NRL blockbusters coming to Redcliffe

Published 11:15am 20 January 2021

Dolphin Stadium will host four of the biggest NRL teams in one massive week next month, when the Broncos, Storm, Cowboys and Warriors come to town. Don’t miss your chance to see them in action.

Premiers Melbourne Storm will play the Vodafone Warriors on February 20, before the Brisbane Broncos take on the North Queensland Cowboys on February 27.

The Broncos V Cowboys game will double as a testimonial for league legend Alex Glenn who has played all his 267 NRL games for the Broncos and is about to kick off his 12th season with the club in 2021, having captained the team last season.

It’s a chance for fans to thank the backrower for his loyalty and commitment.

The Broncos and Cowboys are renowned for their close contests and this pre-season clash promises to be no different as final touches are put on preparations for the NRL season.

Both teams will be close to full-strength for a dress rehearsal for round 1, with a number of State of Origin stars and new signings on display.

Big moment for Alex Glenn

Glenn says: “I was happy to just make my NRL debut but to have played for more than a decade for this great club, it’s a dream come true.

“To have a testimonial game is something I never could have imagined, so it will be awesome to get out to Redcliffe and share it with my family, friends and all the Broncos members and fans who have supported me along the way.

“As a team, we are working really hard and preparing well for the 2021 season, and this game against the Cowboys will allow us to fine tune our preparations.”

Broncos CEO Paul White says he’s delighted to be able to honour Glenn in this way.

“It would be great to see as many people as possible get out to Dolphin Stadium to pay tribute to someone whose career has been marked by his longevity in the game and his commitment to his values both on and off the field.”

Boom for region

Mayor Peter Flannery says the Moreton Bay Region will roll out the red carpet for the two preseason trial matches, which are forecast to inject $1 million into the local economy.

“I’m proud to announce that NRL is returning to rugby league heartland and the Moreton Bay Region for one action-packed week of footy,” Mayor Flannery says.

“February is typically a quieter time of year for tourism operators, so it’s a massive boost for the economy for Council to snag an opportunity like this.

“In fact, we’re predicting thousands of visitors to converge on our region for both matches, and we know events are a great way to stimulate our COVID-19 recovery.

“If you want to see some of the best teams in the league play right here in our own backyard, you need to plan your footy pre-season now. Get online and book your overnight accommodation and while you’re here make sure to get out and about and eat, shop and support local.”

Mayor Flannery says Dolphin Stadium’s reputation as one of the best boutique stadiums in Australia continues to grow.

“Since the completion of the brand-new northern end grandstand, Dolphin Stadium has become the new home of summer sport in South East Queensland,” he says.

“The Brisbane Roar will play all their home A-League matches here this season from December 2020 to May 2021, as well as W-League matches. And because this is a boutique stadium for just 11,500 fans, it’s literally the best in the country to get up close to the action.

“Council has been the single biggest investor into stadium upgrades, contributing a total of $8.4 million to the $24 million, and that investment that will come back in dividends for the entire region.”

Fulfilling potential

Dolphins CEO Tony Murphy is thrilled to see Dolphin Stadium taking centre stage in the NRL preseason.

“This is great news for rugby league fans across South East Queensland, but particularly the Moreton Bay Region and it’s what our stadium is for,” he says.

“It’s also great news for local businesses with thousands of visitors heading this way.”

Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism CEO Shane Newcombe says his team has created accommodation and tourism experience packages to ensure visitors have a memorable stay … beyond the on-field action.

“We’re excited about the potential to market the region to visitors from within Queensland and more broadly when travel restrictions ease. In the meantime, we’ll be giving interstate and overseas visitors plenty of reasons to put our region at the top of their travel wish list.”

For more details about the Warriors v Storm packages available, head here or for Broncos v Cowboys packages head here

Ready to take next step

“The Moreton Bay Region is ready and hungry for a team in the NRL, being one of rugby league’s heartlands,” Mayor Flannery says.

“The Dolphins have shown over a number of years that they have the credentials and the assets to become a successful NRL team for years to come. They have the history and I’m told their $100 million bid would instantly make them the richest in the competition.

“It’s also great to see the Warriors here to take on the reigning premiers for their first match in Moreton Bay Region since signing a feeder team deal with the Redcliffe Dolphins last year.

“We hope this creates our very own New Zealand travel bubble as well as giving the 21,000 Kiwi-born Moreton Bay residents a reason to cheer.”

Tickets are on sale for Warriors v Storm at Ticketek. For Broncos v Cowboys, Broncos members presale opens Friday, January 22 at noon, with general public ticketing opening on Monday, January 25, at noon. Visit https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=BRONCOW21