Melbourne wants to host NRL grand final after State of Origin success

MELBOURNE’S masterful State of Origin hosting has ­ignited calls to steal Sydney’s biggest sporting event — the NRL grand final.

Sports Minister John Eren said the bold bid to hijack the rugby league showpiece made sense after a record Origin crowd of 91,513 packed the MCG, far from the game’s heartland, on Wednesday.

“We want every event that’s worth having,’’ he said.

“The NRL grand final would be right at home in Melbourne.

Crowds fill the MCG at State of Origin game II. Picture: WAYNE LUDBEY

“We have the greatest stadium of all and a grand final atmosphere like no other. All we need are the goalposts.”

BOTH GRAND FINALS BELONG HERE

Committee for Melbourne chief Kate Roffey said Victoria had the gall, expertise and facilities to pinch the NRL showpiece from Sydney.

“We could steal the NRL grand final — and certainly if (Melbourne) Storm were in it,’’ she said.

“We could definitely put it on, it would be a hard ask getting it from NSW but we certainly could.’’