It has often been said National Rugby League side Sydney Roosters supporters "don't travel west of Anzac Parade to watch their side play," according to Andrew Webster of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. Now they "might have to." The club is "in negotiations with ANZ Stadium about the possibility of moving a handful of matches" from its traditional home of Allianz Stadium out west to Sydney Olympic Park. Roosters Chair Nick Politis has met with ANZ Stadium CEO Daryl Kerry about the idea. Negotiations are preliminary -- and neither party "wanted to speak publicly when contacted -- but they concern the possibility of the Roosters shifting their home matches" against the Western Bulldogs, Parramatta Eels and South Sydney Rabbitohs. The possibility of a "six-game reciprocal membership package has also been mooted." The Roosters are also "keeping a watchful eye on the ever-changing stadium landscape currently being plotted for Sydney." The state government is "considering a push" from NRL CEO Dave Smith to "demolish Allianz Stadium and replace it with a new 60,000-seat stadium at Moore Park." While that is a consideration, the main interest behind any move is the "ability to expand membership and boost average crowd figures -- in much the same way the Rabbitohs increased their numbers and revenue streams by moving to ANZ." Politis is "keen to cash in on big crowds" for matches against the Bulldogs and Eels by "enticing lifelong Roosters fans who now live in Sydney's sprawling and growing western suburbs" (SMH, 6/22).
