Buzz Rothfield: NRL winners and losers from new Sydney stadium strategy

The Government will soon announce its new stadium strategy and it has huge implications for sports fans. BUZZ’S HIGHS, LOWS

First sporting match held at Bankwest Stadium in Sydney.

Phil Rothfield runs his rule over the weekend sporting action — and reveals a stadium decision that will change Sydney’s sporting landscape.

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HIGHLIGHT

A record-breaking crowd of 36,109 at Stadium Australia on a wet weekend to watch the Matildas against the USA. This shows how big the Women’s World Cup will be in Australia in 2023. It also shows the Matildas are as popular as any other national sporting team in this country.

HIGHLIGHT II

A stunning George Kambosos world title victory over Teofimo Lopez at Madison Square Garden in one of Australia’s greatest boxing triumphs in America. No-one gave him a hope of winning, apart from legendary trainer Johnny Lewis.

LOWLIGHT

The Steve Smith haters who won’t let Sandpaper gate go away. He’s been humiliated enough. Let him get on with his life and his cricket. He will make a great vice-captain.

ANZ Stadium is set for a roof. Picture: Phil Hillyard

SHOOSH

The State Government has rejected moves for a new boutique stadium at Liverpool for the Canterbury Bulldogs and Wests Tigers.

Instead the money will go towards Brookvale and Penrith. Leichhardt Oval and Shark Park will also get funding to improve facilities.

Plus Stadium Australia will get a retractable roof.

Iconic Leichhardt Oval gets an upgrade (AAP Image/Mark Evans)

SMART COOKIE

After seven years of juggling university, NRL, a wedding, a baby, a house renovation, lockdown, relocation and bio-security bubbles, South Sydney Rabbitohs star Damien Cook has completed a degree of Bachelor of Health and Movement. He thanked wife Courtney on social media: “A massive thank you to my wife who made sure I had the time and stayed on track and kept pushing me along especially when I wanted to quit.”

South Sydney hooker Damien Cook with his degree.

Damien Cook is set up for life after footy (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

SHOOSH

Which highly regarded Sydney Roosters star are the Parramatta Eels chasing for 2023?

TATTOO FOR TWO GAMES

Sports trainer Craig Catterick, who worked as the NRL’s medical operations manager last season, has raised eyebrows after getting inked with a Penrith Panthers premiership tattoo. Catterick stepped in as Panthers trainer for their final two games, replacing regular trainer Pete Green, who was suspended after he controversially stopped the semi-final against Parramatta.

SPOTTED

Ian Chappell, Kenny Callander, David Gallop and Michael Hill having lunch and a beer at the Centennial Hotel in Woollahra.