Melbourne Storm Eyes Tasmania for Historic NRL Games

Rugby league is knocking on Tasmania's door, and the island state might finally answer.

Melbourne Storm CEO Justin Rodski met with Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff this week to discuss bringing NRL games south. The talks signal a breakthrough for Tasmania, the only Australian state or territory that has never hosted a regular season rugby league match.

"We're really confident that if the Melbourne Storm and rugby league was brought to Tasmania, that the Tasmanian sporting public would get right behind it," Rodski told ABC Northern Tasmania. He added that if the commercial details work out, he has "no doubt" a deal will happen.

The timing couldn't be better for Tasmania. Hawthorn Hawks just announced they're ending their 25-year partnership with Launceston after the 2027 season. Premier Rockliff is actively working to fill that gap with new sporting content.

The centerpiece of Tasmania's pitch is a $130 million redevelopment of York Park in Launceston. A new Hobart waterfront stadium is also in the works, though it won't be ready until 2031.

The Ripple Effect

For rugby league fans in Tasmania, this news feels like Christmas morning. "It's the best bit of news anyone who follows rugby league down here has heard in probably a decade," said Justin Kearney, former Tasmanian Rugby League president.

The Storm tested Tasmanian waters before with trial matches. In early 2012, a Storm versus Brisbane Broncos exhibition drew more than 11,000 fans to North Hobart Oval. Kearney couldn't believe how many supporters traveled from interstate and overseas just for that game.

Now imagine regular season matches with real stakes. Kearney believes thousands of Storm fans would cross Bass Strait to watch their team play "home" games in Tasmania. That means tourism dollars, packed hotels, and buzzing restaurants in Launceston.

The potential goes beyond economics. Tasmania currently has no formal rugby league competition, but Kearney sees this as a chance to grow the sport at grassroots level in an Australian Rules stronghold.

"If anyone can do this properly it's the Melbourne Storm, they are an exceptional club," Kearney said. He's right. The Storm has built one of Australia's strongest sporting brands over two decades.

Tasmania is getting a second look as an untapped sports market, and this time the interest feels real.