If it’s good enough for the most profitable sports league in the world, then the NRL can follow suit.
After years of threatening to take the plunge, it’s time to take the NRL grand final on the road.
The Queensland government has given the game the love it deserves and the time is right for the NRL to return the favor by regularly shifting the premiership decider out of Sydney — provided the balance sheet matches up.
The AFL committed to a mega-deal with the Victorian government in 2018 to keep the grand final at the MCG until 2057. It helps feed the narrative that the AFL remains a national league in name only.
In contrast, the most profitable sports league in the world, the NFL, takes the Super Bowl to a different venue each year.
Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
The NRL must follow the NFL’s lead. Last year we were given a taste of what a grand final would be like out of Sydney. Sure Covid-19 forced the NRL’s hand but it took nothing away from Penrith’s premiership at Suncorp Stadium.
Brisbane should host at least one grand final every four years.
If that works then explore other potential venues – Melbourne, Perth, or even New Zealand.
The NRL has shown it is willing to sell State of Origin to the highest bidder as they take one game each series out of the traditional home venues. Well grand finals make more sense to do.
The NSW government’s backflip for stadium funding – and the suggestion they may withdraw the money already allocated to Penrith – should be enough for the NRL to stop making threats and move the game.
They’ve made the right decision this year to remain in Sydney given the grand final is less than two months away.
The NRL has reportedly squeezed the NSW government for an extra $8 million to keep the game in Sydney in 2022.
But that is still well short of the $300 million the government had committed to repair dilapidated stadiums including Brookvale, Leichhardt and Shark Park.
Until that happens, the NRL owes the NSW government nothing.
Originally published as NRL grand final: Follow NFL Super Bowl and take rugby league’s decider on the road
.