NRL boss Dave Smith believes the future of the grand final may lie in a rotation of venues between NSW, Queensland and a new market.
Smith said in order to further expand the game, major events like the grand final, could be moved around Australia on a cycle similar to State of Origin.
“The way that we manage Origin is quite a good example of I think the way things potentially roll out in the future, whereby we do one year focused in NSW, one year focused in Queensland and a third year we take a game away,” Smith told Sky Sports Radio.
“In the future with some of our big events I can see how we continue to do that because it’s a way of expanding the game and attracting a new fan base.
“I can see that we do that more frequently in the future.”
Smith said 25,000 interstate fans descending on Sydney for last Sunday’s decider between North Queensland and Brisbane, as well as the mass migration of Origin supporters to a midweek Melbourne fixture earlier in the year, showed people’s willingness to travel to major events.
Despite rejuvenated calls for a second Brisbane team on the back of the all-Queensland grand final a big crowds for the Broncos, Smith reiterated the league’s position to shore up the future of existing clubs before expanding but indicated Queensland was the fierst expansion priority.
“The number one priority is to make sure the clubs we’ve got are sustainable and prosperous and I think there’s a bit of work for us to do there,” Smith said.
“Once you’ve got that sorted then clearly the opportunity is in the Queensland market to create more of a conference system.”
He said the $1.6 billion to be spent on new stadiums in NSW would create a geographical spread to boost languishing crowds in the state.
“You will more often than not be able to fill your stadiums, it’ll just be the right size for the right game,” Smith said.
He said an enhanced experience with new stadiums at Moore Park (55,000 capacity), Paramatta (30-35,000) and Penrith (25,000) would help to boost crowds.
“I think you will see an increase in people coming, but nonetheless we’re not trying to get 80,000 coming to every game,” Smith said.
Smith said he understood the frustration some had with the golden point rule, but didn’t see it changing.
“I think it’s as good a system as any. Certainly from a fan perspective it was pretty exciting,” Smith said.
“I can’t see see that there’s likely to be a change to that particular position.”
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Um no.My point is three code repeat 3 codes' CEO's are lobbying Baird & CO for the stadium developments,not just Smith which you seem to imply. You need to lighten up, if you find the use of an analogy disconcerting.
AR
Guest
So your point is that these stadiums - which are currently used for a variety of events - will continue to be used for a variety of events. Thanks for clarifying.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Haven't you heard? League IS dying. Record FTA rights deal, a close to (was too devastated by the loss to check if they did break the record) record breaking finals attendance, with multiple areas ready for expansion at the drop of a hat.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Spelling it out for you slowly.Multi usage of ANZ stadium not just for rugby league,but rugby union,soccer,concerts,etc etc. In fact including muti usage of Moore park and Parramatta. That's WTF i'm on about.Give it time it may well sink in.
AR
Guest
"Fox needs the NRL like a spider needs a web...I can see Beyonce now wiggling her booty at ANZ...SOO once every 3 years ,a different kettle of fish." wtf is this guy on about?
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Wouldn't be a case of testing the water,and ensuring Baird follows through with his promises? Keeping interested parties on their toes as business people are want to do.Hell Gallop would be lucky to extract any funds from Govts,his lobbying skills non existent based on results. A bit like Murdoch making threats about the NRL,when Smith hooked a $925m deal with ch9.Fox needs the NRL like a spider needs a web. NSW Govt would be fully aware of the financial benefits of having the G/F in Sydney. Baird was a guest of the NRL at the G/F and on stage at presentation time,think he would be fully aware of the NRL's plans.And no one can predict the lie of the land in 20 years. Unless Brisbane can build an 80,000 seat stadium, and Melbourne Govt offers ridiculous sums to have a G/F ,can't see it happening. The G/F is only one NRL Sydney stadium usage,there will be NRL games at Moore Park,ANZ and Parramatta,plus other rectangular codes usage.The billions to be spent are not for the sole benefit of the NRL.Plus concerts.I can see Beyonce now wiggling her booty at ANZ. SOO once every 3 years ,a different kettle of fish.
Cedric
Guest
yes and while were at it, we should move Bathurst to say Toowoomba, the boxing day test to Brizzy, tennis to some where else!!!! The list could go on unless commonsense prevails. If I want to go to an NRL GF I want to go to the real one, same with Bathurst, tennis and all the other big events. The only one I know of that works is the Superbowl and that's because it really is a national game!
AR
Guest
Interesting that at a time when the NSW Govt is talking about spending billions on new stadiums, Smith is talking about moving the GF outside of NSW. I can imagine Baird's reaction..."he said what...??!"
Samtwocan
Guest
Because !
Rodney Acraman
Roar Rookie
That would be awesome... ?
The Barry
Roar Guru
Really? NSW has more teams, more fans, more corporates, generates more revenue, bigger stadium than anywhere except the MCG. That's before we get into any of the emotional content of "that's the spiritual home of the grand final".
Cedric
Guest
ok, so some want to take the GF to another city. Can someone name some of these cities, as I can only think of Brizzy and that's a bit unfair as it is a one horse (club) town, just as Melbourne is, just as Auckland is. Oh, Newcastle, no one horse town. Adelaide?
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Now you're thinking outside of the village. Can't have that. Please go back to where you came from.
Russell
Guest
Cedric "other people"? Who cares what other people say, think or write? There are enough examples of posters on this site alone to fill a book as big as the Bible of what other people think about our sport, but if you look to them to help you decide what the value of your sport is .... you won't have a sport for very long and that's what they hope and are working towards in their own little way.
Joel Rigby
Guest
relax, the Grand Final will be shared around, it is too big of a money spinner for the NRL not to ... better move on and get used to the idea.
Cedric
Guest
yes a big event in Oz and PNG, that's it. Alot of people dream that league will take over the world because it's so good. Well to me it's sooo good, but to others they have their own game. On very few peoples bucket list they have an NRL GF, and ofcourse it's Sydney. I've done it, if it was one GF in my life time, would I buy a ticket to Brizzy or anywhere else, NO WAY, get a grip, no way, Sydney GF does it everytime!!!!!!!!!!!!! SOO in California 1980s', that really worked, yeah right, play the game where it belongs and THE PEOPLE WILL COME, and they will keep coming, ( branding, get it ) I'm coming back again, you bet!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dayer
Guest
Cedric ... relax man, go walk in the Park and smell the spring roses that are blooming beautifully. Ideas are put forward and the smart intelligent people will debate the cons and pros, i do think in the long term there will be more pros than cons because the GF is a EVENT. get it a EVENT.
Dayer
Guest
HAHAH Kevin, Smithy will be around when the changes come around to make this great game Aussie and the pacifics no.1 sport. the sad thing is you wont be around because League do not need negative people like you.
Dayer
Guest
NO!
Dayer
Guest
lol Sleiman