Townsville is bracing for a rugby league party after the NRL overcame a beer rights brawl to confirm the city would host Saturday night's all-Queensland semifinal.

Brewers Lion Nathan - who make XXXX and own the pourage rights at Dairy Farmers Stadium - and Carlton United Breweries(CUB) - who sponsor the NRL - spent most of the day at loggerheads over the proposal to move the Brisbane-North Queensland game from Sydney's Aussie Stadium.

However, common sense eventually prevailed and the parties were able to smoke the peacepipe.

NRL chief executive David Gallop admitted the move was close to collapsing several times before middle ground was reached.

"When this was first suggested, and at various times in the last 48 hours, it appeared to be mission impossible," Gallop said.

"It has been an enormously complex matter and it simply could not have happened without the assistance of Aussie Stadium, our clubs and a range of individual companies and corporate partners...

"It also has to be remembered that this could not have happened without the Broncos forfeiting a neutral venue, and I want to extend our thanks to Bruno Cullen, Wayne Bennett and Gorden Tallis for the approach they have taken.

"While it is a decision that will please a great number of fans, it will also cause commercial partners and some other fans a deal of inconvenience, despite our many efforts to minimise that inconvenience.

"We very much appreciate their understanding."

Excited fans began lining up for tickets at Dairy Farmers Stadium in the early hours of Monday, only to be turned away because the switch had not been confirmed.

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