Finals footy loses edge: Weyman
St George Illawarra's front row spearhead Michael Weyman believes a top four finish has lost its edge after the decision to move all Sydney qualifying finals from club home venues like WIN Stadium.
The Dragons, who have won the past two NRL minor premierships, have been stripped of the right to host a finals game in the Illawarra, or at Kogarah's WIN Jubilee Oval, after a decision made by club chief executives at this week's annual end-of-season conference.
Weyman said moving the game to the Sydney Football Stadium or ANZ Stadium could not possibly compete with the atmosphere created during this year's finals series.
"Kogarah's great to play at, both our home grounds are," he said.
"Suburban grounds, they create that atmosphere and it makes it unreal."
WIN Stadium is in the midst of a $29 million western and southern grandstand upgrade and is due to reopen for the Dragons' clash with Manly in June.
Wollongong fans were hopeful of hosting a final next year - provided the Dragons finished in the top four again - after the club's past two home finals were played at Kogarah.
But that chance has been snatched away from them.
A finals clash against the Bulldogs or Souths at ANZ Stadium would not only nullify any advantage, but provide a boost for their rivals, who use the Homebush ground as their home base.
Similarly, the Roosters and Wests play home games at the Sydney Football Stadium.
However, the move to the bigger Sydney venues would provide a massive financial windfall for the NRL, who take the revenue made from finals games.
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