The Australian conference winners on Thursday officially began preparations for a July 2 home semi-final which is expected to sell-out Lang Park for the second time this season.
The fruits of a capacity crowd include a significant financial reward of close to $500,000, and the Reds can double that amount by earning hosting rights for the July 9 decider.
To ensure the rebuilding Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) maximise their chances to cash in on the success of their entertaining side, the Reds must seal top spot with a last-round win in Hamilton on Saturday.
That would guarantee a Lang Park final if they win their semi-final.
A loss to the Chiefs, who are farewelling captain Mils Muliaina and long-term coach Ian Foster at Waikato Stadium, opens the door for the Stormers to charge to the minor premiership and also have the inside run for a final in Cape Town.
QRU chief executive Jim Carmichael is confident of again selling out their 52,500-capacity home ground on July 2, repeating the efforts of the May 29 blockbuster against the Crusaders.
"It would be great to see Suncorp full twice, maybe three times, with rugby people in a year," Carmichael said.
"You'd like to think that on a home final you would net yourself between 400 and 500k, that's what you would like to think, and if you multiply that by two then that's great."
Struggling to attract break-even figures of approximately 17,000 two years ago, crowds have averaged almost 30,000 in 2011.
Along with increased sponsorship, Queensland's resurgence has provided a significant financial boost after the state body last year received a $3 million loan from the Australian Rugby Union following several years in the doldrums.
Almost $11 million was lost over three years until 2010, but a profit will be made in 2011 as the rebuilding process still has plenty of hard yards to go.
The QRU will start making part repayments in the coming months but Carmichael stressed all revenue was being reinvested locally in a healthier code.
"Even with the windfall, the money that's earned won't mean all of a sudden it's a great world," Carmichael said.
"To have a final is fantastic, that's a bonus, but what's more important is that we've reinvigorated rugby in Queensland.
"And apart from finals the good news is we've hit every target we've set ourselves this year.
"No matter what happens on the 2nd of July we can be satisfied we've put our best foot forward and it's given us great hope for the future."
- AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, qld, brisbane-4000 First posted June 16, 2011 17:55:00
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