NRL boss flags grand final switch
NRL boss David Smith has raised the prospect of moving the NRL grand final from its spiritual home in Sydney.
In a move that would break 106 years of tradition, Smith is considering switching the NRL decider to Suncorp Stadium or possibly even Melbourne for the first time once the current deal with ANZ Stadium expires in 2019.
It would be the first time a grand final has been played outside of Sydney ina unified competition.
"The future, and the way that we manage the competition, could be different," Smith told Fairfax Media.
"Next year we're taking Origin II to Melbourne so at the end of the day we can appeal to the widest bunch of fans that we possibly can.
"ANZ is great for doing that, it's a great grand final spectacle.
"But 20 years down the track you'll have the Perth stadium built, clearly Melbourne is an opportunity. There's nothing better than Suncorp and who knows what investment we'll have from the government in Sydney in terms of stadiums.
"I think it is a longer-term horizon because of our contractual arrangement, but remember that we're about growth and wider appeal.
"You'd hope you could take the game at different times, if it's well thought through, to other regions."
The comments come after Smith raised the ire of Sydney fans earlier this year by suggesting Queensland was the "heartland of rugby league and are certain to spark debate among traditionalists.
Any move away from Sydney would be the first time the grand final has left the code's spiritual home apart from the 1997 Super League grand final between the Broncos and Sharks, which was played at Brisbane's ANZ Stadium.
Smith is a huge fan of Suncorp Stadium.
"It's a world-class stadium, there's no question, it's one of the best stadiums in the country," Smith said.
"Equally, we're working with the government on Sydney stadiums as well. Fingers crossed, in 20 years time you'd hope this game is a national game with much wider appeal, therefore you probably have more choices as to where you play your premium events."
