NRL boss David Gallop says the league would be “mad” if it didn’t consider offers to move the grand final to Brisbane or even Melbourne.
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said on Wednesday her government would be “playing hard” to attract the game’s showpiece amid reports the state would be prepared to pay up to six times as much as NSW does to host the event.
“It’s no secret, we would love to host future NRL grand finals here in Queensland and we’ll be playing hard to get them here,” Ms Bligh said in a statement.
“We’ve got the fans, we’ve got the facilities, and we’re a great holiday destination – where better place to host a grand final?”
The NRL’s deal with the NSW state government, worth $500,000 a year, expires in 2012.
“It’s not just about money but major events are things that state governments are chasing and we’d be mad not to have an open mind about that, particularly given the strength of the game already in Queensland,” Gallop told AAP on Wednesday night.
Gallop said he had been in “preliminary discussions” with Queensland’s major events body after exchanging correspondence with Ms Bligh earlier in the year.
He said no figure had yet been discussed, although the Seven Network reported between $2-3 million was a possibility for a single grand final.
Gallop also said the traditionally non-league state of Victoria was also a potential host state, although he was yet to have any discussions with officials.
“We’ve had a very successful relationship with Victoria in relation to State of Origin,” he said.
“Potentially I expect that they’ll be interested.
“At this stage it’s a more logical fit for Queensland with three (NRL) teams up there but I’m not discarding anything at this stage.”
Gallop said the Super Bowl model in the US had proved a grand final played by two “away” teams could work, but he was mindful of a backlash from traditionalists.
“Certainly that’s something to take into account, and that’s not something that we would do lightly,” he said.
“We accept that the traditional home of the grand final is Sydney but we’re going into this with an open mind.”
But Gallop expected NSW would not let the game go without a fight.
“I’m comfortable that the NSW government recognise the value of the grand final and I don’t think they’d be letting it walk out of Sydney without putting up a good argument to keep it here.”
M1tch
Roar Guru
it can get upgrades easily, but to be honest i think most have suprised at level of support the titans have got..
Tom Alexander.
Guest
Rugby League can't afford to keep tampering with any more of it's good established traditions. The rules have been stuffed with more times than the christmas turkey, we now have more match officials and referees than ever before, traditional clubs that were kicked out are now knocking on the door waiting to get back in, traditional venues were sacrificed for half empty stadiums, Origin matches have been moved to Victoria. Gallop needs his head read. Could you ever imagine the AFL Grand Final being held anywhere else but the MCG. Besides, Anna Bligh will say anything and do anything to get re-elected.
Chris
Guest
I still don't understand why they built such a "small" stadium. Suncorp should have been 60,000 minimum. The Broncos sell it out 4 times a season, not to mention Origin and Wallabies/Socceroos games. They can't really cite financial concerns because they are splashing a few hundred million on Carrara. Besides its a lot cheaper to built a bigger stadium to begin with than having to expand one after a decade. They did the same thing at Robina - it's not expandable and should have been 30,000.
Terry Kidd
Guest
Somebody needs to tell Anna that Suncorp is too small, and another somebody needs to remind Gallop that the fans own the game and as many as possible must have an equal chance of getting seats on GF day.
M1tch
Roar Guru
Totally agree..65k and Id say the NRL would take it there in a heartbeat.
Chris
Guest
If only they had built Suncorp to a capacity of 60,000! Right now its just too small for the Grand Final more than once every 4 or 5 years.
prowling panther
Roar Rookie
i reckon they should hold the gf at suncorp every 3 years like origin in melbourne. league supporters up there have demonstrated their passion for the game. the event would easily be a success
Crosscoder
Guest
Let's look at the picture.The Qld Govt pays $2-$3m for the privilege of holding the event.Currently the ANZ stadium holds 83,000 plus and the "broke as a Bronx inhabitant" NSW govt pays $500,000 for the privilege. The Suncorp stadium max capacity 54,000 est. My maths : you drop 30,000 in crowds by moving the game to Bris Vegas,you lose revenue say min $750,000. You lose naturally the $500,000 state govt "largesse" plus the $750,000,plus the drop in box holders (no idea value wise). i assume that means you drop at least $1.5m by moving it.You would need to get at least $3-4m to make it worthwhile financially.The big negative is the disenchantment felt by fans who either can't afford to go to Brisbane,or the 30,000 odd who miss out completely. IMO the Grand final is what the NRL is all about.Therefore the maximum number of fans,should have the maximum opportunity,to maximise their enjoyment of the live spectacle. KEEP IT TO THE MAX.