Qld: Wally Lewis gets to choose his spot

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Qld: Wally Lewis gets to choose his spot

By John Sheed

BRISBANE, Aug 21 AAP - Wally Lewis ruled Brisbane's Lang Park during his rugby leaguedays and when a $280 million redevelopment of the park is finished next year he'll beable to choose where he stands.

Not that the King of Lang Park will be expected to stand to watch any games - but theplace where he wants his statue to stand will be left to him.

Queensland Minister for Sport Terry Mackenroth revealed the concession to the kingtoday when he told a meeting of the Brisbane Development Association work on the revampwas on time and on budget and would be ready by May next year for the annual State ofOrigin rugby league series between Queensland and New South Wales.

The ground, known as Suncorp Metway Stadium, will also be a major venue for next year'srugby union World Cup, with four matches to be played there including two quarter finalsand a possible clash between the Wallabies and England.

Mr Mackenroth told the meeting Queensland was expected to directly benefit from theWorld Cup matches to the tune of around $200 million.

"Of the over 40,000 visitors expected, it is anticipated the majority will come toQueensland, whether it is to participate in the event or enjoy Queensland as a holidaydestination," Mr Mackenroth said.

But when asked the whereabouts of Wally's statue, which was erected at Lang Park whenhe ended his rugby league playing career in the early 1990s, Mr Mackenroth said it wason display at the Queensland state library.

When the redevelopment was complete it would be returned to Lang Park.

"I've spoken to Wally and told him he can choose where the statue will go," Mr Mackenroth said.

"He'll probably want it on the centre line - but it will probably be placed in theplaza at the northern end, I think that will be the preferred area."

AAP jfs/sc/mg/br

KEYWORD: LANG