Finals crush has codes put squeeze on stadium
Date
August 5, 2013
Michael Chammas
Rugby league reporter
The NRL and AFL are on a collision course for the opening week of the finals, with the potential for five games in Sydney across three days, leaving the codes fighting for priority at ANZ Stadium.
Only last week the NRL was forced to reschedule the Bulldogs-Panthers game originally set down for ANZ Stadium to cater for the Sydney Swans-Hawthorn match that was booked for Friday, August 30.
Now the codes look set to go into battle again for the venue as the countdown to the finals begins.
As the NRL ladder stood on Monday, the Roosters (1st), Rabbitohs (2nd), Sharks (5th) and Bulldogs (6th) would all play home finals in Sydney in the opening weekend of the finals series, while the Sydney Swans (2nd) would also be entitled to a home final.
Both the NRL and AFL have the discretion to schedule games on the day they choose that best suits the match, but both codes prefer to play their top two games on Friday and Saturday.
The Roosters and Sharks would most likely play out of Allianz Stadium if they were to win home finals, with Canterbury and South Sydney to use ANZ Stadium, their regular season home ground.
If the NRL had four Sydney home finals it would be unable to play a game at ANZ Stadium on Friday night and Sunday afternoon and allow the Swans to play on Saturday because a second rugby league game at ANZ Stadium on Sunday would mean the NRL would have to play a double header at Allianz Stadium the night before.
Both the NRL and AFL have been in discussions with ANZ Stadium over the schedule of the final and will work together to come up with the best possible solution. But both codes have expectations they want to fulfil.
''We were quite happy with the schedule we used last year,'' NRL general manager of football operations Nathan McGuirk said.
''We've had similar instances over the past two seasons
which, between the three parties, we've been able to resolve quite easily. I don't see why that wouldn't occur this season.
''Two weeks ago I think everyone thought Souths were certainties to finish on top and now they're not. Where we get in five weeks time, who knows?''
The only other solution to the problem would be for the NRL to play their Friday night prime-time game at Allianz Stadium, which would not be a problem if the Roosters don't surrender their position at the top of the table to South Sydney.
AFL spokesman Patrick Keane said the AFL had not moved to lock in a date with ANZ Stadium but had preferences in regard to what days certain finals games were played.
''We play across four slots on Friday night, Saturday day, Saturday night and Sunday afternoon,'' Keane said.
''We prefer that our top four teams have played by Saturday night so the losing teams get the advantage of a longer break for the following week.''
ANZ Stadium media and communications general manager Arthur Stanley said both codes were in discussions with the venue.
''When it comes to finals, both the codes will want to play on certain days and that is an ongoing negotiation,'' Stanley said.
''These types of negotiations go on every year and will become more apparent as we reach the finals. At this stage it's just informal discussions.''
