Frustrated Souths officials believe the NRL cost them $1m in gate takings by denying them the chance to host Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium in the final round.
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Frustrated South Sydney officials claim the NRL denied them a whopping $1m payday by handing hosting rights to bitter rivals the Sydney Roosters for the final-round blockbuster at Allianz Stadium.
That is the astonishing figure the Roosters will pocket through gate takings alone given the interest in the new Moore Park stadium, and the fact both clubs have hit serious form before the finals.
Souths have been trying to end their agreement with the NSW government to play at Accor Stadium beyond this year and relocate to the new $828m Allianz Stadium from 2023.
Now adding to their angst is the belief they should have been the ones to christen the new arena on September 2 - not the Roosters - based on a long-held scheduling agreement in place with the NRL involving both clubs.
“Historically, the regime has always been whichever club hosts the first game in one year then hosts the second game the following year,” Solly told the Herald on Monday.
“Because we hosted the first game last year, we were meant to host the second home match against the Roosters this year
“But the NRL decided to give the Roosters the second home [game] again. We were given the explanation at the time they were going to be the anchor tenant at Allianz Stadium, which is why it was done.
“That’s never been done before, nor is it acceptable. We voiced our frustrations to [NRL chief executive] Andrew Abdo at the time, but we never got a logical explanation as to why
“We should remember Allianz Stadium is not the Roosters’ venue - it’s the NSW taxpayers’ venue.”
Souths have been based at Sydney Olympic Park and struck an agreement moving forward, only for the NSW government to walk away from plans to upgrade the facility.
The government announced it would channel its resources towards COVID and flood relief, which Souths welcomed, but also gave them grounds to walk away from their Accor Stadium deal to return east.
Souths will meet with the government’s new sports minister, Alister Henskens, on Wednesday, in the hope of getting a clearer picture of where they will be based next season.
Because Souths have already played the required nine games at Accor Stadium this season, they were free to take their final home game to Allianz Stadium.
Abdo on Monday said there was no “contractual obligation” for the NRL to rotate the order of home games for the historic rivals, and COVID and the relocation of the competition last year had caused disruption with all elements of the draw
“The Roosters have been significantly disadvantaged [in recent years],” Abdo said. “Last year, the Rabbitohs got their home fixture in front of a crowd in NSW. The Roosters’ home game was played in Brisbane.
“Both clubs were interested in playing their home fixture at the new stadium. The Roosters have been the anchor tenant at Allianz Stadium for a long period of time and that was taken into account. Playing the early round fixture at home is also a financially good return for clubs.”
Meanwhile, Solly said the club were “confident and optimistic” Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker and Damien Cook would all recommit, which
coach Jason Demetriou also spelled out over the weekend.
“They’ve all been great contributors to our club on and off the field over the years, and I like to think we’ve been good for them, too,” Solly said.
“Latrell is such a special talent. The thing that gives everyone the most pride is seeing the development of him as a leader on and off the field - the growth in him as a person has been remarkable
“It feels like he’s made a home here, he has another year, and another two or three years after that would be great.
