Rugby league’s bid for Olympic inclusion may have gained a powerful ally

The Broncos’ enthralling grand final victory captured hearts and minds across Brisbane, but rugby league may also have won over a powerful ally in its bid to be included in the Olympics.

NRL heavyweights launched a bid earlier this year for the sport to be included in the Brisbane 2032 Games, with the more accessible version, touch football, more likely to feature.

As rugby league competes for inclusion against sports such as netball, cricket and surf lifesaving, Brisbane 2032 president Andrew Liveris said it was an attractive proposition.

“I think I’ve been quite public that we’re open for applications from anyone, including the NRL,” he said at a business lunch in Brisbane on Wednesday.

“I was there when the Broncos won that game, and I’ve got to tell you, it’s an entertaining spectacle and ... 6.9 million viewers on national TV? That attracts me quite a lot.

“We’ve got to create revenue streams here, and obviously sports that matter to the Australian audience … should they turn up with an application, they’ll get great consideration.”

Liveris confirmed in June he had met with NRL organisers about a possible 2032 inclusion.

He said at the time, the code was yet to decide if it wanted to showcase touch football or the 13-man contact game at the Olympics.

“We are motivated and excited,” NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said in June.

Wednesday’s $250-a-head procurement event at The Star attracted more than 1000 business leaders, with Olympic organisers calling for Queensland companies to make bids for Games services, including everything from catering to cleaning, medical services, technology and fencing.

Liveris said small- and medium-size Queensland businesses could make up a large percentage of Olympic service providers.

About 50 protesters unhappy with the government’s decision to build a new stadium at Victoria Park picketed outside the casino.

“It is absolutely the wrong site,” campaigner Sue Bremner told a small media pack.

“We know everyone is excited because we’ve won two grand finals in the last two weeks, and we’re excited – we’re not saying no to any stadium, we’re just saying not Victoria Park.

“It’s too expensive. It’s too difficult, and it can’t be done on time without a lot of extra money, which will put taxpayers in Queensland into debt for a very long time.”

Queensland Sports Minister Tim Mander, himself a former NRL referee, said he respected the rights of protesters, but they wouldn’t sway the government’s plan.

“We live in a democracy, and it’s great that people can do that freely and safely,” he said. “But we are committed to Victoria Park.

“We support that fully, so they can protest. We’ll continue to progress forward with regards to what needs to be done at Victoria Park.”

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