Last week’s defeat to the table topping Brumbies means that Les Kiss’s Queensland Reds will need to bounce back at Suncorp this week to retain their Top 4 place. With only one more game to go before the Super Rugby Pacifica playoffs begin, realistically, the Reds are unlikely to finish higher than 4th but two losses could lead them to miss out on the playoffs. Although, they should be strong favourites for their final game against Fijian Drua.
The 4th position can provide a second bite at the cherry; if seeds one and two win their quarter finals, a loss for the 4th seed would mean they would remain in the competition anyway.
The Reds talisman and Wallabies skipper, Harry Wilson, returns after his broken arm and Tom Lynagh also makes a timely comeback.
The Hurricanes are unbeaten in their last four games, including a draw with the Force, and an away win against the Brumbies. Their win against the Highlanders last week, however, only came about with an 81st-minute Roigard try, given the Highlanders are bottom of the Super Ladder.
This gives the Reds some hope that they can defend their castle in this crucial arm wrestle; however, a 4th spot with the benefits of a potential second bite at the cherry is also within sight for the Canes.
Bad news: The Hurricanes have won 13 of the last 14 games against the Reds. The return of Wilson and Lynagh along with the Hurricanes under par performance last week, gives the Reds a strong chance if their front row can be competitive.
Their nailbiting win against the Highlanders, came at a big cost to the Hurricanes. Brayden Iose and Riley Higgins are out for the rest of the season. Ngane Punivai will also likley miss the game at Suncorp with an injury.
The Reds – Hurricanes game is part of a double header at Suncorp tonight, 23 May. The Wallaroos play Canada kick off at 4:55 p.m., with the Reds running out for a 7:35 p.m. kick off. If you can’t make it to Suncorp, 9GEM and Stan will broadcast the game live.
Did you know that Lang Park in Milton was once a penal settlement, a cemetery and a circus before transforming into a world-class sports centre, now popularly known as the Suncorp Stadium?
Before the 1840s, the Milton grounds were once part of an established Moreton Bay Penal Settlement. When the land became accessible, free settlers turned part of the area into the North Brisbane Burial Grounds.
The North Brisbane Burial Grounds
From 1843 to 1875, this cemetery was the main burial site of the city, which inevitably became unsustainable. To address the overcrowding, burials were no longer done at the North Brisbane Burial Grounds following the opening of a new cemetery in Toowong. Essentially, the old burial site became redundant and under-maintained.
By 1910, the Queensland Government planned the site’s redevelopment as a recreational area to cater to the city’s growing population thus the North Brisbane Burial Grounds was sealed off. Relatives were asked to move their deceased loved ones’ remains at the expense of the government.
Renamed To Lang Park, the Recreational Grounds
By 1914, the site was renamed after Reverend John Dunmore Lang, an advocate of Australian republicanism and the founder of the Presbyterian Scots in New South Wales. He was also instrumental in helping migrants move to Brisbane.
During World War I, Lang Park was a familiar parade ground for the locals. Other events, such as the Wirths’ Circus and the athletics carnivals, were also mounted on this open area.
The Queensland Amateur Athletics Association then leased the park for its sports events. Lang Park became the official home of the Queensland Soccer Council and the Latrobe Soccer Club until the mid-1930s.
By the 1950s, the Queensland Rugby League chose Lang Park as its headquarters. With additional funding from the government, improvements were undertaken to provide the site with the spectators’ area, the Frank Burke Stand.
Three decades later, Lang Park hosted NSWRL/ARL games but by the 1990s the leagues moved on to other locations due to a number of issues and factors, including the opening of the ANZ Stadium on Kessels Road in Nathan.
In the late 1990s, Brisbane officials hatched a $280-million plan for a state-of-the-art stadium in Milton. During this time, Lang Park was already sponsored by Suncorp-Metway and its stadium was renamed the Suncorp-Metway.
Following the upgrades, Suncorp-Metway Stadium was again renamed and simplified to the Suncorp Stadium, now boasting a capacity of 52,500. As part of its expansion, the trolley-bus depot within the site had to be demolished along with a number of buildings on Milton Road.
The site’s redevelopment was finished in time for the 2001 State of Origin Series. The very first game hosted at the new Suncorp Stadium was between the Brisbane Broncos and the Newcastle Knights. The 2003 Rugby World Cup was hosted at the stadium and has since become the traditional home of the state’s rugby league.
