Queensland will host the final game of this year's NRL State of Origin series on Wednesday nightwith potential for a capacity crowd at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said securing major events that stimulate the Gold Coast's economy was an important part of the state's Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
"No matter the result on Wednesday night, the Gold Coast will be the winner," the Premier said.
"Local businesses were hard hit through the pandemic, so when the opportunity arose to secure Origin for the Coast, I grabbed it with both hands.
"Thousands of fans will pack out Cbus, injecting millions of dollars into businesses and supporting local jobs.
"This is only possible thanks to the way Gold Coasters have followed restrictions and responded to the pandemic."
Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said it was the first time in Origin's history all three games would be played in Queensland.
"We know many Queenslanders will be thinking of the difficulties of family and friends in the Greater Sydney area affected by the extended COVID-19 lockdown," Mr Hinchliffe said.
"The Palaszczuk Government has always said we're willing and able to assist the NRL if the need arises.
"We brought Origin One to Townsville when it couldn't be played in Melbourne.
"Now with the NRL facing the prospect of the final State of Origin being played to an empty stadium in Newcastle, we've been able to help again by securing the game for the Gold Coast."
Mr Hinchliffe said the last game of the series would be played in front of up to 27,000 at Cbus Super Stadium.
"We're in a position to have capacity crowds at our stadiums because Queenslanders have worked hard to manage the health impacts of the pandemic," Mr Hinchliffe said.
"The Maroons will be looking for redemption and the Gold Coast is the perfect place to find it."
Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said as a sports-mad city with a rich history in rugby league, the Gold Coast was ready to host the game's top-flight series.
"Sports generates $14 billion for our nation's economy every year, and to have one rugby league's biggest games in our city will provide a huge shot in the arm for local businesses," Ms Scanlon said.
"Gold Coasters will be right behind our Maroon-grown heroes as they put it all on the field for their state, and I have no doubt the city's passion for footy will be on display."
NRL Head of Football Graham Annesley thanked the City of Gold Coast and the Palaszczuk Government for acting quicky to secure the final Origin event.
"It's great that it's coming here to the Gold Coast, this will be the third Origin game this year played in Queensland which is history in itself," Mr Annesley said.
"The people of the Gold Coast and South East Queensland, we know what mad rugby league supports they are.
"This is rugby league heartland and we're very confident given good weather we'll get a full house here on Wednesday night.
"Although the series has already been decided this is a great opportunity for Queensland to restore some of the pride and passion that goes with Origin.
"So, it doesn't matter if a series is alive or not whenever you play Origin the passion boils over not only from the players but also the fans.
"It's a wonderful opportunity for Rugby League fans in South East Queensland."
Tickets go on sale on Tuesday.
