澳大利亚橄榄球联赛(NRL)2028年大奖赛的举办权竞争日趋激烈，墨尔本和奥克兰两座城市加入了争夺行列[1]。此前悉尼、珀斯和布里斯班已在争取该赛事举办权[1]。这是该赛事历史上最激烈的竞标战，也有可能首次将大奖赛移出澳大利亚[1]。
西澳政府为争取举办权承诺支付2000万美元，几乎是新南威尔州出价的两倍[1]。墨尔本已证明其承办大型橄榄球赛事的能力，该市在2023年创造了91,671名观众的最高州起源赛出席纪录[1]。奥克兰方面也积极争夺，计划于2027年首次举办州起源赛[1]。
NRL主席Peter V'landys表示需要考虑商业选项，但对新南威尔州政府有忠诚感[1]。NRL还可能在2029年引进第20支队伍，最可能是来自新西兰的队伍[1]。
The competition to host the National Rugby League's 2028 grand final has intensified, with Melbourne and Auckland entering a bidding contest previously dominated by Sydney, Perth, and Brisbane [1]. This marks the most competitive race in the event's history, with the possibility that the grand final could leave Australia for the first time [1].
The Western Australian government has committed to paying AUD 20 million to secure hosting rights, nearly double the offer from New South Wales [1]. Melbourne has demonstrated strong attendance capabilities, setting a state origin record with 91,671 spectators in 2023 [1]. Auckland will host its inaugural state origin match in 2027, positioning itself as an emerging venue for major rugby league events [1].
NRL Chairman Peter V'landys acknowledged the need to consider commercial options while indicating loyalty to the NSW government [1]. The NRL may introduce a twentieth team by 2029, with a New Zealand-based franchise considered the most likely candidate [1].