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elbourne’s iconic MCG has emerged as the potential host venue for the NRL Grand Final as Sydney and Brisbane’s hopes of hosting the Grand Final remain uncertain following the extended lockdowns in NSW and Queensland.
Melbourne Storm chairman, Matt Tripp is currently putting together a proposal to buy the rights to host the NRL Grand Final given the ongoing COVID-19 situations in Sydney and southeast Queensland.
As a result of the MCG being a potential host venue, it now has the full support of the Victorian Government, who confirmed, they are happy to discuss this with the NRL.
Victorian Sports Minister, Martin Pakula, stated his state is “happy to have a conversation” with the NRL regarding Melbourne being a suitable host for the Grand Final.
“I haven’t had discussions [with the NRL]; I’ve exchanged text messages with Peter V’Landys,” Pakula said.
“Peter, I think indicated yesterday that they’re probably looking at NSW or Queensland as their next priority, but they are happy to have a conversation with us.
“I think from our perspective, we would indicate to the NRL that we would be available for a conversation, but we’re not getting into a bidding war with the Queensland government over this.
“If the NRL comes to us and says, look, we don’t think Sydney is an option, and Brisbane isn’t an option, and they want to talk to us about the MCG or Marvel Stadium, then we are ready for that conversation,” Pakula said.
Melbourne Storm coach, Craig Bellamy, said: “That would be great for the code in Melbourne if we had the grand final there whether we are in it or not.”
“Being the Melbourne Storm coach it is a pretty exciting announcement it might happen.
“Our biggest role is to try and get there.
“If that happens and it is played in Melbourne, that would be great.
“But even if we didn’t make it, it would be a real shot in the arm for Melbourne,” Bellamy said.
