NRL semi-final matches to be played in Rockhampton, Townsville and Sunshine Coast

In an effort to reward regional Queensland for the role they have played in keeping the season going, the ARL Commission have announced matches for the Townsville, Rockhampton, and the Sunshine Coast.

In the week-one qualifying finals, the Storm will face Manly while Penrith and third-placed South Sydney. The winners of these games go straight to the preliminary finals in week three.

The losers of those two games will take on the winners of the week-one elimination finals.

Sixth-placed Parramatta meet seventh-placed Newcastle in one elimination final with the Roosters taking on Gold Coast in the other sudden-death playoff.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said rugby league was "part of the social fabric" of the communities chosen to host matches in week one.

"We're excited to reward them for that support by hosting the first week of our finals series," Mr Abdo said.

"Through adversity comes opportunity and we're delighted to give back to these regions with the rare opportunity to host semi-final games. We're also continuing to work with the Queensland Government about playing in regional Queensland for week two."

"With 13 teams relocating to South-East Queensland for the last few months of the regular season, Abdo thanked the clubs, players and officials for the way they have handled the upheaval."

The Rockhampton region will play host to a semi-final match between the Parramatta Eels and the Newcastle Knights on Sunday, September 12 at Rockhampton's Browne Park Stadium.

Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said it's great to host another NRL premiership match in Rockhampton, following the success of the two NRL matches played in region last month.

"The Rockhampton region has once again been chosen as the destination of choice to host another NRL premiership match," Mayor Williams said.

"This time around it will be a semi-final match, providing an incredible opportunity for our region to host two high-profile teams fighting it out to make the NRL premiership final."

Advance Rockhampton executive manager Greg Bowden said hosting an NRL semi-final premiership match in the Rockhampton region will bring huge economic benefit to the region with exposure across the nation putting Rocky on the radar.

"Semi-final matches are the second biggest games in the overall NRL premiership, and hosting one in Rockhampton will mean fans from all over Queensland will want to witness who makes it into the final rounds," Mr Bowden said.

"Thousands of Queenslanders secured tickets to the matches held in Rockhampton last month, with over 11% of ticket holders coming from out of region.

"We expect this number to grow for the semi-final match between the Parramatta Eels and the Newcastle Knights, with ticket holders' spending money on our region's accommodation, hospitality and retail businesses."

Queensland Rugby League Central Region manager Rob Crow said Browne Park Stadium has shown it can host high-profile NRL premiership matches and is ready to host a semi-final game.

"Last month Browne Park hosted a sell-out match between the Dragons and Cowboys, with thousands of spectators enjoying the footy," Mr Crow said.

"Our stadium is ready to host another match, and we're excited to see Browne Park come to life again next Sunday with two high-profile NRL teams playing for their chance to be in the NRL final."

Qualifying final: Melbourne v Manly, 7.50pm at Sunshine Coast Stadium

Elimination final: Sydney Roosters v Gold Coast, 5.40pm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium

Qualifying final: Penrith v South Sydney, 7.50pm at Queensland Country Bank Stadium

Elimination final: Parramatta v Newcastle, 4.05pm at Browne Park, Rockhampton

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