The Sunshine Coast is ready to stage its first ever NRL finals game, just two years after hosting its first regular season match.
Reigning premiers Melbourne Storm will collide with Manly Sea Eagles at Sunshine Coast Stadium in a qualifying final, on Friday (7.50pm kick-off).
The event will put the region in the spotlight.
“Our Sunshine Coast has a proud history of hosting major events,” Sunshine Coast Council economy portfolio holder Jason O’Pray said.
“Hosting a NRL final is a great opportunity to boost our tourism industry, attracting Queensland visitors ahead of the school holidays.”
Cr O’Pray said the clash would provide a much-needed conversion for the local business community, while bringing us closer together to celebrate sport.
“Finals footy is the perfect opportunity to show your support by buying local and shopping local,” he said. “Starting with buying your ticket to join history as we host our region’s first final NRL match.
“Interstate and overseas fans won’t miss out with the match being broadcast, beaming our Sunshine Coast into the homes of hundreds of thousands of people.”
Other finals games will be held at Townsville and Rockhampton this weekend.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said they wanted to reward regional Queensland areas for the role they have played in keeping the season going, amid COVID-19 restrictions.
He said rugby league was “part of the social fabric” of the communities chosen to host matches.
“We’re excited to reward them for that support by hosting the first week of our finals series,” he said.
“Through adversity comes opportunity and we’re delighted to give back to these regions with the rare opportunity to host semi-final games.
“We’re also continuing to work with the Queensland Government about playing in regional Queensland for week two.”
“This will be a very unique finals series knowing that teams will not have the usual home ground advantage.
“It will be especially important for members and supporters of the teams in Queensland to attend the games and give their teams the edge at a home away from home.”
Since the Sunshine Coast’s first NRL game in 2019 (Rabbitohs v Warriors), the region has played host to 15 NRL games and two Women’s State of Origin matches.
The Storm, who are minor premiers, have played at the venue on nine occasions and are yet to lose there.
Their No.9 Harry Grant is poised for his first finals game.
The 23-year-old played for the Sunshine Coast Falcons before starring for the Storm and the Maroons.
“It’s different and exciting,” he said.
“I was pretty lucky that I played a bit of Queensland Cup finals, so took some lessons out of playing finals with the Sunny Coast in 2019.
“But I have also tried to pick the brains of a few of the senior guys, especially the coaches, like Ryan Hinchcliffe and Bellyache (Craig Bellamy).
“I’m expecting the game to go up a few levels (from a regular season match).
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“All the boys are talking about how hard these types of games are – a lot faster, a lot more physical, and there’s a lot to play for, so I’m excited to play in finals.”
Grant was wary of the Sea Eagles, who thrashed the Eels on the Sunshine Coast in August and finished the home-and-away campaign in fourth place.
“They’ve got a lot of strike and strength in their side, but so do we,” he said.
“We’ll prepare well, have a good week and hopefully play well.”
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Grant said they needed to shut down dangerous fullback Tom Trbojevic.
“Everyone knows how well he is playing at the moment and what he can do,” he said.
“It’s up to us to nullify his position and impact on the game, so he’ll feature in a lot of video (analysis) this week but hopefully we can nullify his opportunities and take ours.”
The Storm played against the Sea Eagles at Sunshine Coast Stadium last year, when they won 30-6.
The qualifying final will be a COVID Safe event, which will align with Queensland Health directions.
Gates are open from 6.15pm, with kick-off at 7.50pm. For ticketing information go here.
Finals week 1 schedule
Friday, September 10
- Qualifying final: Melbourne v Manly, 7.50pm at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
Saturday, September 11
- Elimination final: Sydney Roosters v Gold Coast, 5.40pm at Queensland Country Bank. Stadium
- Qualifying final: Penrith v South Sydney, 7.50pm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Sunday, September 12
- Elimination final: Parramatta v Newcastle, 4.05pm at Browne Park, Rockhampton.
