With construction to transform the Olympic stadium into a permanent 75,000-seat rectangular venue estimated to begin in 2019, the NRL has a four-year window until 2022 to take games interstate or overseas. Renovation: An artist's impression of the planned rectangular ANZ Stadium. Victoria wasted no time in expressing interest in hosting the event at the MCG, launching a bid on Thursday for the season decider. "The offer is on the table," Victorian sports minister John Eren told Channel Seven. "If you want a successful event where we will get over 90,000 attending and hopefully break another crowd record, I'd have it right here in Melbourne." Fairfax Media understands the Queensland government will also hold discussions with the NRL. ARLC chairman John Grant had previously indicated his desire to take the grand final to Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, and NRL chief Todd Greenberg admitted the code didn't want to play its showpiece events at a construction site.

"During the transition, there's not a strong appetite from us to be playing in construction," Greenberg said. "We'll have to have a look at that. We'll talk first and foremost to the NSW government about those sorts of challenges. There will be some challenges during the transition phase but that's part of getting to the much bigger picture. We've got lots of great content that a number of state governments are looking for and we're happy to continue those talks." Famous night: Johnathan Thurston of the Cowboys celebrates winning last year's grand final. Credit:Cameron Spencer While Brisbane is the logical interstate option, the NRL could also turn back the clock and take grand finals back to Allianz Stadium during the four years of renovations at ANZ Stadium. Securing the grand final in Sydney as part of the government's investment was crucial in negotiations, which also included a pledge to have State of Origin matches in the premium content package. The NRL's commitment to play grand finals at ANZ Stadium between 2023 and 2042 is a big boost for the NSW government, which was not willing to negotiate on the matter.

"I think it's fair to say when government puts $1.6 billion on the table, there's an expectation that some premium content will go with it," Greenberg said. "So that was the discussions we've had around grand finals. It makes sense to me. It's been in Sydney for 100 years and it will be here for 20 more." Sports minister Stuart Ayres' decision to put a deadline on clubs to commit to playing 65 games at the network of major stadiums backfired, forcing some clubs to revolt against plans to move matches away from suburban grounds. Under the new stadium strategy, clubs will not be forced out of their traditional homes, but Greenberg expects improved facilities at big venues to prove more enticing for most of them. "Our clubs are not required to move games. They are not required to change their venues at all," Greenberg said. "There is no agreement with any club that they have to do anything different to what they currently do.

"Their decision is for the clubs and they are entitled to make those decisions when this network of stadia comes on board. I would expect and see to the future that there will be huge commitments and huge opportunities, but ultimately they're decisions for the clubs." Greenberg described the government's decision as a landmark day for rugby league. "I feel like rugby league has won the lottery today, I really do," the NRL chief said. "It's something that's never happened in rugby league history and probably something that will never happen again. It's a monumental day for us." "I wanted to ensure $1.6 billion stayed with rectangular sports and we've done that." - with Daniel Cherny