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Flight Centre Travel Group’s Stage and Screen reveals Maroons’ State of Origin Game Day Routine
Stage and Screen manages the travel for the Maroons players and can reveal how three of Queensland’s favourite State of Origin squad members gear up for game day.
Stage and Screen General Manager Adam Moon said travel, even when it runs smoothly, causes disruptions to usual schedules and routines, so behind-the-scenes planning and seamless coordination was paramount to game day success for players.
“Travel management companies play one of the biggest supporting roles in getting players, fans, corporates media, and team staff to events such as the State of Origin, and given the buzz around Game Three, it’s set to break all sorts of records.
“A sporting event such as this requires detailed planning, high-stakes logistics, and seamless coordination.”
Ahead of the final clash this Wednesday at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, Stage and Screen’s analysis of exclusive business flight booking data to the three matches found a 148 per cent growth in bookings year-on-year, making the 2024 annual series one of the most well-attended and economically impactful yet.
Mr Moon said the flight booking data underscores the growing popularity and support for the State of Origin and reflects the series' expanding influence off the field.
“Not only do major sporting events such as the State of Origin have a profound impact on tourism and local economies, but we’re seeing clear signs that the grandstand could be replacing the golf course or boardroom for business deals,” Mr Moon said.
The Queensland capital has projected economic growth of 68 per cent over the next the 20 years off the back of soaring population, manufacturing and innovation growth.
Mr Moon believes this is fuelling the popularity for the QRL’s Brisbane-based matches such as the Origin.
“Such growth is telling, not only are these events hugely popular with the leisure market, but it feeds into an even wider pivot we’re witnessing with sporting events becoming a hub as the preferred places for business travellers to network, negotiate and forge connections,” Mr Moon said.
And on home soil the State of Origin series has established itself on the top list of events where business deals are being done, particularly as the code collects record attendance and television ratings. In the opening game of the 2024 Ampol Women’s State of Origin clash, attendance was almost double that of 2023. Mr Moon expects demand to continue to increase for the State of Origin and other major sporting events and adds that all eyes are increasingly turning to Brisbane ahead of the 2032 Games.
With a major renovation of Suncorp Stadium wrapping up this year to include a 2,000 square metre revamp that includes food outlets, bars and members bistro, Mr Moon says that the city and stadium is more primed than ever to host events to an international standard.
As the countdown to kick-off begins, Queensland Maroons players Reed Mahone, Trent Loiero and Brendan Piakura share how they manage the pressure of a high-stakes game day.
Mahoney approaches game day with a relaxed attitude and says, “I’m pretty cruisy actually on game day. If anything, I’ll be trying to get a nap in.”
“I’ve always loved watching State of Origin, and it would be a dream come true to play at Suncorp Stadium in front of more than 50,000 passionate Queenslanders one day,” Mahoney said.
“[When travelling between cities for games I] usually just make sure I can get a sleep on the plane. I’ll sometimes watch a movie on the long flights.”
While Loiero plans to fuel his body with a high protein breakfast, saying “I’ll order breakfast, it’s always scrambled eggs on toast with bacon and avocado – as well as a cappuccino.”
“Suncorp Stadium is the pinnacle for Queenslanders. I played a curtain-raiser to Origin a few years ago here for the Queensland under 18 team. In that team we had the likes of Xavier Coates, Reece Walsh and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, just to name a few. It was a great experience, especially after getting the win,” Loiero said.
“Travelling every second week has always been part of my routine. We use it to our advantage knowing that we have to be together. The guys enjoy each other’s company on trips to games and training.
“Unfortunately, I can’t sleep on a plane. I just try to make myself as comfortable as possible and try to switch off.”
Piakura’s routine involves a bust game day, saying “I wake up and eat 6 eggs, 2 pieces of toast and a pile of bacon. Then I go for a walk or go to the gym. Just something to get me moving before the game. I’ll relax in the afternoon by either taking a nap or a massage, but then I lock in for the game.”
“We travel every couple of weekends so I highly recommend having a good pair of headphones. They’re very necessary. I download golf videos from YouTube and watch a whole bunch of different channels and golf content while on the plane. It helps pass the time,” Piakura said.
Mr Moon concludes, “The QRL is continuing to score try after try for Australian fans and we’re proud to be right behind them, ensuring their players, gear and teams get to their matches on time and in prime position to perform.”
