http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,27615370-5018866,00.html
The NRL has refused to rule out paying the Wests Tigers compensation to play their opening game of the finals series at the SFS - a move that could result in the club handing home-ground advantage to Sydney Roosters.
Provided the Tigers finish in the top four, a result that appears a mere formality, they will retain the right to play the first round of the finals at any of their three home grounds - Leichhardt Oval, Campbelltown Stadium or the SFS.
The Tigers' preference would be to play at Leichhardt, given the club's imposing record at the ground. However, the NRL may have reservations about endorsing that venue given its restricted capacity and outdated corporate facilities.
That could result in the NRL offering the Tigers a compensation package to move the game to the SFS. The move is not without precedent. The NRL offered St George Illawarra $250,000 to switch its opening finals game last year from Jubilee Oval to the SFS.
The Dragons declined the offer, leaving many fans without tickets and critics baying for blood. Interestingly, the NRL could face a similar situation with the Dragons again this year.
St George Illawarra leads the competition with two rounds remaining. And one scenario could be that the Dragons have to play arch rival South Sydney in the opening round of the finals. A game of that magnitude could pull more than 50,000 spectators. Yet the Dragons are likely to resist any attempt to move the game from their Sydney home ground at Jubilee Stadium.
"Following last year's finals series, the clubs discussed the matter at the annual conference and resolved that should they qualify for a home final, they should be entitled to play at their regular home venue having worked all year for that right," NRL chief operating officer Graham Annesley.
"If a club wanted to discuss playing at an alternate venue, we would obviously take their wishes into consideration before making a final decision."
Asked whether the NRL would consider paying compensation to move a finals game, Annesley said: "Again, we would discuss any proposal the club wished to put to us but there is no pre-existing offer on the table."
Should the NRL weigh in with a compensation package, it could potentially leave the Tigers in a difficult position. As the ladder stands, the Tigers would play the Roosters in week one.
That would effectively mean handing over home field advantage to the Roosters, who play their home games at the SFS.
Coach Tim Sheens refused to buy into the debate on Thursday, preferring to concentrate on Sunday's crucial game against Melbourne Storm at Leichhardt Oval.
"We just want to finish well at our home ground this week and lay a platform for a shot in the semis," Sheens said.
"If momentum is winning it is (harder to come by this year). It's about what you're doing, how your team is going. You can play well and get beaten.
"Confidence is the thing you worry about."
Mindful of winning, Sheens has recalled fullback Wade McKinnon after he recovered from a hamstring injury. The four-time premiership winner made it clear McKinnon would be vital in the Tigers' title bid.
"Wade is a specialist fullback and we will not do anything in this competition without a good fullback who is playing well and understands the game at fullback," Sheens said.
"You only have to look at the real good teams. Those with the good fullbacks are the ones that are going pretty good."
WOW. What do u do in this situation. I recall thinking the Dragons were selfish for not moving their game last year V Parra.
How much advantage do u really lose by moving and 250K is huge, 2.5 X the minor premiership, assuming this goes ahead offcourse.
