LAUNCESTON is on the brink of hosting global soccer sensation Harry Kewell's domestic debut.
On the day the city was told it had missed out on Rocherlea boxer Daniel Geale's first world championship defence, it learned it could land another international sporting coup.
Melbourne Victory will stage its annual preseason fixture at Aurora Stadium in September with reigning A-League champion Brisbane Roar confirming it is happy to be the opposition.
But an already attractive match-up could assume blockbuster proportions if Victory is successful in its bid to sign 32-year-old Socceroo Kewell.
"It would be a huge coup for the state," said Victory's Launceston-based event manager Noda Zissis.
"In terms of the most recognisable Australian sportsman, he would arguably be number one so an event that might have attracted between 4000 and 7000 spectators could easily double.
"It's a prospect which is not yet 100 per cent confirmed, but if it does come off, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity for the city."
Victory confirmed this week it had put "a very strong proposal" to free agent Kewell, a three-time Oceania footballer of the year winner and UEFA Champions League and FA Cup winner with Liverpool.
"We want to confirm Melbourne Victory remains extremely interested in securing the services of Harry Kewell," said Victory managing director Richard Wilson.
"Our offer is with Harry and his management, the consideration of that deal now rests firmly with them.
"We are very hopeful that Harry will be playing for Melbourne Victory."
Although Brisbane has confirmed it will play Victory at Aurora Stadium on Sunday, September 11, Zissis said the fixture could be a week later.
"Even putting the whole Harry circus aside, even if he is not here, Melbourne playing Brisbane coming off their huge season is a great prospect for Launceston," he said.
Roar swept to the title last year with Victory inflicting its solitary defeat of the campaign.
