Queensland Rugby League boss Bruce Hatcher has rejected criticism of a stand at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium being named after former state Labor politician Terry Mackenroth.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has been forced to defend her unilateral decision to name the eastern stand after Mr Mackenroth, who died in April.
Opposition leader Deb Frecklington on Wednesday slammed the decision as "out of touch" and "inappropriate" saying the accolade should be given to a Queensland sporting great instead.
"Lang Park (Suncorp Stadium) is one of the most iconic and historical grounds in Australia that some of Queensland's most distinguished sports people have graced," Ms Frecklington said.
However Mr Hatcher disagreed, saying Mr Mackenroth had masterminded the construction of the modern stadium and deserved the honour.
"Players play the game, that's fantastic, but there's a hell of a lot that goes on behind the scenes," Mr Hatcher told AAP.
"There were a lot of proponents who said that stadium shouldn't be there, it should be demolished and moved.
"For what was created there it's outstanding and why wouldn't you recognise the individual who drove its development?"
In addition to his political career, Mr Mackenroth also later served as an independent director of the Australian Rugby League and Queensland Rugby League.
Mr Hatcher also confirmed he had written to the premier recommending rugby league great Alfie Langer be the next player to be honoured with a statue outside the ground.
That now seems to be a certainty, with Ms Palaszczuk hinting strongly on Wednesday that the announcement would be made ahead of the final game in the State of Origin series to be played at Suncorp next Wednesday.
"(Langer) should be there for what he's done and he's continued to contribute to the game after he's played," Mr Hatcher said.
