0
Queensland looking to steal international rugby double-header from Optus Stadium
Nick Taylor
The West Australian
Fri, 13 August 2021 5:57PM
Wallaby Angus Bell looks dejected after the loss to France. Credit: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images
The State Government needs to make a quick decision about staging an international Rugby Championship double-header at Optus Stadium or risk losing the showcase event.
It is understood that despite a COVID-19 cluster, Queensland Rugby is looking to snatch the two matches featuring Australia and world champions South Africa, and New Zealand and Argentina from under WA’s nose.
The State Government is expected to make a decision about the games, planned for September 11, next week.
Sport and Recreation Minister Tony Buti was non-committal, saying: “It’s our hope that states on the east coast can crush the Delta variant as soon as possible.
“The State Government is in discussions with Rugby Australia about the possibility of hosting additional rugby Test matches in Western Australia.
“The first consideration is always keeping the community safe and adhering to health advice.”
A spokesman for WA Health said: “We have no further updates as it is still being considered.”
Trafalgar Bridge and Optus Stadium are lit up for the Wallabies. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images
However a Rugby Australia insider said: “I wish we could have a decision now so we can get on with planning.”
The initial plan is for South Africa and Argentina to complete quarantine periods in NSW before travelling to Perth but the WA government has to allow them to enter the state without completing an additional two weeks in isolation.
The Queensland government allowed France to fly into Brisbane in July and avoid further quarantine from Sydney as the squad trained in a strict bubble in the 14 days before their Test series started.
They were only allowed to leave their hotel rooms to travel to training and back.
One hurdle that would have to be cleared is whether the AFL, who have first rights to Optus, will want to bring games to the stadium for the weekend.
However, the September 11 Test matches could be switched to the following day or moved to the 20,500-seat HBF Park.
The All Blacks are cleared to arrive in WA before they face Australia in the Bledisloe Cup at Optus Stadium in two weeks.
RA chairman Hamish McLennan has thrown his support behind the Optus Stadium spectacular.
“We’d be delighted to play a double-header in Perth,” McLennan said.
“We are taking the national view that Western Australia has very secure borders.
“NSW is looking particularly grim, and whilst Queensland has been very accommodating so far, we just need to try as best we can to predict where we’ll be with COVID later in the year.”
Sounds to me like a play for money from the WA gov't. Don't know why they would bother though, given there would be zero economic benefit from travelling fans. If they want the seats that is fine, but I don't see much reason why WA would bend over at all for it.
A full stadium is a much better return of investment than an empty one.
Exile
Port Macquarie
"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that!" - Rocky Balboa
For RA absolutely, and IMO WA is definitely their best bet when it comes to finding a hungry audience if they are set on a double header. But nothing in it from the point of view of the WA gov't wrt economic return, so I'd hope they'd be flicking them the bird if that is what they're after.
I was also looking at a return of investment of the WA Government as far as construction costs were concerned.
Exile
Port Macquarie
"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that!" - Rocky Balboa
Only if RA are paying to use it cold. There is no return on investment if they are paying millions just so someone will give them thousands back for venue hire.
https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/al...isloe-cup-testMcGowan also didn’t think there was much hope that other Rugby Championship games involving Argentina and the Springboks would be held in Perth, which has been mooted as a possiblity.
Oh for F^*k Sake!! Was so looking forward to this test!!
Exile
Port Macquarie
"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that!" - Rocky Balboa
Little bit of sarcasm spotted over @ The Roar, reacting to a bit of McGowan bashing .
“McGowan is a joke, he needs to be more accommodating like Gladys. It’s also a massive slap in the face to the ARU who have done so much for rugby in WA.“
"The main difference between playing League and Union is that now I get my hangovers on Monday instead of Sunday - Tom David