By 2006, the Suncorp Stadium hosted its first concert with Robbie Williams performing for two nights to a full house.
The Suncorp Stadium is marked for another major redevelopment in the coming years as Brisbane prepares to host the 2032 Olympics.
Brisbane Roar Football Club is assessing a hybrid stadium model that retains its Milton base at Suncorp Stadium while exploring smaller nearby venues to address falling attendance and improve match-day viability.
Club Responds to Ongoing Attendance and Performance Challenges
Brisbane Roar is navigating significant changes ahead of the 2025–26 A-League campaign. This includes a renewed focus on its presence in Milton. The club intends to keep Suncorp Stadium as its main base, while also exploring the use of a smaller venue to improve match-day atmosphere and operational sustainability.
Recent seasons have seen Brisbane Roar struggle to draw crowds. Current attendance figures average just 5,463 at the 52,500-seat Suncorp Stadium. This ongoing issue has added financial strain despite continued backing from the Indonesian ownership group, the Bakrie Group.
The appointment of Michael Valkanis as head coach marks a major shift in club leadership. Following a string of underwhelming performances, the squad has been overhauled. However, recent results have shown signs of recovery. In their last five matches, Brisbane Roar recorded three wins, one draw, and a single loss, including a 2–1 victory against Central Coast Mariners.
Club leadership views access to smaller venues as necessary alongside its continued presence at Suncorp. The move responds to current financial pressures and addresses the visual impact of low attendance in a large venue.
Secondary Venues Under Review
Brisbane Roar is evaluating Perry Park and Ballymore as potential complementary venues to its Milton base. While not located in Milton, both sites are nearby and seen as viable for select matches. Perry Park has a 5,000 capacity, and Ballymore is primarily used by Queensland Rugby Union. Access to either would allow the club to operate in purpose-fit environments while maintaining Suncorp as its traditional home.
Club leadership has emphasised that any transition would be gradual. Suncorp remains a central part of their future. The goal is to re-establish a consistent fan experience while ensuring financial efficiency.
The club’s current strategy supports its goal of becoming a respected and high-performing football organisation across Australia and the Asia-Pacific. This includes developing talent through grassroots initiatives such as the Roar Active Program and Brisbane Roar Academy. These remain key priorities for the club’s community engagement efforts in Queensland.
Considering the Wests Tigers have had such a poor run in recent years, they currently hold a winning record in magic Round, having won three from five.
Benji Marshall’s troops have started to gather some momentum this season, giving the Wests diehards a long overdue optimism. Last week’s Golden Point win at home to the Sharks could be a season changer. The previous week’s loss at home to the Eels was a missed opportunity after beating the struggling Knights on the road. Adam Doueihi’s 88th-minute golden point penalty goal came after the Sharks had two dropped goal attempts themselves.
Terrell May’s 228 metres run and 42 tackles contribution along with Alex Sayfarth’s 46 tackles were the standouts.
The Dragons were dominated by the Roosters last week after winning their previous two, away to the Sea Eagles and at home to the Titans, but a return to the form against the Sea Eagles would probably get them in the winner’s circle.
Jack De Belin with a game high of 37 tackles and Tyrell Sloane’s two line breaks, brief highlights of a mediocre performance.
It’s not surprising the bookies consider this an arm wrestle.
Stafford To’a has a minor neck injury, so won’t run out for Wests, Charlie Staines will make his 2025 debut on the wing, and Brent Naden moves to centre from the wing.
For St George Corey Allan will make his club debut, Hamish Stewart and Lyhkan King-Togia come back into the starting 13.
Should be a cracker!
As well as the Steeden activation handing out brand new size 3 footies in exchange for any old sports ball (basketball, netball, AFL, NRL, football – any ball), other activations at Suncorp include:
The Harvey Norman Hub The Westpac Catch & Keep Red Bull and Levels present Youi Fan Cam & Sign Station The Chemist Warehouse – Fan Run On and Tackle Course The Telstra Trophy Zone The Hisense Commentary Box
See more about the activations half way down this page.
Latrell Mitchell is suspended after being cited for a grade 2 on Sualauvi Faalogo in their loss to the Storm , 24-16 last week. The Rabbitohs injury list now includes Cam Murray, Cody Walker, Jack Wighton and Jamie Humphreys. The Rabbits are on 3 paws, but the legend that is Wayne Bennett will continue to coax more out of his men.
