The Queensland Cup Grand Final for 2016 kicks off on Sunday and is the only game in town this weekend.
With the Broncos and Titans already knocked out and the Cowboys playing in Sydney on Friday night there’s no Queensland league clashes.
So there’s no excuse not to head to Suncorp Stadium on Sunday afternoon for the Queensland Cup Grand Final.
Sure some sporting snobs will turn their nose up at the Queensland Cup Grand Final, declaring it second rate. But that is second rate thinking in our books. And usually from a point of ignorance for those who haven’t seen a game this year.
This year’s big show is between the Redcliffe Dolphins who were minor premiers and Burleigh Bears who made the Grand Final first after smashing Redcliffe in their last meeting.
A full preview with all the proper rugby league trimmings written by us for Nothing But League can be read and enjoyed here. Or at least read.
But for the neutral or passer by, we have a few reasons to follow he big game, and even help you decide which side to follow.
SOME GOOD REASONS TO FOLLOW THE QUEENSLAND CUP GRAND FINAL ON SUNDAY
– It is the first game on a Sunday afternoon at Suncorp Stadium this season. Thanks to Channel Nein’s tremendously fair share of the coverage of NRL on a Sunday the Broncos did not play a game at home at the fan friendly time of 4pm on a Sunday. Those who feel aggrieved at the NRL’s treatment should come along and support the Queensland Cup Grand Final. Give Queenslanders a chance to love their Sunday afternoon footy too.
– For the comparatively low price of $20 you get three games just like the old days. And no large gap in between games.
– First up is the NRL Development Cup – which is a final of the Primary Schools age competition to be played between Harris Field State School from Brisbane and St Patrick’s Catholic Primary from Emerald. It kicks off at 12.30pm, but is also available via the QRL website as a live stream.
– It will be followed by the FOGS Colts final between local rivals Easts and Wynnum. Nothing like young bucks from rival club going at it on Grand Final day. Be there at 1:45pm for that action. Or via the live stream again.
– You can get in on the ground level with some of the NRL newcomers for next season. Players like Jonus Pearson from Redcliffe and Burleigh’s Cameron Cullen have already had an NRL taste this year to show their wares. Recent Parramatta signing Jamal Fogarty will hopefully get his chance next year. But who knows who the next potential NRL “Boom Rookie” will be. They could be playing this Sunday and you should be there to monitor your 2017 Supercoach cheapie picks.
– Redcliffe and Burleigh have been the two best sides for most of the year, and the standard is not far off the NRL. And the Queensland Cup Grand Final is rarely dull.
– You can see one of rugby league’s angriest men on the field. Redcliffe winger Curtis Johnston will be pumped for sure, and always a great side dish to the main meal is to watch him in action.
– There are some big, fearsome yet skilled forwards on show too. Redcliffe’s Tyson Cleal is ferocious and just as dangerous is Burleigh’s Josh Alaiomai.
– Whilst not confirmed or written anywhere yet, previous Queensland Cup Grand Final days have featured a Mascot Games and Dance Off. Nothing funnier than a bunch of mascots getting up to no good. Except for tiny kids kicking and punching them.
– A fan of great Grand Finals in general. Burleigh’s win over decade ago went for nearly 110 minutes.
WHO SHOULD YOU SUPPORT IN THE QUEENSLAND CUP GRAND FINAL(if you aren’t a fan of either)
You should support Redcliffe If….
You are from Redcliffe, and the Moreton Bay region.
You are from the north side of Brisbane (and not a Devils fan)
You love Dolphins in general.
You love teams with the angriest sports people in the world.
You love a little bit of Adam Mogg. Who doesn’t.
You want to jump on the Dolphins bandwagon before they win and have to head to Sydney next weekend for the State Championship final.
You want some value for your betting, see our odds below.
You like teams that have the best attack and defence in the competition.
You Should support Burleigh if…..
You are from the Gold Coast.
You are from the South side of Brisbane.
You want to follow another winning maroon coloured team.
You prefer the underdog.
You were affected by the interruptions on the Caboolture line this week because of the Redcliffe rail line. And want to have an unhealthy grudge against Redcliffe because of it.
You are Wests Tigers fan and want to follow progress of former fullback Kurtis Rowe.
You love watching NRL standard halves who will hopefully get their chance in the NRL next year.
MATCH DETAILS
KICK OFF 3:55PM
TV COVERAGE – Channel Nein from 3:30pm
HEAD TO HEAD ODDS – Burleigh $1.72 Redcliffe $2.10
LINE ODDS – Burleigh (-2) $1.90 Redcliffe (+2) $1.90
Correct from William Hill as of Wednesday evening)
FEARLESS PREDICTION – We say Redcliffe win, just.
REDCLIFFE 30 BURLEIGH 28
FULL MATCH PREVIEW – At Nothing But League, but written by us.