Rugby league Immortal Wally Lewis has thrown his support behind a move that could see the NRL grand final moved out of Sydney, possibly as soon as this year.
Reports emerged yesterday that the Queensland government was prepared to pay upwards of $10 million per year to host the season decider, with officials keen to host multiple grand finals in the next decade.
Last year’s NRL grand final was played at Suncorp Stadium as COVID-19 restrictions forced a move away from New South Wales.
READ MORE: Twist in star’s future after ‘devastating’ display
READ MORE: Djokovic cleared for Wimbledon title defence
READ MORE: Queensland’s bid to steal NRL grand final
READ MORE: Aussie snooker champion nails ultra-rare perfect break
A decision by the New South Wales government not to proceed with a redevelopment of Stadium Australia has voided a deal that would have seen the grand final remain in Sydney until 2042.
Speaking on Nine’s Today, Lewis said he believed Queensland and Victoria would both be interested in hosting the match.
“Certainly everyone north of the border believes it’s an outstanding idea,” he said.
“I really do believe it’s going to be judged by the finances that are available.
“If the NRL are chasing the biggest bidder it could possibly go to Victoria. The MCG hosts 100,000 fans, it’s going to be very difficult to knock them back.”
Lewis supported the idea of a Super Bowl-type festival each year, with the grand final going to the city prepared to stump up the most cash.
Stream the NRL premiership 2022 live and free on 9Now.
“It’s being fair by the National Rugby League, it’s not just the New South Wales Rugby League in charge of the decision-making process,” Lewis said.
“If they are able to please all rugby league fans right around the country it would be fantastic.
“If they get the opportunity to do it the way they do in the United States, being in a different town every year, it’s certainly sharing the game around.
“They’re going to have to pay a top figure to make sure the game is based in their city.”
The Sydney Morning Herald has reported ARLC chairman Peter V’landys remains confident of a new deal with the NSW government, but has sought an urgent meeting with premier Dominic Perrottet after news of Queensland’s interest emerged.
While Lewis conceded Sydney was the natural home of the competition, he said he’s long been a supporter of taking the premiership decider on the road.
“If you’ve got a national rugby league competition, it is extremely important for the NRL to share it around the country,” he explained.
“Sure, you’re going to play the majority of grand finals in New South Wales, the home of it, but it is extremely important to play the games here at Suncorp Stadium, and also Melbourne.”
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!