The NRL Premiership Trophy will today embark on a two-week tour of Queensland before it is awarded at the historic 2021 NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final that will be played at Suncorp Stadium.
The Tour will give fans across Queensland the chance to see the coveted Provan-Summons trophy as it visits communities and local league clubs across the state to thank Queenslanders for their hospitality and support throughout the season.
In 2021, Queensland plays exclusive host to the NRL Telstra Premiership Finals Series for the first time in the game’s history. The NRL Premiership Trophy Tour will commence its journey on the Sunshine Coast before making its way to Townsville, Rockhampton, Mackay, Redcliffe and the Gold Coast.
The trophy will then conclude its tour in Brisbane where it will remain for Grand Final week celebrations before it is delivered to Suncorp Stadium for the highly anticipated 2021 NRL Grand Final on October 3.
NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said the trophy tour would give fans a rare opportunity to capture a close-up glimpse of the Premiership Trophy.
“We’re delighted to give fans the opportunity to see in person the Premiership Trophy. The Telstra Premiership Finals Series is more than a Grand Final in Brisbane, it’s a 4-week festival celebrating our fans right across Queensland,’’ he said.
“The Provan-Summons Trophy represents what our game is about. The pursuit of excellence, teamwork, mateship, rivalry and determination. It represents that rugby league is more than just winning a Premiership, it is about celebrating our rich history and looking forward to an exciting future.
“Sport is about spirit as much as it is about strength and skill. The spirit of Norm Provan and Arthur Summons lives on to remind us about the balance of winning and losing, rivalry and friendship, strength from our diversity. It is also what all 16 clubs strive for over a long, tough season, and over the next couple of weeks some of our most passionate fans in Queensland will able to see the Trophy for the first time.”
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the NRL Premiership Trophy Tour would bring the magic of the League’s biggest event - the Grand Final - to regional Queensland.
“Our regional destinations will be the only place in Australia to see the Provan-Summons trophy in all its glory,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“The trophy’s journey and Queensland’s magnificent sights will be shown to rugby league fans across the nation as the countdown to the State’s first ever NRL premiership finals begin.
“Queenslanders have always dreamed of having the battle for the NRL’s iconic trophy played in Brisbane at Suncorp stadium and now we’re sharing it with Australia. Suncorp Stadium in one of Australia’s premier rugby league stadiums fitting of a Grand Final.
“Even better are the teams to play in this spectacular event will be determined in regional Queensland’s rugby league heartland.”
TOUR DATES:
Townsville: Saturday 11 September
Rockhampton: Sunday 12 September
Mackay: Thursday 16 September
Redcliffe: Monday 20 September
Gold Coast: Thursday 23 September
Brisbane: Friday 24 and Saturday 25 September
New destinations will be added throughout the tour, for more information on how you can visit the NRL Premiership Trophy please visit https://www.nrl.com/2021-NRL-trophy-tour
To view vision and imagery from the tour, click here
