Rita Saffioti hits back at Queensland's claim it’s ‘locked and loaded’ to steal First Test back from WA

Rita Saffioti has unleashed on Queensland’s claim it is “locked and loaded” to seize the First Test back from Perth, declaring that WA won’t accept second place. The three-year contract for the West Test is due to expire after the 2025-26 cricket season and Queensland is circling, with Premier David Crisafulli taking a sweeping shot at WA on Tuesday. “I love Test cricket and I don’t like two-day Tests, which is why you should have the First Test at a place where you can get a spectacle,” he said. Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird said last week there was “no doubt” the Test series opener will stay in Perth, but Mr Crisafulli insisted that was “tongue and cheek” and that negotiations are underway for 2028-29 before the Gabba is demolished. “The first Test of the 32-33 summer is coming home to Queensland, that’s locked and loaded,” he said. “To my West Australian friends, all the best, congratulations on the 48-hour Test match, but it’s coming home to Brisbane and the deal’s done.” But WA wants the years before 2032 and beyond, and the Deputy Premier has said Queensland should focus on Olympic preparations instead. “We are in discussions with Cricket Australia on another deal and expect to put pen to paper by the end of the season,” Ms Saffioti said. “WA will not be taking a back seat. We’ll be making sure Western Australia remains front and centre when it comes to international sporting events”. Cricket Australia hedged it’s bets, only days after Mr Baird told a crowd at Optus Stadium that “whatever Rita says happens, so if Rita wants it, it’s going to happen”. But on Tuesday, that was subject to negotiations with reports of a $1 million price-tag for marketing and tourism support to clinch a deal. “CA chair Mike Baird has given a verbal assurance to the Queensland Government that the first Test of the 2032/33 season will be held at the new Brisbane Olympic Stadium,” a Cricket Australia spokesman said. “As the first non-Olympic event in the new stadium, this will be a unique opportunity to showcase cricket. “Otherwise, the usual negotiations with State governments and stadium operators will take place to determine the scheduling of Test matches beyond those already in place.” A record crowd of 101,514 attended the First Ashes Test to witness Australia’s eight-wicket victory over England, beating the 96,463 spectators who watched India win in four days last year.