CQ Bid Team Flags NRL Games For Mackay

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26 June 2009

MACKAY could play host to NRL games - not just a once-a-year trial match - should a Central Queensland-based team be accepted into an expanded NRL competition.

That was the message today from Geoff Murphy, the high profile Rockhampton businessman who heads up the CQ NRL Bid Team, which held its Mackay Regional Launch in front of local civic leaders, prominent businessmen and Mackay rugby league identities.

“A Central Queensland-based NRL team would have to seriously look at the possibility of playing home games in Mackay,” Mr Murphy told the audience at the Mackay Grande Suites.

“Admittedly, the team would be based in Rockhampton but as far as I am concerned, I could see every chance of matches - not just trial matches - being played here in Mackay, should Mackay have a suitable facility that met the NRL’s strict criteria for hosting NRL matches.

“Of course, we first need a stadium in Rockhampton to have any chance of getting off the ground but I have no doubt that with community spirit, even in spite of the current economic climate, a regional stadium can be delivered to accommodate a CQ-based NRL team.”

Mr Murphy said Mackay had strong representation on the bid team in the form of local businessman and league identities Steve Dowden and Ken Weir, as well as Jason Costigan, the Mackay-raised rugby league commentator who is driving the project out of Mr Murphy’s office.

“Although Rockhampton is the base city of our bid, Mackay is very important to our success, given the region’s economic power and rich history in rugby league, including its outstanding capacity to produce some of the game’s brightest stars and biggest names,” he said.

“From Slade Point to Hay Point, Sarina to St Lawrence and Mirani to Moranbah, we need the people of the Mackay region to show their support. It’s a chance to develop a new pathway for local juniors while also giving Mackay people the chance to see NRL football every weekend.”

[Dobby03]

I'm thinking that Rockhampton is more suited for the venture. It is the CENTRAL QLD capital, and it has a better infrastructure for the bid with the NRL, i.e. close to all the public amentiies, more than enough catering and accommodation facilities, but most importantly, it lies within the heartland of fair dinkum Central Queenslander's. What more can I say? QUEENSLANDER!!!

[~HG~]