I moved to the area in 1996 and became a fan of the Easts Tigers Rugby League Club. Home games at Langlands Park have been a regular part of my life for over 25 years. 

The changes during that time have been spectacular with the field being reolcated, new grandstands being put in and the club house rebuilt many times. 

The structure of rugby league has undergone several changes in that time too. As they are now called, the Brisbane Tigers are a feeder club for the Melbourne Storm. There is a pathway for players through junior clubs from Holland Park through to Yarrabilba to the NRL and many take this pathway. 

Cameron Munster, Christian Welch, Cody Walker and Pat Carrigan have all passed through the Tigers ranks on their way to the NRL. With the growing number of female players, inevitably the Tigers will launch the careers of many NRLW player. 

I was pleased to secure funding to support the Tigers latest facilities upgrade. It is a complete rebuild of the grandstand that includes player facilities, broadcasting rooms, medical rooms, referree rooms and sponsor boxes. 

The construction is currently underway creating jobs for 100s of workers. When completed it will continue to boost the local economy particularly in Stones Corner and Coorparoo with many fans continuing on to local restaurants and bars after the games. 

I can't wait to watch a game from the new stands, the only thing that would be better, would be to see the Tigers win every grade in next year's Grand final.