http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/u...-allianz-stadium-rebuild-20180223-h0wk2c.html
NSW Waratahs look at Leichhardt Oval, Parramatta Stadium during Allianz Stadium rebuild
The Waratahs are considering taking Super Rugby matches to Leichhardt, Parramatta, Brookvale, Newcastle and the Illawarra while the Allianz Stadium rebuild takes place.
NSW Rugby boss Andrew Hore confirmed Parramatta Stadium, Brookvale Oval, McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, Illawarra Sports Stadium, even Leichhardt Oval at a push, could play host to Waratahs home games for the next three seasons if the NSW government's controversial stadiums plan goes ahead later this year.
Hore said the Super Rugby team could also play at the Sydney Cricket Ground but, with the Sydney Roosters and Sydney FC booked there already, there were concerns pitch quality could be an issue.
The Waratahs will have a preference finalised by the end of next month, he said, and would listen carefully to feedback.
"We've got to go through a consultation process to make sure that's right because we still have members of the stadium to be looked after, our own members who need to be looked after, but we also have the wider interests of the game to look after," Hore said.
The $2 billion rebuild proposal put forward by Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Sport Minister Stuart Ayres has come under fierce criticism, with opponents calling for government funds to be spent in sectors other than sport.
Hore said the Waratahs needed a new stadium on the Allianz site at Moore Park, or risked being left behind.
"We're very 'pro' and the reason we're 'pro' is that we want our people to be able to get to toilets at half-time, to be able to get a beer and a pie without missing large sections of the game," he said.
"We feel as a state we've fallen behind the other states. We're going to have a light rail going right there with a good transport system ... why not use it to its maximum, create the bubble and squeak, get the money into pubs and bars again and use it to generate income, reignite all of the sports that play in there.
"Of course my view is biased but if I put that fan-centric hat on again, there's a need for it. The biggest complaints that can come into my office on a Monday aren't necessarily performance-based, but they can be on the experience those people have had. It all needs to be scrapped and changed.
"Hopefully we can create something NSW can be proud of. I think that strategy of having a smaller, medium and larger size stadium has merit in it for a state the size of NSW."
Hore rubbished reports the Waratahs were in line for $17 million in compensation from the Sydney Cricket Ground Trust, which owns Allianz Stadium and with which the Waratahs have a 16-year hire agreement. He said the organisation would look to change the agreement rather than enact clauses guaranteeing compensation while the stadium is being rebuilt.
"That is an absolute pipe dream and I can categorically say, I would love $17 million, but it's going to be reconfiguration of the hire agreement as opposed to a compensation, I think that's the way it's going to work out," he said.
"We've got to do our bit to make it happen as well and so do the other sports. I think the other sports are committed to that."
The contingency plan for the next three seasons was still up in the air but Hore appeared more inclined to take matches out to the community than tie the team to the SCG, although he did nominate the Waratahs' round nine clash with the Reds as a "trial" or sorts for any escalation of the arrangement.
"It's an option, there's a lot of stakeholders being asked to be in there," he said.
"If you look at the sevens and what three days of playing on a field does, that could be challenging to do. We've got to work through which way the field will go, what will work with the stands.
"The beauty of where we've got to on the Queensland game this year is it's nostalgic, a walk down memory lane but also it can be classed as a bit of a trial piece. We're excited by that. It doesn't necessarily mean we play every game there while Allianz is being pulled down."
The lure of small- to medium-sized stadia is strong for the Waratahs, who are hoping to rebuild their average home crowds to the 18,000 to 22,000-mark. The organisation considered a success the Brookvale Oval trial match against the Rebels but Hore said no decision would be made without extensive consultation.
"It's going to be a really fine balance and it's one that as a CEO you're going to get shot no matter what you do, but if your intentions are right and you're honest with why you're doing it and lay it out for people, then hopefully people will understand the logic even if they don't agree."
