NRL 2022: Queensland makes clear its desire to host the NRL grand final

A decision on the location of the NRL grand final remains up in the air just three weeks from the end of the season.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has gone official with her pitch for Brisbane to host the NRL grand final again as a decision looms on the location less than 50 days before the decider.

The ARL Commission is set to meet on Wednesday night in Sydney to discuss the October 2 decider after frosty negotiations with the NSW governments put Queensland in the running to host the showpiece event at Suncorp Stadium for the second year in a row.

While the NSW government struck a deal in 2018 to keep the NRL grand final in Sydney until 2042, it was contingent on an $800m upgrade of Accor Stadium, which was pushed back due to the pandemic.

More agreements around funding for suburban grounds have also been abandoned, which has moved ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys to open the door for Queensland and Palaszczuk has declared her state wants the game.

“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?” Palaszczuk said on Wednesday.

“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.”

It's 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? #NRLGF

— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) August 16, 2022

“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.”

ARL commissioner Kate Jones told Brisbane a report that Queensland was now the frontrunner to host the game was accurate.

“Obviously, we’ve continued to negotiate in good faith with the NSW government around this long-term standing agreement we had … we’re continuing to do so right up until today,” Jones told ABC Radio in Brisbane.

“But also the chairman’s made it very plain that for footy fans we need to have a location so we can get tickets out to the market and people can come along and secure their place to be a part of what will be a really thrilling grand final.”