The four Sydney National Rugby League clubs key to unlocking a A$1.6B ($1.2B) investment in stadiums "are set to hold the NRL to ransom with a list of demands they want met" before committing to leaving their suburban grounds, according to Michael Chammas of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. The NRL finds itself in a "precarious position" trying to convince eight Sydney-based clubs to commit to 65 games at the network of major venues before the New South Wales government's April 1 deadline. The clubs are "well aware of the power they now hold" and are seeking financial incentives to move matches to the major venues, "as well as other guarantees surrounding membership and transportation." The Dragons, Tigers, Sea Eagles and Sharks are "reluctant to walk away" from their suburban home grounds and have begun negotiating a deal with the NRL that could see them "shift multiple games to either Parramatta, Olympic Park or Moore Park." The NRL has earmarked the Sydney Roosters, Parramatta, South Sydney and Canterbury for a combined 42 games at the network of major venues, but Australian Rugby League Commission Chair John Grant is heading up the operation to convince the remaining clubs to commit to another 23 (SMH, 3/23).
FOR A PRICE: In Sydney, Ritchie & Riccio reported Manly would be prepared to "appease the NRL" by shifting two home games a season to a revamped Allianz Stadium -- "but only for a cool" A$1M ($750,000). Sea Eagles management "has discussed shifting two matches into the eastern suburbs" but the club would want to be compensated around A$500,000 ($376,500) a game. The Sea Eagles' position "is in vast contrast to Cronulla," which as sole owner of its Southern Cross Stadium has "much less interest in relinquishing home games" after it made almost A$200,000 ($150,600) at its round two home game against St. George Illawarra. While "fiercely committed to Brookvale Oval and its comprehensive upgrade," privately-owned Manly can "see the financial benefit in moving games" across the harbor. Manly CEO Joe Kelly and Chair Scott Penn met with Grant on Wednesday to discuss the issue. Kelly: "We haven’t committed to anything yet but it’s incumbent on us to look at what is in the best interests for our members and supporters. We are still committed Brookie and we want to upgrade the facilities and we want to play the majority of our games at Brookvale Oval. ... We take two games interstate. We will contemplate other stadia approaching us to play those games in the future. Certainly two" (DAILY TELEGRAPH, 3/23).
