The Brisbane Broncos and Suncorp Stadium remain at loggerheads over a long-term hiring agreement five weeks out from the start of the 2004 National Rugby League season.

Broncos chief executive Bruno Cullen met a senior delegation from the stadium's management Ogden IFC to discuss a long term rental contract for up to 20 years.

Brisbane rented the refurbished stadium on a game-to-game basis after it re-opened last June because of concerns that the heavy hire costs would make it difficult to break even on some games.

The first game of the new season is against the New Zealand Warriors on March 14.

While no agreement was brokered, Cullen stressed it was only "half time" in negotiations which had been both "informative and cordial".

Cullen foreshadowed another round of talks within a week and was reasonably optimistic that an acceptable deal could be reached.

The cost of hiring the venue, on which the government spent $280 million prior to rugby's World Cup, has caused the Queensland Rugby Union to baulk at moving some of its more attractive Super 12 games there this year, especially it's annual blockbuster with NSW.

The Australian Rugby League though has already booked the ground for the second State of Origin game on June 16 and can absorb the high charges because it will be an automatic sell out.

The Broncos however, who make the most of their income from sponsorship and gate takings, believe they need a better deal to keep their heads above water.

They averaged 28,250 for their eight games in 2003, which kicked off with record 46,500 turnout for the welcome back game against Newcastle.

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