The chief executive of Melbourne Storm has encouraged Tasmanians to support rugby league following "positive" discussions with Premier Jeremy Rockliff.
Premier Rockliff aims to attract more significant sporting events to Tasmania and has recently engaged with officials from both the Storm and the A-League's Melbourne Victory.
This initiative arises after the Hawthorn Hawks decided against returning to Launceston for home games post-2027, thus concluding a 25-year relationship with Tasmania.
A key focus of Mr. Rockliff's efforts is the $130 million redevelopment plan for York Park located in Launceston.
Meanwhile, the new waterfront stadium in Hobart is projected to be completed by 2031.
Currently, Tasmania lacks a formal rugby league competition, yet former Tasmanian Rugby League president Justin Kearney remains optimistic about expanding the sport within the Australian Rules-dominated state.
Kearney, who also previously led the Hobart Tigers, described the meeting between the Premier and Melbourne Storm as a "terrific" development for rugby league.
Notably, Tasmania is the only Australian state or territory that has yet to host a regular season NRL game.
North Hobart Oval has seen several trial matches, drawing over 11,000 fans to a battle between the Storm and Brisbane Broncos in early 2012.