Olympics stadium clash: How new Victoria Park stadium and Suncorp snubbing could put NRL’s Magic Round at risk

A new 63,000-seat Olympic stadium could leave much-needed Suncorp Stadium upgrade funding high and dry, possibly putting the NRL’s Magic Round at risk.

ARLC boss Peter V’landys urged the Queensland government not to forget rugby league, saying the future of Magic Round and a possible NRL grand final hinged on an upgrade of Olympic outcast Suncorp Stadium.

A popular discussion point of The Courier-Mail’s Future Brisbane Olympic venue announcement was Suncorp Stadium being snubbed as an Olympic event host.

It was a far cry from a year ago when it was initially chosen to host the opening and closing ceremonies.

By contrast, the NRL’s key rival, AFL, have been given the supreme prize of a new 63,000 seat stadium at Victoria Park which they will use post Games.

Newcastle Knights fan Madison Miller and Parramatta Eels fan Abel Worthing travelled to Brisbane for Magic Round last year. Picture: Richard Walker

Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Jarrod Bleijie insisted Suncorp Stadium would not be forgotten and would be funded separately.

V’landys has immediately put the pressure back on the Queensland government to ensure that Suncorp, which had its last renovation two decades ago and is considered in need of a facelift, is not forgotten.

“We will be welcoming an announcement as surely the Queensland government won’t forget the most watched sport in Australia,” V’landys said.

“One of Queensland’s major events is Magic Round.

“For Queensland to retain Magic Round, and have any chance of having a grand final, that is all contingent on Suncorp Stadium also getting a major upgrade.

“We have no problem with other sports receiving funding for stadiums but don’t forget the No. 1 sport in Australia.

“Rugby league has to be given the same opportunity.”

Suncorp Stadium for Day 3 of NRL Magic Round, Sunday, May 19, 2024 – Picture: Richard Walker

The premiership winning Lions are now a serious threat to Broncos in the popularity stakes with regular sellouts of the 35,000 capacity Gabba.

For matches against high quality opponents the Lions could fit in an extra 10,000 and they believe they will be able to fill the Victoria Park Stadium when it opens for football after the Games.

Cricket is also celebrating the new stadium because the tiring Gabba had slipped down to No 5 in the pecking order of Test grounds in Australia.

Cricket may have to sacrifice a Test or two in the lead-up to 2032 but will then be in good shape to host a Test every summer.

Originally published as Olympics stadium clash: How new Victoria Park stadium and Suncorp snubbing could put NRL’s Magic Round at risk