Melbourne and Auckland are the latest cities to express an interest in hosting the 2028 grand final, sparking the biggest bidding war ever for the game’s showpiece event.
The 2028 decider is up for grabs at a time when a scheduling clash with Pope Leo XIV’s Sydney visit may prompt a change of date or venue. NSW Premier Chris Minns has indicated he wants the match to remain in Sydney, but will face stiff opposition from rival Australian states.
Melbourne is the latest to publicly state its intentions, joining Sydney, Perth and Brisbane in jockeying for the hosting rights. There is also the prospect of the match going offshore for the first time after New Zealand expressed an interest in pinching the game.
It raises the possibility of the fixture leaving the harbour city for just the second time after the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions resulted in it being shifted to Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium in 2021.
Melbourne set the record for the biggest State of Origin attendance when 91,671 fans packed the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the second game of this year’s series.
“When the world’s biggest sporting events look for a home – they choose Melbourne,” said Victorian Minister for Major Events Anthony Carbines.
“That’s because everyone knows that Melbourne is the events capital of Australia – not Sydney or Brisbane.
“We’ll continue conversations about a wide range of events that pump millions into our economy and create more jobs.”
New Zealand will host its first State of Origin match next year at Auckland’s Eden Park, and the city is hopeful that could be a springboard to hosting the grand final the following year.
“It would be fantastic if the NRL grand final was in Auckland in 2028 and we are all looking forward to next year’s State of Origin game at Eden Park, which is sure to be a huge success,” said Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown.
“The Warriors’ continued success has generated enormous excitement, and Auckland’s appetite for rugby league right now is insatiable.”
Rugby league is booming in New Zealand, courtesy of the remarkable rise of the Warriors. Coach Andrew Webster’s side has emerged as a genuine contender after upsetting premiership favourites Penrith on the weekend.
The NRL is likely to introduce a 20th team into the competition in 2029, with a New Zealand-based team the most likely option.
“Auckland has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to deliver world-class events, supported by outstanding venues, a new city rail link, and a fan base that embraces major sporting occasions,” said Annie Dundas from Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, the events arm of Auckland Council.
“While the NRL’s plans for future grand finals are ultimately a matter for the NRL, Auckland would naturally be very interested in exploring opportunities that align with our strategy of attracting major events that deliver economic, tourism and community benefits for the region.
“For now, our focus is on working with our partners to make State of Origin 2027 a memorable event for fans, teams and visitors from Australia.”
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli on Monday stated Suncorp Stadium’s case for hosting the decider, saying: “It would make complete sense for the NRL to choose Queensland and we will continue to put that case forward.”
The grand final bidding war kicked off in earnest when WA Premier Roger Cook revealed to this masthead that his state would “bid hard” for the rights. Sources not authorised to speak publicly due to commercial sensitivities said the Western Australian government was prepared to pay $20 million to host the grand final, which is almost twice as much as that offered by NSW.
Australian Rugby League chairman Peter V’landys said on the weekend he felt a sense of loyalty to the Minns government, “but as a business, we have to look at every option.”
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