News
May 27, 2025
Queenslanders immortalised at Suncorp Stadium
A new permanent activation, designed by Populous, has been launched at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium ahead of 2025's first round State of Origin game.
Opened by the Queensland Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic & Paralympic Games the Honourable Tim Mander MP, the “Queenslander” tribute captures Origin greats and Queensland representatives outside of Origin who have helped shape the game of rugby league and formed a part of Queensland culture.
The State of Origin series is an annual rugby league competition between Queensland and New South Wales, known for its intense rivalry. The teams will return to the field tomorrow Wednesday 28 May 2025 with the men’s State of Origin series kicking off at the Populous designed Suncorp Stadium.
Populous Associate Principal and Architect Sean Powyer described the activation as a modern tribute to the history of Queensland rugby league.
This permanent activation celebrates the proud history of the Queensland Maroons and will become a beacon within the Suncorp precinct as fans young and old make the procession from Caxton Street
“The nature of the displays invites people to interact and find their heroes and relive their most memorable rugby league moments.” Mr Powyer said.
In addition to the 274 male and female Origin stars, the tribute also celebrates 811 men and 140 women pre-Origin QRL Representatives dating back to 1908.
Mr Mander said it is powerful seeing all the players who have helped to create the Queenslander Origin spirit honoured at such an iconic location.
Representing your State is no small achievement and it's fitting we have a place to celebrate all our Queensland footy greats together... There is no better place to showcase the players who have built Origin into the spectacle it is than the undeniable home of rugby league, Suncorp Stadium
‘The Cauldron,’ as Suncorp Stadium is known, is the most intimate 50,000-seat rectangular stadium in Australia. Spectators are only six meters from the sideline at the closest point: this close proximity and colosseum design ensures the most intense atmosphere for fans of Rugby League as well as Rugby Union and Football (Soccer) every year.
Suncorp Stadium General Manager Alan Graham said the venue has been the stage for Queensland rugby league stars for decades.
“Suncorp Stadium is synonymous with some of the greatest moments and players in rugby league history and it’s great to see that rich history become a permanent fixture of the venue,” Mr Graham said.
“Having this legacy on show for all our patrons and visitors adds to the history of the Stadium and allows fans to soak up all that makes Origin and the Queenslander spirit so special.”
The tribute was designed by Populous with input from the Queensland Rugby League and their History Committee, the Former Origin Greats (FOGs) and the NRL.
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