NRL seeks return to SCG
MOVES are formally under way for rugby league to revisit 60 years of tradition by having regular Sunday afternoon games at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The SCG and Sports Ground Trust has contacted the NRL and some Sydney clubs about playing 10 heavyweight games at Moore Park at either the SCG or Sydney Football Stadium as early as next season.
Trust management are seeking for the match to be dubbed "match of the round'' with clubs possibly walking away with up to $300,000.
An online Daily Telegraph poll last week showed 71 per cent of fans wanted at least three games at the SCG each season.
Rugby league has a long tradition of playing "match of the round'' at the SCG - which started in 1913 and finished in 1973.
"If you make it a special event in Sydney then the people will go for it,'' SCG Trust chief executive Jamie Barkley said.
"Given the terrific season the NRL has just experienced, we think it would be an appropriate time to bring back the 'match of the round'.
"The fans have voted and they want rugby league played regularly in Moore Park. There is certainly an opportunity for 'match of the round' if we can maximise the game and have key stakeholders align.''
Clubs with existing financial deals at other venues may be reluctant to shift games.
The SCG Trust is hoping for Sydney derby games - or grudge matches - to be played at the famous venue.
Some games that could be shifted to the SCG or SFS would be Manly v Cronulla, Parramatta v Dragons, Canterbury v Parramatta, Canterbury v Dragons, Manly v Parramatta, Souths v Roosters and Sharks v Dragons.
Home tenants Wests Tigers and Sydney Roosters are expected to play key matches there.
"We are open-minded to the concept,'' NRL chief executive David Gallop said.
"But club arrangements with home venues are critical to the process. That includes commitments to corporate box holders, signage parties, members and fans who like their local ground.
"Commitments to government funding for stadium upgrades can also be impacted. But we are certainly happy to be part of any discussions the venue hirers wish to have with clubs.''
Asked whether his club would be interested in the concept, Manly chairman Scott Penn said: "We'd certainly be interested provided it is a match with traditional rivalry. I think it would be terrific for the game.''
Sharks CEO Richard Fisk said: "We are committed to 11 home games at Toyota Stadium but we would consider it if the game had special meaning, like against Manly, who we played in the '73 and '78 Grand Finals.
"Naturally we would have to consult the coach first.''
