An epic clash is set to take place tomorrow night at BB Print stadium, when the NRL returns for its only fixture to be played in Mackay this year.
If history is anything to go by, tomorrow’s game will be no walk-over. Both meetings between the Sydney Roosters and the Gold Coast Titans in 2021 resulted in nail-biting one-point thrillers between the two teams, with the Roosters getting up 35-34 in Round 14, and then again defeating the Titans 25-24 in week 1 of the NRL Final Series.
BB Print Stadium is a home-away-from-home for the Roosters who played three matches in Mackay during the 2021 relocated season. So are the boys from Sydney feeling cocky or will the giants from the Gold Coast win this clash of the Titans?
There’s no better place to see the action than from the sideline. The Roosters will be holding an open training session at BB Print Stadium on Friday, May 6 from 4.30pm-5.00pm.
Who Will Be Crowing After Tomorrow’s Clash?
After two close losses, the Sydney Roosters will be looking to return to the winner’s circle in what is shaping up to be an important match tomorrow night. Eight games into the 2022 season, the Roosters have a 4-4 record. The Gold Coast Titans will also be desperate for a win, having only notched up two wins so far this season.
The Roosters say they have been working hard to find form, with players like Luke Keary and Sam Verrills having returned after long-term injuries
Roosters captain James Tedesco continues to lead with his actions – he has notched up 300 running metres in each of the last two appearances, as well as three line-breaks.
Tedesco says he loves to play at BB Print Stadium.
“We’re excited to be heading back to Mackay this weekend,” he said.
“It’s a great stadium in a region that’s passionate about rugby league. The crowd gets right into it and as a player, you love being able to feel and hear that energy when you’re out on the field.”
“We had such strong support from our members and fans when we played at BB Print Stadium in 2021.”
“We can’t wait to run out on Saturday night.”
“We haven’t been happy with what we’ve dished up these last few weeks, but we’ve identified what we need to do. We’ve been working really hard and we’re looking forward to putting on a good show this weekend.”
Some key match-ups in the game to watch will be Lock Forwards Victor Radley and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and the clash of the Fullbacks, James Tedesco and AJ Brimson.
Roosters Head Coach Trent Robinson believes his team can put on a strong performance this weekend in front of a passionate Mackay crowd.
“There’s no doubt that regional areas like Mackay are so important, that’s where the lifeblood of our game is.”
“Mackay was like a second home to us in 2021, and the support we received from our Members and fans in the region was incredible.”
“We’re excited to be heading back to Mackay. It definitely feels like a home-away-from-home and we’re looking forward to connecting with the community in lead-up to our game by holding an open training session on Friday afternoon.”
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said it was fantastic to welcome the NRL back to Mackay in 2022.
“The Roosters and Titans clash is one of the NRL premiership games the State Government secured for regional Queensland after the State hosted the 2021 NRL finals series and the Grand Final.
“We’ve locked in an NRL game for Mackay this season because we know big sporting events bring the community together and attract visitors who contribute to the Covid recovery of our tourism economy.
“This is a wonderful investment in rugby league and Mackay’s tourism and hospitality industry.”
Queensland Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the big winners in Mackay this weekend are league fans, accommodation and transport providers, hotels, cafes, restaurants and local tourism operators.
“When football supporters come to Mackay to see the big game in action, they also spend time enjoying the region’s breath-taking visitor experiences.
“This weekend is a celebration of our Grand Final legacy and the important part Queensland played in keeping the 2021 NRL premiership season safe from the pandemic.”
ROOSTERS OPEN TRAINING SESSION
The Sydney Roosters will hold an open training session in the lead-up to their Round 9 fixture against the Gold Coast Titans.
The Mackay community will be able to watch their favourite Roosters players as they finalise their preparations during the team’s Captain’s Run which will be held at BB Print Stadium this Friday, May 6 at 4.00pm.
Sydney Roosters Open Training Session
Friday, May 6 at 4.00pm
BB Print Stadium, Mackay
Everyone welcome
Tickets to Mackay’s only 2022 NRL fixture, to be played at BB Print Stadium on Saturday, May 7 at 5.30pm, can be purchased via www.themecc.com.au.
Action from the Roosters in 2021 at BB Print Stadium. Photos: Amanda Wright
