphere, and I think that’s really important to show people, particularly visitors that this is a great part of the world.”

Originally published as NRL’s submission calls for Canberra to invest in stadium like Queensland Country Bank Stadium