The Queensland government has ramped up its bid for Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium to host the 2021 NRL grand final, after the venue was snubbed for next year’s decider in favour of the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The “Cauldron”, formerly Lang Park, is considered the spiritual home of rugby league, especially in Queensland, and the state government is pressuring its former leader, Australian Rugby League Commission chairman and ex-premier Peter Beattie, to award the match to his home town.

Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, which could be in the running to host the 2021 grand final. Credit:Michelle Smith

It was Mr Beattie’s government that oversaw the redevelopment of Suncorp Stadium into a 52,500-capacity all-seater stadium in the early 2000s, making it what is still widely considered to be the best rectangular stadium in the country.

An alternative venue to ANZ Stadium at Homebush – the main stadium of the Sydney 2000 Olympics – will be needed for at least two seasons as it undergoes a controversial $810 million redevelopment.