WHY WESTERN MELBOURNE?
- Western Melbourne is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia with a large and diverse population, which presents a potential untapped market for the NRL. An expansion team could attract new fans and help grow the game in this region. According to the 2021-22 ABS, the population of the Western Melbourne LGA (including Brimbank and Melton) is estimated to be over 1.1+ million for the metropolitan region alone. Including Greater Geelong and Ballarat, the market size increases to over 1.5 million. This would rank Western Melbourne 5th-6th in the NRL by population/market size.
- The addition of a 2nd Victorian NRL team creates a new rivalry in Australian sports. A Western Melbourne-Victoria based team would form a blockbuster cross-city derby with the Melbourne Storm - between Melbourne's west and Melbourne's south-east.
- Junior numbers for rugby league in Victoria are at a record-breaking high in 2023, with over 4,400+ juniors signed up and counting. As the game continues to grow at grassroots level, a 2nd Victorian NRL team would help accelerate that growth and provide more funding and resources for junior clubs. It also opens up more pathways and opportunities for young kids aspiring to play in the NRL.
- Many NRL players have played and developed in the Victorian junior ranks, particularly with western-based clubs, including Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, Zev John, Ben Nakubuwai (Altona Roosters), Dean Ieremaia, Sione Finau, Haele Finau, Fonua Pole (Sunbury United) and Greg Marzhew (North West Wolves). Other greats such as Gareth Widdop and Jeremy Smith have also had stints with western junior clubs.
- A potential Western Melbourne NRL side could look at a variety of options for stadiums, including the ideal destination of Wyndham City Stadium (Tarneit) which is located in the heart of Melbourne's western suburbs. Scheduled for completion in 2026, the 15,000-capacity multisport stadium is being developed as part of the 'Wyndham Stadium Precinct' which includes a 63-hectare world class sport, entertainment, business and residential precinct. GMHBA Stadium in Geelong or Mars Stadium/Moreshead Park in Ballarat are other options. Otherwise, Marvel Stadium and AAMI Park are alternate options located in Melbourne's CBD.
The Wyndham Stadium Precinct is located at 1160 Sayers Road (North) Tarneit, with major investment to transform this large undeveloped, 63-hectare site into a world class sport, entertainment, business and residential precinct.
www.wyndham.vic.gov.au
- NRL boss Peter V'Landys has talked about plans to expand the NRL competition to 20 teams by 2032. While we support the growth of the game nationally and expanding into other regions like Perth, a 2nd NZ team etc a 2nd Victorian NRL team would also have logistical and financial advtanges compared to other major cities i.e. travel costs and distance.
- With the kiwi/Māori and Pasifika demographic in Melbourne, another potential rivalry could be on the cards with the New Zealand Warriors. With the annual ANZAC Day clash against the Storm being a popular fixture with Warriors supporters, the possibility of two away games in Melbourne could also be an ideal proposition for the NRL.