The Rabbitohs have won three of their past four games without Mitchell so the form line suggests Bennett’s men are the likely winners.
Lewis Dodd will come in at five eighth, Jye Gray will go to fullback, Euan Aitken to centre and Tallis Duncan comes into the back row from the interchange. Fletcher Myers and Lachlan Hubner come into the interchange, Josh Schuster may get a late call up for his Rabbitohs debut.
The Knights have had a very poor start to the season, averaging just over 10 points a game. Jacob Saifiti (prop) and Adam Elliot (interchange) return for the Knights, both having suffered calf injuries. Tyson Frizell will move to lock. Kalyn Ponga will play at this stage and Tyson Gamble will join the Interchange. Former Brisbane student, Dane Gagai will make his NRL 200th appearance after signing for the Knights from Brisbane Boys College.
Last week’s loss at the Warriors, 26-12, once again lacked attacking intent, 16-0 down at half-time. They actually won the second half. Jayden Brailey’s 52 tackles and Greg Marzhew running for 197m were standouts.
As well as the Steeden activation handing out brand new size 3 footies in exchange for any old sports ball (basketball, netball, AFL, NRL, football – any ball), other activations at Suncorp include:
The Harvey Norman Hub The Westpac Catch & Keep Red Bull and Levels present Youi Fan Cam & Sign Station The Chemist Warehouse – Fan Run On and Tackle Course The Telstra Trophy Zone The Hisense Commentary Box
See more about the activations half way down this page.
The Warriors in 4th, cross the ditch to play The Cowboys in 6th. The Cowboys having won their last four, including a thumping of the Titans last week, 50-18.
Robert Derby’s hat-trick (also had four line breaks), Jeremiah Nanai’s pair, and Reece Robson’s game-high 51 tackles being the highlights. Despite the Cowboys only having a completion rate of 76% to the Titans’ 86%, superiority in post contact metres and line breaks (13-4), kick returns (244 m vs 94 m) and tackle breaks (48-18) delivered a very dominant victory.
The Cowboys will be unchanged to take on the Warriors, who will be without Ali Leiataua, after he injured his ankle in a training session on Thursday. Adam Pompey comes into the centres and Edward Kosi goes onto the left wing. Te-Maire Martin joins the Interchange.
Their run to fourth place on the ladder appears to be less impressive than the current form of the Cowboys. Last week’s win against the struggling Knights included the Warriors losing the second half. Their narrow win against the Broncos in New Zealand, after losing heavily on the road to the Storm, and winning two arm wrestles against the Roosters and away to Wests Tigers, whilst many are saying this is one of the matches of the round, the Cowboys look to be favourites.
As well as the Steeden activation handing out brand new size 3 footies in exchange for any old sports ball (basketball, netball, AFL, NRL, football – any ball), other activations at Suncorp include:
The Harvey Norman Hub The Westpac Catch & Keep Red Bull and Levels present Youi Fan Cam & Sign Station The Chemist Warehouse – Fan Run On and Tackle Course The Telstra Trophy Zone The Hisense Commentary Box
See more about the activations half way down this page.
Brisbane, mark your calendars. Metallica is bringing its colossal M72 World Tour to Suncorp Stadium this November, as part of their long-awaited return to Australian and New Zealand shores. Known for blistering sets, unmatched energy, and jaw-dropping production, this will be a night to remember for rock and metal fans alike.
The M72 World Tour is no ordinary run of shows. Since launching in Amsterdam in April 2023, the tour has already attracted over three million fans across Europe and North America, drawing rave reviews from every corner of the globe.
Critics have called it everything from “a stone-cold stunner of a show” (Detroit News) to “as tight and furious as Metallica has sounded in ages” (Los Angeles Times). The band’s innovative stage setup features a 360-degree experience, with the stage at one end and a sprawling Snake Pit stretching deep into the audience — putting fans at the heart of the thunder.
And this time, the Aussie leg is getting the full Metallica treatment: six stadium shows, exclusive Enhanced Experiences (including meet and greets, backstage tours, and VIP lounges), and the coveted “I Disappear Ticket,” granting superfans access to all Australian and New Zealand dates. Support comes from two powerhouse acts — Evanescence and Suicidal Tendencies.
