No time for a hose down: NRL double-header poses logistical challenge bigger than Magic Round
It is shaping up as one of the biggest logistical challenges in Suncorp Stadium's history, but organisers are confident they can pull off this month's NRL double-header.
The Dolphins' cyclone-affected fixture against South Sydney has been rescheduled for 7.50pm on Saturday, June 28 – just a few hours after the Broncos v Warriors match, with its 3pm kick-off, is due to end.
Given they will be two distinct crowds, as many as 100,000 could pass through the stadium precinct on the day – almost double an Origin crowd. That could make it Caxton Street's biggest day in years.
Traders are at the same time salivating at the potential revenue, and apprehensive about the challenge ahead.
'I think Castlemaine Brewery better start pumping some beer quickly, because they're going to be cleaned out again after they got wiped out over the Magic Round,' Caxton Street Development Association president Sarosh Mehta said.
Mehta, who ran the erstwhile Casablanca club on the famous strip for years, said Caxton Street's reputation would be 'on the line' as it heaved under the weight of two Suncorp Stadium crowds.
'We'll just have to take a deep breath and just try our best,' he said.
'I will try my best to get across to every single trader on the street to say please, please, please, be prepared – get sure you have enough stock, staff, whatever it takes, because there's no way you're going to run up to the market to get more ice or whatever else.
'You better be damn prepared.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Courier-Mail
2 hours ago
- Courier-Mail
‘Kidding ourselves': Debate erupts over AFL's plan to revive State of Origin
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. The AFL is in talks to revive State of Origin, but there are fears the proposed showdown would only be an 'exhibition game'. As the NRL's State of Origin heads to a decider following Queensland's Game 2 win in Perth, it appears increasingly likely the AFL will bring back a State of Origin game as soon as next year. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said earlier this year: 'I can't rule it in and I can't rule it out, but it will certainly be a conversation I'd like to have with the players and the clubs, 'There seems to be a bit of a groundswell for it.' It has now emerged that the WA government is in talks with the AFL to hold a State of Origin game in Perth during pre-season in the first week of February in 2026. X SUBSCRIBER ONLY WA deputy premier and sports minister Rita Saffioti said talks were in the early stages but the AFL is 'very keen' on the idea. 'It's not a done deal,' Saffioti said on Friday. 'But I know the AFL was very keen, and we're very keen. 'Everyone is very excited about having a WA State of Origin game in the AFL, there's some good discussions happening at the moment.' The game between the Fremantle Dockers and the Indigenous All Stars in February this year was considered a major success, and the AFL is considering holding a State of Origin match in a similar as soon as next season. But not everyone is a fan of the idea. Brian Taylor pointed out the hot conditions in Perth in February and noted team selection would be based on reputation instead of form if the match is held in pre-season. Taylor, who played for Victoria in a 1986 State of Origin game, said on Triple M: 'What are we trying to do here with State of Origin football, playing it in February? Do you know how hot it is in Perth in Feb? Dustin Martin (centre) was one of the big names to play for Victoria in the 2020 game against the All Stars. 'How many players are in form on the 6th of February? How are you picking the team? On the year before? 'It's about current form, it's about players playing well, like the All Australian — to achieve the status of getting selected in the side. 'I think this game is not going to work if it's in Feb. 'We currently have three byes currently in our season. Let's put one of those byes aside for a State of Origin weekend when the players have reached top form, halfway though or two thirds of the way through (a season).' NRL players earn $30,000 for each State of Origin earn match, and Taylor said a financial incentive may be required to get AFL players invested in the concept as a genuine competitive game. 'Let's give the players all of the gate, so a player could get $10,000 to $20,000 each per game,' Taylor said. 'Then they'll absolutely want to play.' He added: 'It has to be played mid-season, it has to be picked on form. Players are barely started their pre-season in the first week of Feb. 'Are we kidding ourselves? Are we trying to make this work?' Victoria's Stephen Silvagni (right) celebrates winning the State of Origin match in 1996. Brian Taylor wants State of Origin played mid-season. Picture: Channel 7/Supplied Leigh Montagna said the likelihood is any State of Origin clash would be an 'exhibition game' in the mould of the Victoria vs All Stars game in 2020, held to raise funds for bushfire relief. 'It's different, it's an exhibition game,' Montagna said on Triple M. 'You're probably still thinking of State of Origin in the 80s and 90s when it was South Australia vs Victoria and they were playing for keeps. Now it's more of an exhibition game. 