The Andrews Labor Government will bring more blockbuster NRL matches to Melbourne and build Victoria’s first Rugby League Centre of Excellence, paving the way for a Melbourne Storm women’s team.
Victoria will host five major NRL matches in the next six years – two State of Origins in 2021 and 2025, a Harvey Norman All Stars game in 2019 and International Test Matches in 2022 and 2023.
The last State of Origin clash at the MCG cemented Melbourne’s reputation as the sporting capital of Australia, drawing a record crowd of 91,513 – and we’re set to host Game One of this year’s State of Origin series on 6 June.
On top of this landmark deal, the Labor Government will invest $12 million to build a Rugby League Centre of Excellence in Broadmeadows – a community that loves its league.
The Centre will include new playing fields, high-performance facilities and an administrative-base for NRL Victoria.
The new facility will provide Victoria with a new hub for rugby league programs, and a venue for training, camps and state and national level tournaments.
In more big news for women’s sport, the centre will pave the way for the introduction of a Melbourne Storm women’s team in the new NRL Women’s Premiership.
The Centre and NRL women’s license form part of the Labor Government’s biggest investment in women’s and community sport in our state’s history.
The Victorian Budget 2018/19 will invest $241.6 million in community sport, including more than $100 million to improve facilities and access for women.
It includes $64.6 million for a major upgrade to the State Netball and Hockey Centre, $20 million to redevelop Ikon Park into the home of women’s football and upgrades to Moorabbin Oval, Casey Fields, Whitten Oval and Victoria Park.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“From grassroots to the top level, we’re proud to be strengthening the future of rugby league in Victoria and enabling the introduction of a Melbourne Storm women’s team.”
“These blockbusters are another chance to welcome plane-loads of visitors to our state who will spend their valuable tourism dollars, support jobs and make our economy even stronger.”
“Our friends across the border had to travel to Victoria to see what a sell-out State of Origin crowd looked like – we look forward to continuing that tradition.”
Quote attributable to Member for Broadmeadows Frank McGuire
“Broadmeadows is the new field of dreams for Melbourne Storm, which has the discipline, teamwork and commitment it takes to build a world championship club. This Centre of Excellence will inspire today’s youth and future generations, and build community cohesion.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020