The North Queensland Cowboys are set to receive a new multi-million dollar stadium to replace their long time home 1300 Smiles Stadium.
The NRL premiers have played out of the Willows Sports Complex since their entry into the competition in 1995, but have long been campaigning for an upgrade.
League Nation Live panellist and Cairns product Justin Hodges believes it’s time the region got its own world class facility.
“I do think it’s time they got a new stadium.
“Obviously they won the competition last year, they’ve got so many great players and great support there and they’re crying out for a new stadium,” said Hodges.
But former Queensland Origin representative and fellow League Nation Live member Scott Sattler doesn’t agree, saying allocated funds are better spent elsewhere in the region.
The Queensland government has pledged $140 million for a new NRL stadium in Townsville. (AAP) Source: AAP
“I think I’m in the minority.
“Everyone lives near the stadium; no one lives near the city. The money should be probably spent on upgrading the current stadium and a lot of that money can go to other sustainable businesses and education within the Townsville district area.
“There’s only a touch over 200,000 people in Townsville. Yes it will create jobs, but they’re jobs that will stop as soon as the stadium finishes,” said Sattler.
Despite the differing in opinion the project is expected to go ahead with both Liberal and Labor governments committing funding to the works, regardless of who wins the upcoming federal election.
