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Despite the NRL’s most bitter rivals opening the new Allianz stadium, the biggest talking point in the build-up will be around the naming of the four grandstands.
Phil Rothfield
October 31, 2021 - 5:44PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
The most bitter rivals in Australian sport, the Sydney Roosters and the South Sydney Rabbitohs, will be granted the honour of opening Sydney’s magnificent new $800 million Allianz stadium in Moore Park next season.
This match has already been pencilled in the NRL draw for round 25 in August, a few weeks after builders are expected to be finished on the 43,000 seat venue which will feature the most state of the art facilities at any sporting venue in the southern hemisphere.
Rugby league has beaten rival football codes for the official opening although there might be a test event the weekend before to ensure the stadium is ready for a blockbuster full house when the Roosters host their arch-rivals.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal the NRL has earmarked the game for a Friday night kick-off.
No doubt all tickets will be snapped up within hours of going on sale.
The big talking point in the build-up to the opening of the venue will be around the naming of the four grandstands by Venues NSW chairman Tony Shepherd and his directors.
Wallaby icon Sir Nicholas Shehadie’s name will remain on one of the stands.
Soccer is most likely to be recognised with a stand named after old legend Johnny Warren.
We’re hearing there will be two old rugby league players honoured.
It won’t be Clive Churchill because his grandstand is already next door at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
No doubt rugby league immortal, indigenous legend and Sydney Roosters great Arthur Beetson will be in the mix along with old-time legends Dally Messenger or Dave Brown.
The Rabbitohs are in the process of finalising their home ground plan for 2023 onwards.
It is expected they will leave Stadium Australia in Homebush to share Allianz with the Roosters.
The Roosters however will have exclusive use of the venue and its surroundings for their high-performance centre and football offices.
Who should the four new Allianz Stadium stands be named after?
Arthur Beetson
Ron Coote
Dally Messenger
Johnny Raper
Jack Gibson
Dave Brown
Sir Nicholas Shehadie
The Ella brothers
Johnny Warren
Select one and leave your other picks in the comments
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