Innovative Ideas?
Smith sees NRL GF future outside NSW
Matt Coughlan
09:54 AEST Thu Oct 8 2015
NRL boss Dave Smith believes the future of the grand final may lie in a rotation of venues between NSW, Queensland and a new market. Smith said in order to further expand the game, major events like the grand final, could be moved around Australia on a cycle similar to State of Origin.
Despite rejuvenated calls for a second Brisbane team on the back of the all-Queensland grand final and big crowds for the Broncos, Smith reiterated the league's position to shore up the future of existing clubs before expanding but indicated Queensland was the first expansion priority.
"The number one priority is to make sure the clubs we've got are sustainable and prosperous and I think there's a bit of work for us to do there," Smith said. "Once you've got that sorted then clearly the opportunity is in the Queensland market to create more of a conference system."
He said the $1.6 billion to be spent on new stadiums in NSW would create a geographical spread to boost languishing crowds in the state. "You will more often than not be able to fill your stadiums, it'll just be the right size for the right game," Smith said.He said an enhanced experience with new stadiums at Moore Park (55,000 capacity), Paramatta (30-35,000) and Penrith (25,000) would help to boost crowds.
Smith sees NRL GF future outside NSW
Matt Coughlan
09:54 AEST Thu Oct 8 2015
NRL boss Dave Smith believes the future of the grand final may lie in a rotation of venues between NSW, Queensland and a new market. Smith said in order to further expand the game, major events like the grand final, could be moved around Australia on a cycle similar to State of Origin.
Despite rejuvenated calls for a second Brisbane team on the back of the all-Queensland grand final and big crowds for the Broncos, Smith reiterated the league's position to shore up the future of existing clubs before expanding but indicated Queensland was the first expansion priority.
"The number one priority is to make sure the clubs we've got are sustainable and prosperous and I think there's a bit of work for us to do there," Smith said. "Once you've got that sorted then clearly the opportunity is in the Queensland market to create more of a conference system."
He said the $1.6 billion to be spent on new stadiums in NSW would create a geographical spread to boost languishing crowds in the state. "You will more often than not be able to fill your stadiums, it'll just be the right size for the right game," Smith said.He said an enhanced experience with new stadiums at Moore Park (55,000 capacity), Paramatta (30-35,000) and Penrith (25,000) would help to boost crowds.