Toowoomba NRL match: Mayor Paul Antonio, Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Rohl push for 15k-seat stadium after Canterbury Bulldogs deal

The news of a special agreement between the Western Clydesdales and a major NRL club have sparked fresh calls for a new 15,000-seat stadium in Toowoomba.

Mayor Paul Antonio and Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Rohl react to news of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs signing an agreement with the Western Clydesdales.

Toowoomba’s political and business leaders have renewed calls for a new 15,000-seat sports stadium, after the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs announced a plan to bring an annual NRL game to the city within two years.

The Sydney club on Wednesday announced a three-year affiliation with the Western Clydesdales from 2023, a massive boost for Toowoomba as it looks to re-enter the HostPlus Cup from next year.

Clydesdales chairman Tony Coonan said the Bulldogs could bring an annual match to Toowoomba from as early as 2024.

Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio said he had been in discussions with both the NRL and the Bulldogs, adding it boosted the need for a larger stadium.

“I think it’s important we have that association, it will allow the Clydesdales to upgrade their skills and go from there,” he said.

“They’ve chosen well, and they’ve chosen to come to an area with amazing rugby league history.

“To think they’ll use our stadium is going to be a benefit to our city.

“We need to have a long-term dream of a major stadium, I wouldn’t know where that stadium ought to be, but Toowoomba deserves a 15,000-seat stadium.”

Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Rohl said the agreement would deliver millions to the region, saying it put a deadline on securing an upgraded stadium.

“What we know from the previous involvement with the NRL is how games can deliver millions in economic benefits to the community,” he said.

“This is the catalyst to bring forward a new stadium for the city, which the Toowoomba Chamber has been asking for many years.”