Penrith want to call Tassie it's 2nd home

[DIEHARD]

PENRITH are looking to make a second home in Tasmania.

The Panthers are in negotiations with Tasmania's State Government about playing games for premiership points in Hobart, most likely Blundstone Arena or North Hobart Oval.

It is believed the deal would be similar to AFL premier's Hawthorn for four home games in Launceston, but without the sponsorship component, and would include growing the sport of rugby league in Tasmania.

Tourism Minister Scott Bacon confirmed a meeting with the Panthers last Thursday, where the Penrith representatives presented a proposal that would see the club play one fixture game in Tasmania in 2014 through to 2017.

``The Government has referred the proposal to Events Tasmania for an assessment against rigorous criteria around numbers and duration of stay by visitors and potential for broader community benefits,'' Mr Bacon said.

``The Government is a strong support of Events and has prioritised funding for events that occur in traditionally slower winter months and stimulate the local economy.

``We have to ensure that support for events provides a value for money investment.''

Hobart has had a small taste of NRL recently with great success.

In February 2012, North Hobart hosted a full strength practice game between the Melbourne Storm and the Brisbane Broncos that attracted about 14,000 spectators to Tasmania's spiritual home of Australian rules football.

[DIEHARD]

This would be wonderful. But the NRL really needs to learn how to follow up and be consistent in our expansion efforts.

[DIEHARD]

The Hawks relationship with Tassie has been successful in the AFL. Their newspapers cover the Hawks and there is lots of billboards etc. the people seem to have accepted the relationship.