Manly Warringah Sea Eagles v Brisbane Broncos (7.30pm)
Melbourne Storm v North Queensland Cowboys (5.30pm)
Saturday 14 May 2016
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Test forward Martin Taupau has this morning helped launch the official countdown to the Suncorp Stadium Double Header blockbuster on Saturday, May 14.
The blockbuster will see the Melbourne Storm play reigning premiers, the North Queensland Cowboys,at 5.30pm followed by the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles taking on the Brisbane Broncos at 7.30pm for what will be a super Saturday of NRL.
Sea Eagles CEO Joe Kelly joined Taupau at Suncorp Stadium this morning to mark the countdown to the event. They were also joined by Storm and Australian captain Cameron Smith.
“This is an exciting opportunity for our members, sponsors and supporters to enjoy a weekend in Brisbane that combines two blockbuster games of NRL and the Brisbane Racing Carnival,” Mr Kelly said.
“We have always had a great deal of support north of the border with over 10% of our members residing in South East Queensland.”
The Sea Eagles have agreed to take part in an exciting new event partnership with Suncorp Stadium, Tourism & Events Queensland (TEQ) and the Melbourne Storm that is expected to become a major annual event on the NRL calendar.
The agreement sees the Sea Eagles play an annual home game against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium as part of a double header that also involves the Melbourne Storm hosting the North Queensland Cowboys. The event also coincides with the start of the Brisbane Racing Carnival.
The Sea Eagles have a great track record at Suncorp Stadium winning 6 of their last 9 matches, including a 34-10 ‘home’ victory against the Broncos as part of a double header played at the same venue in 2011.
The game at Suncorp Stadium is one of two home matches the Sea Eagles are taking away from Brookvale Oval in 2016. The other match being against the Warriors at nib Stadium, Perth, on July 16.
Qld Treasurer and Minister for Sport, Curtis Pitt, said the Doubleheader provided fans with double the excitement, double the fun and double the value.
“Up to 12 State of Origin stars are expected to take to the field for what will be another great event at Australia’s best rugby league venue, Suncorp Stadium,” Mr Pitt said.
“Fans will see some of the world’s best NRL stars in action with the likes of Cameron Smith, Daly Cherry-Evans, Johnathan Thurston and Corey Parker set to put on a show across 160 minutes of action packed NRL.
“No other venue creates an atmosphere like Suncorp and I’m sure fans will double the volume when supporting their team.”
Mr Pitt said the Doubleheader would bring more visitors to Queensland.
“Fans love visiting Suncorp Stadium and we expect these Premiership games to bring thousands of visitors to the game from around Queensland, NSW and Victoria,” Mr Pitt said.
“Major events such as these on the It’s Live! in Queensland calendar support Brisbane’s $6.3 billion tourism economy.”
According to CEO Dave Donaghy, Melbourne Storm has a great affinity with Queensland through Smith, Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and Will Chambers, and a growing supporter base with its feeder teams and Storm Academy based there.
“Every time Storm plays at Suncorp Stadium it feels like a home game and we’re looking forward to seeing a sea of purple in the crowd.
“The Doubleheader will help continue our engagement directly with our Queensland supporters and I’m confident we can make this a regular marquee fixture on the NRL events calendar,” Mr Donaghy said.
Suncorp Stadium General Manager, Alan Graham said previous double headers had attracted big crowds with the concept winning the support of fans and clubs.
“We couldn’t host this event without the support of the NRL, TEQ, the participating clubs and television partners clubs so we thank them for their ongoing support. It’s great that all key stakeholders have seen the benefits of such a move,” Mr Graham said.
Tickets can be purchased online from www.ticketek.com.au or calling 13 28 49 or at any Ticketek agency. Free transport is included in the ticket price.
