Magic Round could be chaotic for footy fans this weekend – and it has nothing to do with the eight NRL games to be played at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
A pay dispute between Queensland Rail workers and the state government is ongoing, with likely train strikes which could throw the travel plans of countless supporters into disarray.
Industrial action notices from the Rail Tram and Bus Union reveal plans for train controllers to strike on Saturday and Sunday, until 8pm.
This would affect services allocated for the NRL blockbuster, where extra trains were set to operate.
‘Our operations teams are developing plans to minimise the impact on commuters and maximise the number of train services available to footy fans,’ a Queensland Rail spokesman told News Corp.
RTBU secretary Peter Allen confirmed footy fans would still be able to get to Suncorp Stadium, but suggested they travel early.
Magic Round could be chaotic for footy fans this weekend – and it has nothing to do with the eight NRL games to be played at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane (pictured, Broncos star Reece Walsh)
A pay dispute between Queensland Rail workers and the state government is brewing, with plans for train strikes this weekend which would ruin the plans of countless supporters (pictured, at Magic Round last year)
It comes as Queensland Premier David Crisafulli is desperate to keep Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium amid reported interest from Western Australia as well as overseas
‘We are going to be able to get spectators to the ground, (but) there will be less trains,’ he said.
‘There won’t be as many. It will cause some disruption.
‘But my message is… come a little early. Enjoy the hospitality. Stay a bit later.’
Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg requested the unions withdraw the industrial action and had a blunt message – ‘don’t mess with Magic Round.’
It comes as Queensland Premier David Crisafulli looks to keep the sporting event at Suncorp Stadium amid reported interest from Western Australia as well as overseas.
Magic Round was first staged in 2019 in Brisbane, and quickly became one of the highlights on the rugby league calendar.
Cronulla tackle Canterbury on Friday night from 6pm AEDT in the first game, with ladder-leading Penrith taking on the winless Dragons in the final fixture on Sunday night at 6.25pm AEDT.
Canberra Raiders have the bye.
According to the Suncorp Stadium website, all three days at Magic Round are sold out, with live action on Fox League and Channel Nine.