Set List Sneak Peek
While Metallica keeps fans guessing with variations night to night, expect a career-spanning set packed with the following crowd favourites:
Seek & Destroy
Master of Puppets
Nothing Else Matters
Enter Sandman
For Whom the Bell Tolls
The Unforgiven
Sad But True
Fade to Black
One
Moth Into Flame
Lux Æterna (from their latest album “72 Seasons”)
Expect around 16–18 songs per night, often changing across shows to give fans a fresh experience every time.
Metallica: A Legacy Forged in Metal
Photo credit: CC0/Library of Congress Life/Wikimedia Commons
Formed in Los Angeles in 1981, Metallica is widely considered one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time. With frontman James Hetfield, drummer Lars Ulrich, guitarist Kirk Hammett, and bassist Robert Trujillo, the band has sold over 125 million albums worldwide.
Their seminal 1991 self-titled release (commonly known as The Black Album) brought hits like “Enter Sandman” and “The Unforgiven” to mainstream radio and remains one of the best-selling albums of all time. They’ve taken home nine Grammy Awards, multiple MTV and American Music Awards, and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.
When Were They Last Here?
Metallica last toured Australia in 2019 as part of their WorldWired Tour, though the Oceania leg was cut short due to James Hetfield’s re-entering rehab. Prior to that, they performed across the country in 2013 and 2010, consistently selling out arenas and stadiums with ease. Brisbane’s metal faithful have waited over six years for their return — and the M72 Tour promises to reward that patience in epic fashion.
Notable Anecdotes and Moments
Photo credit: metallica.com/ Brett Murray
James Hetfield has previously described Australia as one of his favourite places to tour, citing the “diehard energy” of Aussie crowds. During their 2010 Brisbane show, they famously let a fan play drums during “Seek & Destroy” — a moment still talked about among the local fanbase.
Metallica’s All Within My Hands charity initiative, which continues through this tour, has raised over $15 million USD since 2017, supporting everything from technical education to disaster relief and food insecurity efforts. A portion of every ticket sold in Brisbane will benefit local charities.
Tickets go on general sale Monday, 4 November at 12 PM AEST, with multiple pre-sales kicking off earlier. Suncorp Stadium members and local residents will have a head start from 2 PM Friday, 1 November.
For all ticket packages, pre-sale links, and enhanced experience details, visit livenation.com.au.
Whether you’re a diehard member of the Metallica Family or just want to experience one of the greatest live shows in rock history, 12 November 2025 at Suncorp Stadium is the date you don’t want to miss. With Evanescence and Suicidal Tendencies opening the night, and Metallica delivering two hours of pure heavy metal mastery, Brisbane is set to shake like never before.
Expect Caxton Street at it’s liveliest and plenty of branded activations around the stadium entrances.
Craig Fitzgibbon’s Sharks against former Blues and Kangaroos teammate Jason Ryles’s Eels.
The Sharks had their hearts broken at Leichardt last week. In golden point drama, two dropped goal misses by the Sharks (one was charged down), left it to the 88th minute when Adam Doueihi kicked the winning field goal.
Mawene Hiroti injured his knee for the Sharks aginst the West Sydney Tigers last week and so will be replaced by KL Iro, who is back from a Hamstring injury.
The Eels, coming off a bye, will be without Kelma Tuilagi who is suspended and will be replaced by Charlie Guymer.
William Kennedy is on fire, currently leading the Dally M table.
Mitch Moses vs Nicho Hynes will be a major factor in the game. Josh Addo-Carr averages 1.5 tries per game in the Magic Round (six from four appearances) but the Eels only have until mid-June to secure his place in Cronulla. Sharks Fullback William Kennedy has three tries in Magic Round from three games.
Blayke Bailey’s 367 tackles for the season so far is only just behind the Rabbitohs’ Peter Mamouzelos on 369. Sam Stonestreet currently topping the Sharks try table with six for the season.
Should be a great game to kick off the weekend. It starts at 6:00 p.m. on Friday night.
The Steeden Ball Exchange will be running across the weekend amongst many other activations. They will trade in your old sports ball for a new size three Steeden football. You can bring an old AFL or NRL footy, basketball, soccer ball, netball or rugby ball and you can walk away with a brand new Steeden size three football.
The atmosphere at Suncorp will be electric but if you can’t make it, Foxtel and Kayo will broadcast the game live.
