Absolutely huge in the list of events now for the NRL. Went for the first time this year with a group of fellow Penrith season ticket holders and loved the 3 days. Attendance averaged almost 50,000/day and the atmosphere was superb. Have recently left the Penrith area to live nearer the Queensland border so will continue to go to the event while I am able to.

It’s a shame Pearson is a lone voice in advocating for a 14 team league.
I understand the quality isn’t there yet, but a 12 team league is staid and uninspiring.
The game is at a real crossroads, and you can’t be confident the game will make the right decisions.

The NRL host it right in the heartlands, but a big difference is Brisbane is a top ground, unfortunately the M62 doesnt have a big top quality ground (the Etihad is closest, but frustratingly RL doesnt cross over the Salford/Manchester) so we've instead tried and failed to use it to break into new markets.

The whole concept has got muddled, it now appears just to be rinse the existing fans with another loop game and give SKY a full day of TV. The attract new fans and put on a festival feel has gone out the window.

Jealous! - My favorite place in Aus. We bought a House on the Gold Coast about 25 years ago,
intending to retire there - sadly never happened & we sold it a couple of years ago.
On the downside Freddie, it's a bit of a trek to see the Broncos & the Titans are a big step down from the Panthers!