http://www.theaustralian.com.au/spo...m/news-story/ba311701a3b5cd28fa79c6861f625d35
State backflip could lose grand final for ANZ Stadium
The NRL could look to renegotiate its agreement with the NSW government, including a 20-year pact to host the grand final in Sydney, if there is a backflip on a deal to rebuild ANZ Stadium.
The Australian understands the memorandum of understanding between the state government and the NRL, which was agreed when the former announced their $1.6 billion stadiums strategy for Sydney, is largely contingent on the pledge to turn ANZ Stadium into a rectangular venue.
That agreement continues to be shrouded in uncertainty amid a push to have a large chunk of that $1.6bn commitment directed towards Allianz Stadium.
Weekend comments from SCG Trust chairman Tony Shepherd, also chairman of Greater Western Sydney, for ANZ Stadium to retain its ability to cater for AFL and cricket came despite neither sport having struck a blow at the ground in recent years.
If that was to happen, it would endanger the 20-year commitment that was struck between the NRL and state government last year to play grand finals and State of Origin games at the ground.
Talks between NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian in coming weeks are likely to be crucial as rugby league tries to cut off any attempt to direct pledged funds away from ANZ Stadium.
Greenberg has already sent a letter to the Premier outlining the NRL’s desire to see the ANZ Stadium rebuild go ahead as per the agreement which was struck last year. However, he is set to have face-to-face talks with Berejiklian in the next fortnight as he looks to reinforce the NRL’s position, which has the support of the clubs.
Events are being watched closely by the clubs who play at ANZ Stadium, in particular South Sydney and Canterbury, given both are locked into long-term agreements at the venue. The Wests Tigers and St George Illawarra also play games at ANZ Stadium but the Tigers could potentially move to Parramatta Stadium part-time when that ground is finished and the Dragons are looking to take games interstate or overseas.
The Bulldogs and Rabbitohs have more at stake given they are relying on the ANZ Stadium rebuild to improve the experience for their supporters. The clubs also hope a dramatic improvement in the venue will help grow their fan base and improve their finances.
Canterbury chief executive Raelene Castle said: “There certainly is no doubt that for the financial and crowd sustainability of the four clubs that play out of ANZ Stadium at the moment, that it needs to rebuild. We have been promised that by the state government.
“If you see the consistent crowds the Brisbane Broncos get at Suncorp — yes, it is close to the city but more importantly it is a great football experience — that is what Sydney needs to ensure that the live audience goes back to watching rugby league.”
State governments across Australia are keeping a close eye on proceedings. The Queensland government has made no secret of their desire to take the grand final to Suncorp Stadium, something Tourism and Major Events minister Kate Jones outlined as recently as last month.
Jones and the Queensland government have been patiently waiting for their NSW counterparts to make a final announcement on their stadiums strategy as they look to take the grand final to Brisbane as early as 2019.
Those plans depend on what happens with the ANZ Stadium rebuild. Should the state government honour its initial commitment, ANZ Stadium is likely to be out of action as a grand final venue for up to four years from early 2019. That timeline would be cut in half should the state government decide to close the stadium down while the rebuild is under way, meaning only two grand finals would be up for grabs.
However, if the state government elects to redirect money towards Allianz Stadium, all bets would be off. Queensland as well as the Victorian and potentially West Australian governments would be able to weigh in with bids to snatch the grand final from Sydney almost immediately.
