Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) is open to the idea of elite matches returning to Cairns – they just need to be asked.
QRU chief executive Richard Barker used his whistlestop tour to the Far North this week to spruik the advancements in the game in the region.
Yet despite his green light, Cairns has not hosted an elite contest since a 2015 Super Rugby trial featuring the Reds.
While one North Queensland region has already put its hand up for future matches, it’s understood no approach has been forthcoming from Cairns.
“We are always looking to take games to regional areas,” Barker said.
“We would love to come back and we work very closely with towns and regions.
“It’s a competitive environment (in order to attract games).
“We don’t want to be seen as a Brisbane club.
”Barker lauded the game in the Far North as being in “fine health”.
“It was great to get up to Cairns and meet members of the rugby community in what is a very important market in the sport,” he said.
“Rugby continues to grow in Queensland and many of our roles are from regional areas.
“So it’s important to get out and understand their needs.
“We are in a very competitive market with rugby league.”
FNQ Rugby competitions manager John Pirie said Barker’s visit provided the endorsement needed.
The biggest questions posed surrounded the fact regional football is run by volunteers, as opposed to some paid positions held in the southeast.
“(Barker) was very candid about the financial situation of the Queensland Reds,” Pirie said.
“They have had Gold Coast and Rockhampton fall over and Townsville and Cairns don’t need anything.
“We’re a good model for other regions to follow.”
Rugby is enjoying a boon on the back of Australia’s famous women’s sevens gold at the Rio Olympics.
This story was originally published in the Cairns Post in January.
