Our say: Massive Toowoomba NRL match to deliver for local economy, attract future crowds

“The immediate benefits of the game will be measurable by the money spent in and the around the stadium. As the for the long-terms benefits – they’re a little harder, but no less important.”

Young supporters (from left) Josh Hillman, Derrilin Duncan and Boston Thomas (with the flag) as the Dragons take on the Roosters in Toowoomba's NRL round at Clive Berghofer Stadium. Picture: Kevin Farmer

You didn’t have to look far to see the NRL was in town on Sunday.

The cafes in Toowoomba’s CBD and Queens Park’s open spaces were awash with red, white and blue as fans made their way to the game.

And if that wasn’t proof enough that the decision to bring the Dragons and Roosters to town was the right one – a packed Clive Berghofer Stadium was.

The NRL game has been the talk of the town all week, and the excitement levels reached fever pitch shortly before 2pm on Sunday.

With a roar, the more than 7000-strong crowd welcomed the start of the game between the two Sydney clubs.

At the break down of play and during halftime the fans in the crowd were happy to share their thoughts.

Attending the game was potentially a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to see an NRL game and more importantly their team in action.

An opportunity too good to pass up.

The immediate benefits of the game will be measurable by the money spent in and the around the stadium.

As the for the long-terms benefits – they’re a little harder to measure but no less important.

Yesterday’s game is proof once again we can do the job.

Proof that we are a rugby league heartland and deserving of more attention from the QRL, NRL and State Government

Toowoomba should have two things.

A better stadium and an Intrust Super Cup team.

The State Government can help with the stadium, and with the 2032 Olympics just down the road that is a must.

Hopefully the QRL and the Toowoomba community can find a way to bring a “cup” team back.

The community has done well – buying tickets and getting behind the game – now we need to build on that.

Let’s go, Toowoomba.