Rockhampton to host Queensland Maroons

Author: QRL Media
Timestamp: Mon 30 Mar 2026, 03:00 PM

Queensland Rugby League and Rockhampton Regional Council are thrilled to bring one of the state’s favourite rugby league traditions to Central Queensland during this year’s State of Origin series.

In a massive coup for the CQ region, Rockhampton’s newly-upgraded Browne Park will host the Queensland Maroons Westpac Fan Day on Tuesday, June 30.

Fans will have the chance to meet their favourite Maroons players, with opportunities for autographs, photos, and interactive experiences with QRL partners in the lead up to the third match of the Origin series.

CQ juniors can also register for a coaching clinic where they can run, pass and kick alongside their heroes.

Rockhampton’s deep rugby league heritage makes it a fitting host city.

It is the hometown of Maroons captain Cameron Munster, who first developed his rugby league skills with the North Knights juniors.

The wider Central Queensland region has produced numerous Maroons State of Origin stars, including Harry Grant (Yeppoon Seagulls) and Ben Hunt (Blackwater Crushers).

Maroons head coach Billy Slater said regional fan days remain one of the most meaningful parts of the team’s annual calendar.

“Queensland’s strength has always come from its people, and that includes every town and community across the state,” Slater said.

“Rockhampton has produced some of our finest players, and we know the passion here runs deep. We can’t wait to bring the team to Central Queensland and share a special day with the community.”

Fittingly, today’s news was delivered in Rockhampton on the home turf of the North Knights.

Along with Munster, the Knights are immensely proud of the rise of former junior and Central Queensland Capras forward Lachlan Hubner, a current South Sydney Rabbitoh.

Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams joined Parks and Recreation Councillor Cherie Rutherford, QRL Central Region Manager Steve Price and Westpac Regional General Manager for Regional Commercial and Agribusiness in Northern Queensland, Maxine Austin, for today’s announcement.

Mayor Williams said that Rockhampton has always been a heartland for rugby league, and hosting the Queensland Maroons Westpac Fan Day is a tremendous honour for the community.

“This is a chance for locals to stand shoulder to shoulder with the team they love, right here at our newly upgraded Browne Park,” Mayor Williams said.

“Events like this are so great for the region and give locals a real boost. This is going to be a big year for the Maroons and it will be good to show them Rockhampton and Central Queensland are right there behind them.”

Parks, Sport, and Public Spaces Councillor Rutherford said regional communities are the backbone of Queensland, and events like this highlight their passion and resilience.

“We’re delighted to play a role in bringing the Maroons to the Rockhampton region,” Cr Rutherford said.

“Central Queensland has produced some of the state’s greatest rugby league players, and we’re incredibly proud to see our region recognised in this way.

“Our junior players will remember this for years. Being able to run, pass and kick alongside their heroes is the kind of experience that sparks lifelong passion for the game.”

Westpac’s Maxine Austin said: “Bringing the Queensland Maroons Westpac Fan Day to Rockhampton is about giving regional communities the chance to share in the same footy experiences as those fans in our metro areas.

“Regional clubs and small businesses are at the heart of community life, especially in footy heartlands like Rockhampton. We’re backing grassroots footy as it helps communities thrive while creating clearer pathways for the next generation of talent across both the men’s and women’s games.”

The Maroons have a long and proud history of connecting with regional Queensland communities, having engaged with fans in Gympie, Toowoomba, Cairns and Warwick in recent years.

This year’s Maroons Westpac Fan Day will be complemented by a new addition to the QRL events calendar – the Maroons Under The Stars Dinner at Paradise Lagoons, held on the eve of the team’s arrival in Rockhampton.

Set on a working cattle property, the June 29 event will offer an authentic outback experience, featuring a long‑table dinner under the night sky, local produce, and stories from former Maroons greats about the pride and passion of representing Queensland.

An exciting line up for the dinner will be announced shortly.

Pictured: North Knights junior players with Rob Crow (Browne Park Stadium Manager), Maxine Austin (Westpac Regional General Manager for Regional Commercial and Agribusiness in Northern Queensland), Tony Williams (Rockhampton Region Mayor), and Steve Price (QRL Central Region Manager and Former Origin Great)