Liverpool is "appearing more likely to shun Sydney to play in Brisbane next year -- and the angry fingers of blame are already being pointed," according to Andrew Webster of the BRISBANE TIMES. Despite some "premature chest thumping from the NSW Government in the past week, it's understood Queensland Premier Campbell Newman has thrown the bank at Liverpool to ensure they play Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium." Nothing has been "secured yet." Negotiations are "continuing and some hope remains for Sydney." Major footballing stakeholders, however, "were on Thursday of the belief that the Queensland deal was close to being done." Queensland is "prepared to reach deeper into their own pockets, and ensure all the profits go to Liverpool." It means the likes of Liverpool players Steven Gerrard and Raheem Sterling are "now more likely to play" against A-League side Brisbane Roar, with Tourism and Events Queensland "prepared to throw" a rumored A$5M ($4.4M) at "the EPL powerhouse -- with all of it going back to Liverpool." That's "significantly more drinking silver" than the A$3M needed to entice ManU to ANZ Stadium next year. Liverpool is "also tipped to play at Adelaide Oval against Adelaide United." Again, "all proceeds will go directly to Liverpool" (BRISBANE TIMES, 10/23).