On June 28, Suncorp Stadium in Milton will make Australian sporting history as it transforms into the stage for not one, but two standalone NRL matches in a single day – a logistical and cultural first in the nation’s sporting landscape.
In what promises to be a day to remember for rugby league fans, the Brisbane Broncos will take on the New Zealand Warriors at 3:00 pm, followed by a full stadium reset before the Dolphins meet the South Sydney Rabbitohs at 7.50 p.m.
While back-to-back footy action at the same ground isn’t uncommon during events like Magic Round, the difference here is significant: two separate ticketed events, two individual crowds, and a complete venue turnaround in between.
The occasion marks an ambitious and unprecedented effort from the NRL, Suncorp Stadium, the participating clubs, and broadcasters. It also provides a creative solution to a season disruption: the Dolphins’ original round one home game against the Rabbitohs had to be relocated to Sydney due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Now, fans in Queensland will get their chance to see the fixture on home turf – albeit in a highly unconventional format.
Following the Broncos-Warriors clash, the stadium will be entirely cleared, allowing for a meticulous rebrand of the venue. From sponsor banners to locker room signage and team-specific dressing, every detail will be updated to reflect the identity of the incoming match. Dolphins members with game access will return to their familiar seats once the stadium reopens.
Photo credit: Suncorp Stadium/Google Maps
The dual-game format will also turn the wider Caxton Street precinct into an all-day festival of rugby league. Whether fans opt for just one match or go all in with tickets to both, the area surrounding the stadium is expected to buzz with activity, food, entertainment, and a uniquely Brisbane atmosphere.
Behind the scenes, the operational challenge is immense. Stadium staff, suppliers, and event partners will be working against the clock to reset the venue. Yet, there is a strong sense of excitement and confidence that Suncorp – no stranger to major sporting spectacles – is up to the task. From previous Magic Rounds to navigating natural disasters and hosting global boxing events, the venue has built a reputation for rising to the occasion.
For members and ticket holders, flexibility has been a key part of the plan. Season members will retain their usual seating entitlements, while partial season holders and those with game-specific tickets have been offered options to secure access through their MyDolphins accounts. General public tickets are also set to go on sale soon, offering fans a chance to witness a milestone in the evolution of live sport in Australia.
June 28 won’t just be another day of rugby league – it will be a bold experiment in event planning, fan engagement, and sporting entertainment. And if all goes to plan, it could pave the way for future multi-game spectacles across the country.
A tough loss at the Chiefs last weekend interrupted a three-win streak and dislodged Les Kiss’s men from the top of the Super Rugby Pacific ladder, but the Reds will take a lot of positives from the battle across the Tasman. The team’s Talisman, Harry Wilson, however, will be on the sidelines for six weeks after sustaining an arm fracture in the game.
The game in Hamilton has been mentioned by many as a potential preview of the final in a few months, the home advantage nudged the Chiefs over the line. The desperately close slide in unawarded try by Harry McLaughlin-Phillips after a fantastic weaving run by the former Brisbane Boys College student, was a big turning point that, on another day, could have given the Reds the momentum they needed to forge ahead.
Harry Wilson’s grubber for Tom Lynagh’s try was a touch of class from the Wallabies skipper, after the game revolved around huge defence from both sides with multiple arm wrestles on each goal line on a wet track. Eventually the Chiefs got on top in the final quarter, the penalties conceded count for the game 12-7 to the Reds was an area that Les Kiss will want to tighten up for the Brumbies clash.
The Reds will be missing Wilson and Filipo Daugunu, who sustained a minor leg injury in the Brumbies clash.
Joe Brial will replace Wilson in the back row and Tim Ryan comes in for Daugunu on the wing.
Les Kiss says that the centres pairing of Hunter Paisami and Dre Pakeho are developing a very strong partnership.
The game will have two centurions as Brisbane-born Brumbies winger Andy Muirhead (after his deft half volley grubber against the Highlanders to score a try) and Tate McDermott will play their 100th game in Super Rugby. Matt Faessler and Zane Nonggorr will hit their 50th Super Rugby milestone.
Whilst the Brumbies are on top in the recent head to head, winning seven out of the last 12 games between the two sides, Les Kiss will feel the Reds (even without Wilson and Daugunu), can beat a Brumbies side who have won twice away from home this season, at the Blues and the Drua (currently sit in the last two spots of the ladder). An unconvincing win against the struggling Highlanders at home last week makes them underdogs.
