Iamback
Referee
- Messages
- 20,282
The NRL decides where the gf gets played. They don't need to make compromises to keep it it Accor. It would make no sense to spear the proposed stadium development in order to keep the gf at Accor. I haven't read the article you reference, but from what you have described it sounds like nonsense.
Des-aster looms at Manly as Seibold gets mojo back
The way Des Hasler is being squeezed out of his position at the Sea Eagles is hard to watch. It appears clear he is being placed in an unworkable situation.
www.smh.com.au
The fanatical support for the two Sydney teams in last weekend’s grand final has torpedoed the NRL’s annual threat to take the biggest game of the year interstate. Head office would have been humiliated if it had robbed Penrith and Parramatta fans of a chance to see the match by taking it to Queensland.
With Sydney clubs currently dominating the competition, it would be a gigantic risk to hold the grand final anywhere but Accor Stadium in the foreseeable future.
Certainly the suggestion that the NRL adopt a “Super Bowl” system – and take the game to the likes of Perth and Melbourne – should be off the agenda.
That’s why there are whispers of a new stadium deal with the NSW government which would keep the decider in Sydney for the next decade.
Under the proposal, which has reached senior ministerial level, the government would upgrade Penrith Stadium rather than doing a full rebuild on the adjacent harness racing club site.
The money saved would be used to upgrade suburban grounds, enabling the NRL to save face and deliver a result to the clubs. In return, the NRL would commit to holding the grand final in Sydney for the next 10 years.
The recent brawl between the government and NRL has shown there is little public support for stadium funding, so the package will need to be sold publicly as a win for taxpayers who won’t have to pay up to $10million a year to keep the grand final in Sydney.
No names mentioned and nothing else from it, Though it would explain the hold up with announcing the membership packages