The National Rugby League reminded the NSW government that its "recent 20-year commitment to play grand finals in Sydney hinges around the major redevelopment of ANZ Stadium," according to Michael Chammas of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. Uncertainty surrounding stadia investment in Sydney "could open the door for the NRL," as well as Football Federation Australia, to "backflip on the memorandum of understanding that was signed in relation to a content guarantee last year." At a recent meeting with the NRL, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian asked for "clarification surrounding the details of that particular MOU," as she continues to "ponder the breakdown of the investment into Sydney stadia." NRL CEO Todd Greenberg "may not have been bullish in his response," but it is understood Berejiklian "was left under no illusions as to what needed to happen to secure a two-decade guarantee" from the NRL to play grand finals and State of Origin games in Sydney. An NRL spokesperson said that the MOU required work on all three stadia to be delivered "in return for a guarantee on taking games to ANZ Stadium for major events" (SMH, 9/14).
