The National Rugby League "could look to renegotiate" its agreement with the NSW government, including a 20-year pact to host the grand final in Sydney, "if there is a backflip on a deal to rebuild ANZ Stadium," according to Brent Read of THE AUSTRALIAN. The memorandum of understanding between the state government and the NRL, which was agreed when the former announced its A$1.6B ($1.3B) stadiums strategy for Sydney, is "largely contingent on the pledge to turn ANZ Stadium into a rectangular venue." That agreement "continues to be shrouded in uncertainty" amid a push to have a "large chunk" of that A$1.6B commitment directed toward Allianz Stadium. Weekend comments from Sydney Cricket Ground Trust Chair Tony Shepherd for ANZ Stadium to "retain its ability to cater" to the Australian Football League and cricket came "despite neither sport having struck a blow at the ground in recent years." If that was to happen, it would "endanger the 20-year commitment that was struck between the NRL and state government last year to play grand finals and State of Origin games at the ground." Canterbury CEO Raelene Castle said, "There certainly is no doubt that for the financial and crowd sustainability of the four clubs that play out of ANZ Stadium at the moment, that it needs to rebuild. We have been promised that by the state government." State governments across Australia are "keeping a close eye on proceedings." The Queensland government has "made no secret" of its desire to take the grand final to Suncorp Stadium (THE AUSTRALIAN, 8/1).
