NRL blockbuster set to open new $900m Sydney Football Stadium

The NRL has won the bid to host the new Sydney Football Stadium’s first fixture, and the game is set to be a blockbuster.

A general view of the Sydney Cricket Ground and the site of the former Allianz Stadium at Moore Park. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield has revealed that the NRL has won the bid to host the new $900 million Sydney Football Stadium’s first fixture.

And the game to open the new stadium will be a blockbuster between two rival teams.

“The (New South Wales) State Government aren’t ready to announce it but it will come from Stuart Ayres’ office but it’s a victory for rugby league,” Rothfield revealed on The Big Sports Breakfast.

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“The grudge match we love more than anything else the Sydney Roosters vs the South Sydney Rabbitohs Round 25, September 2 will open the (Sydney Football) stadium.

“The very powerful figures in rugby union and their connections at state government level wanted to open it with the Wallabies vs Springboks Test match.

“Football Australia pitched the Matildas vs Brazil or one of the European powers but rugby league have won the battle and it’ll be announced soon. It will be a fantastic night for Sydney sport, for rugby league.”

A general view of the Sydney Cricket Ground. Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The Sydney Football Stadium was closed in October 2018 for redevelopment. Rothfield has also disclosed the names of some of the game’s greats that will appear in the stands.

“Fans will walk in and find grand stands named after legends of these clubs Arthur Beetson and Ron Coote,” Rothfield said.

“I think considering the Roosters’ history there I spoke to David Middleton during the week, the Roosters started in 1908 at the old Sydney show ground.

“From 1911 onwards that sight where the new stadium is has been their home. I think it’s fitting that the Roosters still open the venue and what a game it’ll be against their arch rivals.”

Originally published as NRL blockbuster set to open new $900m Sydney Football Stadium