Wests Tigers' move to Telstra Stadium will involve staging their most attractive four or five games there each year until 2009.
Sources say negotiations are all but finalised, with the joint-venture club aiming to time the announcement so that it causes the minimum amount of backlash from Balmain and Western Suburbs traditionalists.
News of a possible move emerged two weeks ago. It is understood that next year, the contract will probably mean four home games at Telstra Stadium, one at Christchurch's Jade Stadium and the rest split between Leichhardt Oval and Campbelltown Stadium.
But if each club loses a home game with the expansion of the NRL in 2006, Telstra Stadium may host more Wests Tigers matches than either of their original venues.
"We are in discussions and we'd be delighted to have Wests Tigers playing at Telstra Stadium," was all the venue's chief executive, Ken Edwards, would say last night.
Wests Tigers CEO Steve Noyce could not be contacted last night but when he was asked about the issue last week, he said: "Given that we are trying to get some finance to upgrade both Leichhardt Oval and Campbelltown Stadium, we are having discussions.
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"We are looking into our options for places to play matches while that proposed renovation is taking place."
Club captain Darren Senter, meanwhile, announced yesterday he would retire at the end of the season.
"At this stage, I am in discussion with the club regarding my after-footy career and am very excited about the new challenges that may be available for me," the 32-year-old hooker said.
"Remaining with the club is important to me, as it's been part of my life for so long."
Jamie Lyon's uncle, Mick Smith, said last night there may be some developments regarding the former Test centre next week - as Parramatta chief executive Denis Fitzgerald warned any club wanting to sign him would have to buy out his contract.
Smith approached Canberra on Wednesday, and chief executive Simon Hawkins last night reiterated the club would be interested in speaking with him if he had permission from Parramatta to negotiate.
But coach Matthew Elliott said: "He won't be here," adding that salary cap constraints were the main reasons.
Fitzgerald said he was "not at liberty to say" how much a successful bidder for Lyon would have to pay Parramatta.
Smith said: "I don't really want to make any comment until next week. Things may be happening but I won't know until next week."
And first-grade referee Shayne Hayne, named as a touch judge for Sunday's Wests Tigers-South Sydney game, has been given the weekend off for personal reasons. Steve Chiddy is his replacement.
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Sources say negotiations are all but finalised, with the joint-venture club aiming to time the announcement so that it causes the minimum amount of backlash from Balmain and Western Suburbs traditionalists.
News of a possible move emerged two weeks ago. It is understood that next year, the contract will probably mean four home games at Telstra Stadium, one at Christchurch's Jade Stadium and the rest split between Leichhardt Oval and Campbelltown Stadium.
But if each club loses a home game with the expansion of the NRL in 2006, Telstra Stadium may host more Wests Tigers matches than either of their original venues.
"We are in discussions and we'd be delighted to have Wests Tigers playing at Telstra Stadium," was all the venue's chief executive, Ken Edwards, would say last night.
Wests Tigers CEO Steve Noyce could not be contacted last night but when he was asked about the issue last week, he said: "Given that we are trying to get some finance to upgrade both Leichhardt Oval and Campbelltown Stadium, we are having discussions.
Advertisement
Advertisement
"We are looking into our options for places to play matches while that proposed renovation is taking place."
Club captain Darren Senter, meanwhile, announced yesterday he would retire at the end of the season.
"At this stage, I am in discussion with the club regarding my after-footy career and am very excited about the new challenges that may be available for me," the 32-year-old hooker said.
"Remaining with the club is important to me, as it's been part of my life for so long."
Jamie Lyon's uncle, Mick Smith, said last night there may be some developments regarding the former Test centre next week - as Parramatta chief executive Denis Fitzgerald warned any club wanting to sign him would have to buy out his contract.
Smith approached Canberra on Wednesday, and chief executive Simon Hawkins last night reiterated the club would be interested in speaking with him if he had permission from Parramatta to negotiate.
But coach Matthew Elliott said: "He won't be here," adding that salary cap constraints were the main reasons.
Fitzgerald said he was "not at liberty to say" how much a successful bidder for Lyon would have to pay Parramatta.
Smith said: "I don't really want to make any comment until next week. Things may be happening but I won't know until next week."
And first-grade referee Shayne Hayne, named as a touch judge for Sunday's Wests Tigers-South Sydney game, has been given the weekend off for personal reasons. Steve Chiddy is his replacement.
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