The NRL is back on Rockhampton's radar with Browne Park set to host a game from both Round 23 and Round 24 of the National Rugby League (NRL) Telstra Premiership.
The Round 23 game between Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and Wests Tigers will be held on Saturday 21 August, with the Round 24 game between St George Illawarra Dragons and North Queensland Cowboys to be held on Saturday 28 August.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said history is being made with not one but two NRL premiership games to be held in the Rockhampton Region.
"We are absolutely thrilled to be hosting Round 23 and Round 24 of the NRL premiership right here in Rockhampton, providing an incredible opportunity for our community to embrace the NRL in their own backyard," Mayor Williams said.
"The Round 20 match (which didn't go ahead) was going to be the first time an NRL premiership game was played in Central Queensland, and we're delighted to get a second chance at this claim.
"We know our community is hungry for a slice of the NRL pie – the Round 20 match sold out in minutes with 70% of ticket holders from within the Rockhampton Region."
"Our ticketing platform has been bolstered with crowd handling technology to cater for the expected demand of the upcoming rounds."
Advance Rockhampton Executive Manager Greg Bowden said Rockhampton has always had the means to host an NRL game and we're elated Rockhampton is back on the radar as a viable destination to host.
"We have already proven that Rockhampton can host high-profile sporting matches and that the interest is high from both locals and visitors," Mr Bowden said.
"Having four NRL clubs playing in Rockhampton over two weekends will be a significant economic boost for the region."
Queensland Rugby League Central Region Manager Rob Crow said he is excited to host two rounds of the NRL Telstra Premiership game at Browne Park, home of the CQ Capras.
"As one of Rockhampton's premier rugby league grounds, Browne Park is the perfect facility to host and we are honoured to welcome back the NRL," Mr Crow said.
"The interest and demand in the (Round 20) match was incredibly well received and we expect another sold out crowd of 5,000 for each game."
Tickets for each game will be released separately and available for purchase online only.
More details on ticket sales will be released on Monday 16 August 2021.