'I'd love to see (Christian) Petracca in the same forward line as Toby Greene and Paddy Dangerfield and the Victorians play together. And I'm sure the other states would like to see their players play in their state jersey. 'It's just no longer going to be what it was like in the old days. It's an exhibition. You pick them (the teams) on reputation.' Taylor replied: 'Why do we need an exhibition game of our own game in our own country? People see 20 games a year. 'It can't be (held) before they've even completed their pre-season. What a load of nonsense.' The Indigenous All Stars game against Fremantle was a big success. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images) The Victorian team after winning the State of Origin for Bushfire Relief game in 2020. Photo: Michael Klein The last State of Origin match was between Victoria and South Australia in 1999, and it remains to be seen what state or amalgamation of states would take on Victoria if the concept is revived. 'We think this would be an incredible drawcard for the state,' WA deputy premier Rita Saffioti added. 'I know many of the players are actually excited, particularly those based over east, are very keen to play for their state, so I think there's a huge push from the players. 'Pre-season is a good time to do it, as opposed to in-season ... the clubs are already playing pre-season games,' Saffioti said. 'And we saw the Indigenous All Stars, we had some incredible players out there ... it makes a bit of sense to do it during February.' Originally published as 'Kidding ourselves': Debate erupts over AFL's plan to revive State of Origin
Sydney Morning Herald
2 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Meninga succession plan: Perth Bears assistant to take over as head coach in 2029
Newly appointed Perth Bears assistant coach Ben Gardiner will replace Mal Meninga in the top job at the NRL's newest franchise from 2029. Sources with knowledge of the situation not authorised to speak publicly confirmed Gardiner, who this week inked a five-year deal with the expansion club, will spend two seasons under head coach Meninga when the Bears enter the competition in 2027 before taking the reins himself. The succession plan mirrors that at the game's last new franchise, the Dolphins, who appointed Wayne Bennett as their inaugural head coach before handing the job over to Kristian Woolf. After a sluggish start, Woolf has steered the Dolphins into the top eight, and is chasing a fourth straight win when they meet the Knights in Perth on Saturday evening. Meninga is signed until the end of 2028, but the NRL made no mention of Gardiner, currently an assistant at premiers Penrith, moving into the top job in their official press release. However, Samoa – whose Test side Gardiner also coaches – said in their own release the 45-year-old's Bears' appointment 'forms part of a long-term succession plan'. Meninga will help lure talent to the Bears from across the country in his first two years in the job, while Gardiner has extensive experience at NRL and international level – including a stint coaching the North Sydney Bears' NSW Cup team – and working in pathways and development. Gardiner said he was simply grateful the NRL had thrown their support behind him joining the competition's newest franchise. He was also reluctant to discuss his new role while still trying to win another premiership with the Panthers.
The Age
2 hours ago
- The Age
Meninga succession plan: Perth Bears assistant to take over as head coach in 2029
Newly appointed Perth Bears assistant coach Ben Gardiner will replace Mal Meninga in the top job at the NRL's newest franchise from 2029. Sources with knowledge of the situation not authorised to speak publicly confirmed Gardiner, who this week inked a five-year deal with the expansion club, will spend two seasons under head coach Meninga when the Bears enter the competition in 2027 before taking the reins himself. The succession plan mirrors that at the game's last new franchise, the Dolphins, who appointed Wayne Bennett as their inaugural head coach before handing the job over to Kristian Woolf. After a sluggish start, Woolf has steered the Dolphins into the top eight, and is chasing a fourth straight win when they meet the Knights in Perth on Saturday evening. Meninga is signed until the end of 2028, but the NRL made no mention of Gardiner, currently an assistant at premiers Penrith, moving into the top job in their official press release. However, Samoa – whose Test side Gardiner also coaches – said in their own release the 45-year-old's Bears' appointment 'forms part of a long-term succession plan'. Meninga will help lure talent to the Bears from across the country in his first two years in the job, while Gardiner has extensive experience at NRL and international level – including a stint coaching the North Sydney Bears' NSW Cup team – and working in pathways and development. Gardiner said he was simply grateful the NRL had thrown their support behind him joining the competition's newest franchise. He was also reluctant to discuss his new role while still trying to win another premiership with the Panthers.
