A Mount Isa Rugby League spokesperson confirmed the grand final would at Stingers Oval on June 29 as minor premiers Normanton had earned the right to bid for it and in the end the parties agreed on a sum of $10,000 to host the final.

 Cloncurry Eagles president Dane Swalling said he supported the move 

“I moved the motion at the start of the MIRL meeting in February to see the grand final possibly played out of town if the highest ranked first qualifier was able to bid for it,” Swalling said.

“Normanton deserve it, they finished first. Had we won that game we would have been bidding for the grand final to be held in Cloncurry so I'm for it.”

Swalling said although this weekend’s game was a final, they were preparing like every other game.

“Townies are a tough side and we're definitely not taking them lightly,” he said.

Townies spokesperson Sean Wade said his side came through the knockout final with Black Stars without any injury concerns. 

“A couple of good training runs this week with a good turn up to both and the boys are keen to get down to Cloncurry and take on the reigning premiers,” he said.

“Last time we played Cloncurry we came away with the a win after a hard fought contest between two quality teams.”

Wade said Townies came up short the last time they travelled to Cloncurry as they struggled for numbers due due to the shift work.

“We are looking forward to travelling to Cloncurry and taking them on in their own territory with it all on the line, there will be no excuses for the loser,” he said.

Wade was philosophical about the decision on the grand final venue.

“There has been probably too much said about the grand final in Normanton, at the end of the day that is the decision made and we are happy to play by the judge’s rule,” he said.

“This is just a game of rugby league, it speaks volumes across our communities and it brings people together, lets go up there support Normanton and the Mount Isa Rugby League and have a great day.”