Brisbane eagerly awaits some of the finest rugby league players in the world, with a line-up of epic clashes that are not to be missed. As the home of the Brisbane Broncos and the biggest stadium in Brisbane, Suncorp Stadium will play host to the NRL magic round and the second game of the legendary State of Origin.
Get along to the games and be a part of the action. Here’s what you need to know to see the very best of Rugby League in Brisbane.
Getting to Your Game
After your Airtrain journey to Brisbane or the Gold Coast, you can use public transport to get to all of the major sporting venues. Travel on Brisbane’s many buses, trains, and ferries to arrive at Suncorp, with the price of travel on the standard services included in your ticket. Suncorp Stadium is a short walk from Milton Station, and has many bus stops close by that make arriving there a breeze. Translink’s Journey Planner is a great way to plan your travel.
While you’re in Brisbane, why not check out our recommendations on how to spend 48 hours in Brisbane, or try something new. The helpful staff at the Airtrain counter can assist you with pre-booking tickets to attractions and experiences – drop in and find out more!
05 – 07 May | NRL Magic Round
All the teams, all the stars, and all the excitement – the NRL Magic Round sees every team in the competition heading to Brisbane for three days of Rugby League action. Support your team with a one-day ticket or be there for every match with a three-day pass.
Day 1 will start on the 5th of May, with gates opening at 4:30 pm for a 6 pm start. Then, the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Canberra Raiders will open the round, followed by the Manly Sea Eagles and the Brisbane Broncos.
At 1:30 pm on Saturday 6th of May, the gates will open ahead of a 3 pm start by the Warriors and the Penrith Panthers. The Cronulla Sharks vs the Dolphins are up next, followed by Melbourne Storm and the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Sunday the 7th of May marks the final day of the Magic Round, with gates opening at 12:30 pm. Up first, the West Tigers will face the St George Illawarra Dragons. The Sydney Roosters v North Queensland Cowboys are up next, with the final match played by the Gold Coast Titans v Parramatta Eels.
For more information or to purchase tickets, head to the Suncorp Stadium events page.
31 May | State of Origin
It’s the NRL clash of the year, and one of Australia’s greatest sporting rivalries. Fans from all over the world get behind the Maroons or the Blues, witnessing some of Rugby League’s most memorable matches. Often described as the pinnacle of Rugby League, the State of Origin is a must-see event on the calendar of any sporting fan. Players are selected to represent the Australian state where they played their first senior rugby league game, and the two states battle it out to claim the shield, the title, and the glory.
Last year saw the 41st annual series of the State of Origin. Game One was hosted by Sydney, and taken out by Queensland with a final score of 16-10. Game Two saw the Queensland and New South Wales teams head to Perth, with New South Wales leveling the playing field with a 44-12 win. That meant the last game would decide the winner, and Brisbane were the hosts at Suncorp Stadium. New South Wales took a 12-10 lead at half-time, but Queensland fought back to win the game, and the series – 22-12.
The Maroons are desperate to hold onto the shield from 2022, while the Blues will battle to get it back in their grasp. Game Two will be held at Suncorp, and will either secure the victory for one team, or make the third game an epic tie-breaker.
Kicking off at 8:05 pm at Suncorp Stadium on the 21st of June, be a part of the action this year and witness one of the biggest games on the calendar.
The Suncorp Stadium events page has more information, as well as links to purchase your tickets.
Want More League?
If you’re looking for even more NRL in Brisbane, Suncorp Stadium are hosting plenty of opportunities to join the fans. Suncorp is the home of the Broncos, and also plays host to many Dolphins games. Here are the NRL matches to look forward to for the rest of the year at Suncorp.
18 May | Brisbane Broncos v Penrith Panthers
Gates open at 6:30 pm to see the Brisbane Broncos face off against the Penrith Panthers at 7:50.
20 May | Dolphins v Melbourne Storm
The Dolphins need the bigger stadium to contain the action for their clash against the Melbourne Storm. Gates open at 6 pm for a 7:35 start.
10 June | Brisbane Broncos v Newcastle Knights
Bring the kids, with a family-friendly earlier kick-off at 5:30. The Brisbane Broncos host the Newcastle Knights at Suncorp for this game.
25 June | Brisbane Broncos v Gold Coast Titans
Brisbane or the Gold Coast? It’s hard to choose a city, but you’ll have to pick a team. One of them will emerge victorious from this clash in June.
25 August | Dolphins v North QLD Cowboys
It’s another all-Queensland clash as the Dolphins take on the Cowboys. Gates open at 6:30 pm, with the game beginning at 8 pm.
31 August | Brisbane Broncos v Melbourne Storm
Two NRL giants will battle it out at Suncorp Stadium, with the Brisbane Broncos hosting Melbourne Storm. Kick off is at 7:50 pm.
02 September | Dolphins v New Zealand Warriors
The Warriors will travel across the sea to meet the Dolphins at Suncorp. Another family-friendly kick off, see the Dolphins face the Kiwis at 3 pm, with gates open from 1:30 pm.
Travelling to Brisbane
Whether you’re travelling to Brisbane or returning home, catch Airtrain to travel between the Brisbane Airport and the city or the Gold Coast, and then on to your final destination.
Arrive quickly and comfortably from the airport to Brisbane City in 20 minutes. You can disembark at your chosen city station – Airtrain runs express from the Brisbane Airport, but stops at Fortitude Valley, Central, Roma Street, and South Brisbane stations.
Once you have arrived, you can use a smart card for travel, or you can purchase a paper ticket. Visitors should check out the go seeQ card, which allows you unlimited travel for 3 or 5 consecutive days on buses, trains, ferries, and trams. It also includes 2 Airtrain journeys to/from the Brisbane Airport. The go explore smartcard allows you travel in the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast for up to 8 days, but you don’t have to use them consecutively.
You can easily get around with a go card – just touch on at your station of departure and touch off when you arrive at your destination. The go card is accepted on all Translink transport throughout Greater Brisbane, Ipswich, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
Rugby League in Brisbane
Don’t miss the unbeatable NRL action at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. With an exciting line-up of massive matches, Brisbane is the place to be! Whether you’re joining the fans for the Magic Round, heading to Game 2 of the Origin, or both – Airtrain is your best choice for travel.
