BRISBANE, Queensland, Oct. 19 -- The Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet issued text of the following statement:

JOINT STATEMENT

Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation

The Honourable Andrew Powell

Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games

The Honourable Tim Mander

* The Crisafulli Government is bringing the Rugby League World Cup closer to Queensland communities, with free fan experiences and exclusive opportunities to meet international rugby league stars. * Fans in Brisbane,Townsville and the Gold Coast will have opportunities to get involved beyond match day, with open training sessions, player signings, school visits and coaching clinics. * The Rugby League World Cup is another major event supported by theCrisafulli Government as part of its Destination 2045 vision to make Queensland Australia's events capital.

Queensland rugby league fans will have the chance to get up close with some of the world's biggest stars, with a packed program of free community events as part of the Rugby League World Cup 2026.

The Crisafulli Government has secured a series of fan experiences across Brisbane, Townsville and the Gold Coast, giving Queenslanders more opportunities to be part of the international tournament beyond match day.

The packed program of community activities across Queensland includes:

* Open training sessions and player signings - Fans can meet the Kangaroos and international rugby league stars at sessions in Brisbane and Townsville. * School visits - International players will visit schools across Queensland, including appearances by Papua New Guinea and New Zealand players on the Gold Coast. * Junior rugby league experiences - Hundreds of young Queenslanders will have opportunities to meet players, including training sessions in Townsville. * Coaching clinics and education sessions - Local coaches will have opportunities to learn from Australian and international coaching teams. * Fan events and player Q&As - Supporters will have opportunities to hear directly from players and get involved in World Cup celebrations. Townsville fans can attend a ticketed Ultimate Sports Lunch for an intimate fan experience. * Adopt a Country schools program - More than 80 Queensland schools will adopt competing nations, with exclusive match-day experiences and prizes up for grabs including a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for 20 students to walk onto the field with players before a match.

The community program is supported by the Crisafulli Government's Mega and Strategic Events Fund, Townsville City Council throughTownsville Enterprise Limited andCity of Gold Coastvia Experience Gold Coast,bringingfans closer to the action and connect communities with the excitement of the World Cup.

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the Crisafulli Government was making sure Queensland communities shared in the thrill of hosting the Rugby League World Cup.

"We've fought hard to bring major international sporting events to Queensland, and we want local families, young players and fans to be part of the action, not just watching from the sidelines," Minister Powell said.

"These free experiences mean young Queenslanders can meet their rugby league heroes, learn from the best in the world and make memories that will last long after the final whistle.

"Major events also mean more visitors staying in our hotels, eating at local restaurants and supporting Queensland businesses, and that's why we're determined to make Queensland Australia's events capital."

Minister for Sport and Racing Tim Mander said the Rugby League World Cup was an opportunity to inspire the next generation of Queensland players and bring communities together through sport.

"We want Queensland to be the home of sport in Australia and we want every Queenslander to feel part of the excitement when the world's best rugby league players arrive," Minister Mander said.

"The Crisafulli Government is making sure the benefits of major sporting events reach beyond the stadiums, from meeting their heroes to learning new skills and getting involved in free community events, this is a chance for young Queenslanders to be inspired by the best in the game."

Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto said as the capital of northern Australia, Townsville was Rugby League heartland, and the community would welcome the Rugby League World Cup to the city with open arms.

"Townsville loves rugby league, so having the Rugby League World Cup in our own backyard is an incredible opportunity for local fans to see the game's biggest stars up close," Cr Dametto said.

"These community events will give people of all ages the chance to meet their heroes and be part of the excitement of this world-class tournament.

"It brings visitors to our city, supports local businesses and showcases Townsville to a global audience as a premier destination for major sporting events and I encourage everyone to get involved in the free community activities on offer."

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the Gold Coast was inviting locals and visitors to celebrate the Rugby League World Cup.

"It's our turn to shine when the Rugby League World Cup touches down on the Gold Coast,'' Mayor Tate said.

"This is the biggest stage for world rugby league and hosting three games on the one day ensures fans will be in for a special treat.

"Securing these matches underscores our city's commitment to attracting the biggest and best sporting carnivals on offer and my message to all league fans is: make a date with C Bus Super Stadium and join us as we celebrate the 2026 World Cup.''

For more information, visit: Rugby League World Cup website.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Ruth McCosker 0406 331 114

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - events by region:

Townsville

*

Wednesday 28 October - Kangaroos Open Training Session and signing at Townsville Sports Reserve, 9am-10:30am. Register for session at https://nrl.jotform.com/262800969039869.

Wednesday 28 October - Kangaroos Open Training Session and signing at Townsville Sports Reserve, 9am-10:30am. Register for session at https://nrl.jotform.com/262800969039869.

*

Wednesday 28 October - Cook Islands men's team Open Training Session and signing at Townsville Sports Reserve, 2pm-3.30pm. Register for session at https://nrl.jotform.com/262800952965869

Wednesday 28 October - Cook Islands men's team Open Training Session and signing at Townsville Sports Reserve, 2pm-3.30pm. Register for session at https://nrl.jotform.com/262800952965869

*

Wednesday 28 October - Player Q&A at Holiday Inn Townsville.

Wednesday 28 October - Player Q&A at Holiday Inn Townsville.

*

Thursday 29 October - Education session for junior and school coaches at Brothers Rugby League Club Townsville.

Thursday 29 October - Education session for junior and school coaches at Brothers Rugby League Club Townsville.

*

Saturday 31 October - Australia vs Cook Islands (M) at Queensland Country Bank Stadium Townsville, kick-off at 7.05pm.

Saturday 31 October - Australia vs Cook Islands (M) at Queensland Country Bank Stadium Townsville, kick-off at 7.05pm.

Brisbane

*

Tuesday 20 October - Kangaroos Australian men's team Open Training Session and signing at Totally Workwear Stadium Brisbane, 3pm - 5pm. Register for session at https://nrl.jotform.com/262780666854875

Tuesday 20 October - Kangaroos Australian men's team Open Training Session and signing at Totally Workwear Stadium Brisbane, 3pm - 5pm. Register for session at https://nrl.jotform.com/262780666854875

*

Sunday 25 October - Australia vs Fiji (M) at Suncorp Stadium, kick off at 7.05pm.

Sunday 25 October - Australia vs Fiji (M) at Suncorp Stadium, kick off at 7.05pm.

*

Sunday 15 November - Rugby Leage World Cup - Final (M & W) Team A vs Team B Double Header at Suncorp Stadium from 3.10pm.

Sunday 15 November - Rugby Leage World Cup - Final (M & W) Team A vs Team B Double Header at Suncorp Stadium from 3.10pm.

Gold Coast

*

Saturday 31 October - Triple header, New Zealand vs Fiji (M). Fiji vs France (W), and New Zealand vs PNG (W) at Cbus Super Stadium Gold Coast from 12.20pm.

Saturday 31 October - Triple header, New Zealand vs Fiji (M). Fiji vs France (W), and New Zealand vs PNG (W) at Cbus Super Stadium Gold Coast from 12.20pm.

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.