Looks like the government is pulling funding. I don't have a subscription but
The state government’s decision to scrap plans to invest in suburban grounds has the NRL exploring its options and club chairs up in arms.
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A heated argument between NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and ARLC chairman Peter V’landys on Monday night is set to ignite a war between the NRL and state government over stadium funding.
On Monday, Perrottet informed the NRL of the government’s decision to scrap plans to invest in suburban grounds.
Sources with knowledge of discussions told the Herald that the NRL was under the impression the government would follow through on a $250 million pledge to invest in suburban venues.
The NRL is now exploring its legal options. The decision may also reignite discussions between the NRL and Queensland government over the future of the grand final given head office has long told the NSW government that the destination of the showpiece event hinged on the level of investment into Sydney stadiums.
V’landys declined to comment on the matter but confirmed that he was waiting for a final written response from Perrottet at 5pm on Tuesday.
Manly and Cronulla’s home grounds were expected to receive about $100m each with Leichhardt Oval also earmarked for a $50m facelift. Plans to build a new $300m stadium in Penrith, which is the electorate of NSW deputy Liberal leader Stuart Ayres, remain on track.
Wests Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis was strident in his criticism after the NSW government abandoned plans to upgrade venues including Leichhardt Oval.
“The government’s management of its stadia policy from the outset has been amateurish and embarrassing,” Wests Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis told the Herald following revelations of Leichhardt Oval’s funding being scrapped.
“The government gave very strong intimations that Leichhardt was to be the beneficiary of a grant. It was never confirmed, however, having said that the state government has made it abundantly clear that there would be funding for suburban stadiums.
“I assume if the state government is to backflip on its commitment to fund suburban stadiums, then the $300 million committed to the Penrith stadium can now be better utilised for schools and hospitals? It would be outrageous for Penrith to retain its stadium for the obvious political benefit of its local member. These are public funds and should be managed for benefit of the public. This government has enough issues to deal with without creating more for itself.”
Cronulla had been told they would receive between $100m to $130m for the upgrade of their venue.
"All indications to date have been positive discussions around PointsBet Stadium and the confidence around getting the funding for the very reasons the Sharks managed to demonstrate," Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta told the Herald.
“We’re No.1 in many areas, particularly around participation. Having just taken a women’s licence as well, we now can’t host double-headers.
“This money was critical for the sustainability of the club long term to be able to host not only double-headers but home semi-finals as well.”
Ayres, speaking at the announcement of a community open day for Sydney’s new Allianz Stadium, conceded the government’s spending priorities had changed and that the state may need to “wait a little bit longer” for further stadium upgrades.
“We’ve got a long track record of [stadia investment],” Ayres said.
Suncorp Stadium last year hosted the first NRL grand final ever held outside Sydney.
Suncorp Stadium last year hosted the first NRL grand final ever held outside Sydney.CREDIT:GETTY
“We also know we have limitations on what we can do. We have continued our engagement with the NRL, we want to be able to upgrade suburban infrastructure, but we want to be able to do that when the fiscal capacity for the state allows for it.
“Let’s recognise that we have just been through some of the most significant floods and consistent flooding over the last couple of years. So there are lots of costs that are associated with it. We will continue to talk with the NRL around the things we can afford to do. But we have got priorities and we’ve got to stick to those … It might just mean we have to wait a little bit longer before we can spend additional money on [stadium upgrades].”
Asked about the prospect of the NRL taking the grand final interstate because the government didn’t deliver on its promises, Ayres said: “If the NRL took the grand final from Sydney, after the NSW government has spent in excess of $1.5 billion on sporting infrastructure that massively benefits the NRL … if the NRL walked away from the home of its sport here in NSW, the state where the grand final has always been played in with the exception of the COVID grand final from last year, that would be an extraordinary move.
“I’m very confident that the NRL will keep the grand final here in NSW. They know it is the right thing to do. They know they have had an exceptional partner in the NSW government, but there are limitations to what governments can do.
“I think we will continue a very good working relationship with the NRL to have the best events in NSW.”
