Cairns wants to host an A-League game ‘every two years’

AHEAD of Brisbane’s clash with Wellington in far north Queensland, Cairns council wants to stage an A-League game in the city at least every two years.

Membres of the Brisbane Roar A League soccer team attend a meet and greet at Endeavour Park ahead of their match against the Wellington Phoenix at Cazalys on Saturday. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

CAIRNS wants to stage an A-League game at least every second year.

For the first time since the inception of the competition in 2005, the far north Queensland city will host a top-flight football game when Brisbane Roar host Wellington Phoenix at Cazalys Stadium.

A crowd upwards of 7000 is expected, with the Roar hoping for more than 10,000.

Councillor Max O’Halloran, a sports lover who played Australian rules football for Footscray and Carlton in the 1970s, will be among the crowd and hopes the A-League can join the AFL and the NRL as a regular visitor to Cairns.

“Every two years,” O’Halloran said at a function honouring the Roar’s visit to the tropical city.

O’Halloran was mindful of the fact that as Queensland’s only A-League club, the Roar were probably obliged to also visit other cities when considering playing future games outside Brisbane.

With regular home ground Suncorp Stadium regularly hosting concerts during the summer months and the subsequent returfing that is required at the Milton venue, there is every chance the Roar could continue to play one home game a season at a regional centre.

There is also the possibility of the Roar being the away team at an A-League game in Queensland should interstate clubs look to broker a game deal with a regional council.

The Roar have been in Cairns since Wednesday, mixing promotional appearances with their training schedule.

Roar chief executive David Pourre was heartened by the reception the team had received since arriving and was open to the idea of returning in the event of Suncorp Stadium being unavailable.

The Phoenix did not arrive until yesterday (FRIDAY) and are tipped to struggle with the heat and humidity that is bound to be a factor in today’s game, which starts at 4.15pm.

Roar flyer Henrique, who enjoys the heat, said: “I don’t know how the Phoenix are preparing, but it (the hot conditions) will affect the game, so we have prepared really well.’’

Originally published as Cairns wants to host an A-League game ‘every two years’