Parramatta Eels Hold Discussions With NSW Minister For Sport About New Arena

National Rugby League club Parramatta Eels have "held preliminary discussions" with New South Wales Minister for Sport Graham Annesley about the potential for a new "state of the art'' stadium, according to Michael Chammas of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. During the next few months, the NSW state government will begin investigating its options for the investment strategy it announced last year, which did not include "funding to upgrade the dilapidated suburban grounds." The report that Annesley tabled "outlined a plan to invest in major sporting venues" like ANZ Stadium and Allianz Stadium. It also looked at the construction of a new ground in Western Sydney or the redevelopment of either Parramatta Stadium, Centrebet Stadium or Campbelltown Stadium. Eels CEO Ken Edwards has "begun the push for a new rectangular ground" to be built in Parramatta that would see the region become the new "sporting hub of the west." Although specific details were not discussed, Edwards "made no secret of his desire to persuade the state government to invest in Parramatta" (SMH, 2/19).