Final preparations are underway at the Gold Coast’s Cbus Super Stadium today, ahead of tonight’s historic first ever NRL State of Origin match.
A sell-out crowd of 27,000 is expected for the game, which was relocated from Newcastle in NSW amid COVID-19 concerns.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the government had worked with organisers over the weekend to safely relocate State of Origin three to Queensland.
“Today will go down in the history of this city – the first time the Gold Coast has ever held a State of Origin,” the Premier said.
“This is only possible thanks to the way Gold Coasters have responded to the pandemic and worked hard to keep each other safe.
“No matter the result tonight, the Gold Coast will be the real winner.
Tourism and Sport Minister, Stirling Hinchliffe said State of Origin three was another example of Queensland’s ability to stage big events.
“Queensland has the stadium infrastructure and we’re in a position to play a State of Origin to a full house on the Gold Coast because of the hard work of Queenslanders in managing the health impacts of the Covid pandemic,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“We wish it was under better circumstances and we’re thinking of family and friends in Greater Sydney, but we’re willing and able to help the NRL see the State of Origin series through.
“State of Origin three is expected to deliver up to $2 million to the Gold Coast’s visitor economy.
“For maroon and blue Origin fans coming to the match from Brisbane or south of the border, tonight is a good excuse to book a luxury room and make the most of the Gold Coast’s world-famous hospitality.”
Cbus Super Stadium Manager Kristian Blundell said preparations were going well.
“With three days’ notice this is the shortest lead-up to Origin in history, but preparations have gone well and we’re ready and raring to go,” Mr Blundell said.
“We’re expecting a full house, so we’ve got around 1,000 staff working tonight, including around 700 hospitality staff who we expect will sell around 4,000 pies, 12,000 chips and 14,000 litres of beer,” he said.
“This is history in the making, and we want everyone to remember the event for the right reasons, so fans should plan ahead, check the website for transport options and get there early to ensure you don’t miss a moment.
“Please help us provide a safe environment, bring your mask and wear it whenever you’re not seated, check-in via the QLD Govt Check-In Qld app when you arrive, and keep up the hygiene.”
Grounds Manager Phil Burke said the field was in great shape ahead of the match.
“We didn’t have a match on the weekend so the field is in great condition, line-marking and logos were completed ahead of the team captains’ runs and we’ll do some final touches this morning,” Mr Burke said.
“Tops of 22 degrees and a bit cloudy today, which will hopefully favour the Maroons and given they’ve been training here for the past week, they should know the field well,” he said.
“Even with the short notice, the field is in a great position heading into the game, it will be a fast surface with a little dew meaning it will provide some free-flowing football!”
Gates open at 6:30pm with kick off at 8:10pm.
