herbert henry1908
Referee
- Messages
- 21,880
No they weren't, there was a huge push to change their plans from many parts of the public. They were getting smashed in the media over the plan. They could very easily said that they have listened to the public and will not be going ahead with the plans!
They probably could’ve pulled out of the ANZ refurb, but the planning for Allianz was too far along. The clubs had sought alternative arrangements for the 3 years, they’d been negotiating compensation packages, bookings for the stadium had been stopped, architects engaged etc.
But the problem for the govt was if they pulled out of doing ANZ and only done Allianz, it would’ve looked like they were favouring the east.
I suspect as well that the govt had done polling on the stadiums. Whilst there was a big public push against the builds, it turned out in the exit polls on Election Day the spend was a pretty small issue.
Admittedly it would’ve taken courage for the NRL to take this stance, but I don’t think the NSW govt would’ve been vindictive to the point of canceling an $800m project over a couple of grand finals.