‘Stop treating Qld as second class citizens’: Steven Miles’ message to NRL
The Deputy Premier has accused the NRL of using Queensland as a bargaining chip to get its way in NSW.
ARLC chairman Peter V’Landys yesterday confirmed Sydney will host the Grand Final after weeks of negotiations.
A $10 million bid by Queensland for the showpiece failed to get across the line despite indications Brisbane was the frontrunner.
“I’ve got to say as a Queenslander and rugby league fan, I’m pretty disappointed,” Steven Miles wrote in a social media post.
“It’s now clear the NRL always intended to play the GF in Sydney and they were just using Queensland in their negotiations with NSW.
“We wanted it more than NSW but that didn’t matter in the end.”
Dr Miles went on to say the league’s biggest supporters are in Queensland and “it’s time for the NRL to recognise that”.
— Steven Miles (@StevenJMiles) August 18, 2022
“When will they stop treating Queensland as second class NRL citizens?
“We’re not visitors in the NSWRL competition anymore and they should stop acting like we are.”
Mr V’Landys yesterday rejected concerns Queensland had been used as a pawn and left the door open for moving the finisher in the future.
“It opens the door for a Super Bowl type concept or, who can give us the best deal for the game,” he said.
“You have to remember we do have four teams in Queensland.”
Mark Levy said Dr Miles has misread the situation.
“Giggles, the league has handed the Dolphins the 17th licence to enter the competition next year,” he said.
“It proves the game is investing in the Sunshine State with another team.
“Now, Mr V’Landys has a great working relationship with Annastacia Palasczuk but I wouldn’t trust Steven Miles with the negotiations while bartering with someone on the street in Bali, who’s trying to sell him a Bintang singlet.”
Press PLAY below to hear Mark Levy’s reaction in full
Image: Jono Searle/Getty Images