Two new cities join the race to host the 2028 NRL grand final

Two new cities, Melbourne and Auckland, have joined the race to host the 2028 NRL grand final, intensifying what is shaping up as the most competitive bidding war in the history of the sport's flagship event. The contest includes five potential hosts: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Auckland, with the possibility of the match moving overseas for the first time since the 2021 shift to Brisbane due to pandemic-related restrictions. The decision comes amid a scheduling conflict with Pope Leo XIV’s planned visit to Sydney, which may force the NRL to consider changing the date or location of the grand final. While NSW Premier Chris Minns has expressed a desire to keep the match in Sydney, he faces growing pressure from other Australian states seeking to capitalize on the opportunity. The situation adds urgency to the bidding process, as the outcome could determine whether the grand final remains in Sydney or moves elsewhere. Melbourne has already made a strong case for itself, having hosted the second game of this year’s State of Origin series to a record crowd of 91,671 fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Victorian Minister for Major Events Anthony Carbines emphasized Melbourne’s appeal, stating, “When the world’s biggest sporting events look for a home, they choose Melbourne.” He added that Melbourne is recognized as the events capital of Australia, surpassing both Sydney and Brisbane in terms of infrastructure and audience engagement. Auckland, meanwhile, is positioning itself as a viable alternative, especially given its upcoming role in hosting New Zealand’s first-ever State of Origin match at Eden Park. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown expressed optimism about the city’s potential to host the 2028 grand final, noting that the Warriors’ recent successes have sparked immense enthusiasm among local fans. “Auckland’s appetite for rugby league right now is insatiable,” he said, highlighting the city’s readiness to welcome large-scale international events. New Zealand’s rising popularity in rugby league is further underscored by the Warriors' impressive performance under coach Andrew Webster, who led the team to an unexpected victory over premiership favorites Penrith. This success has fueled speculation that a New Zealand-based team may be introduced into the NRL competition in 2029, potentially making Auckland a long-term candidate for future grand finals. Supporters of Auckland highlight the city’s modern facilities, including the recently completed city rail link, and its enthusiastic fan base. Annie Dundas from Tātaki Auckland Unlimited described the city’s capability to host world-class events, emphasizing the economic and community benefits such an event would bring. However, she noted that the final decision rests with the NRL, and Auckland’s current focus remains on ensuring the success of the 2027 State of Origin match. Meanwhile, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has backed Suncorp Stadium’s bid, arguing that hosting the grand final in Brisbane makes “complete sense.” His comments come after Western Australia Premier Roger Cook announced his state’s intention to “bid hard” for the event, with unconfirmed reports suggesting the WA government is willing to offer $20 million, a sum nearly double that proposed by NSW, to secure the hosting rights. Australian Rugby League chairman Peter V’landys has acknowledged the emotional ties to the Minns government but stressed that the organization must prioritize financial and logistical considerations in its decision-making. As the bidding process continues, all parties involved are preparing to present compelling arguments, with the ultimate goal of securing the prestigious event for their respective regions.