Phil Rothfield: NRL dudded in Sydney stadium stuff-up

The Maroons may have won Origin but everyday Queenslanders were the real losers. Plus, how the NSW government ‘stuffed up’ new stadium plan.

Peter V'landys is a fan of suburban stadiums. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Steven Saphore

Origin is over for another year but off-field dramas around the game will never go away.

Who would have thought the state government could keep stuffing up the issue of Sydney’s sporting stadiums and four new suburban venues to share among the nine Sydney-based NRL clubs?

The funding for suburban grounds is a huge coup for commission chairman Peter V’landys, who has lobbied the government for 12 months.

In return he will keep the NRL grand final in Sydney for up to 30 years.

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V’landys is trying to rebuild rivalry and tribalism at 20,000-seat boutique ‘mini Bankwest’ stadiums rather than playing with the backdrop of tens of thousands of empty seats at ANZ and Allianz.

It’s fantastic for the game.

Yet the government has completely stuffed up their choice of venues.

Peter V'landys is a fan of suburban stadiums. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Steven Saphore

We applaud the plan to bulldoze the terrible dump that is Brookvale Oval and start again.

We also support a new stadium for the Penrith Panthers and another new one in Liverpool to be shared by the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Wests Tigers.

Great news for rugby league and the long term viability of the Sydney clubs.

However in Tuesday’s budget, Treasurer Dominic Perrottet announced a $3 million grant for a feasibility study and business plan on a $200 million facility at Kogarah.

This is despite the fact both the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Cronulla Sharks do not want to play their 12 home games at the Princes Highway venue.

The Dragons have a commitment to their members to play six games in Wollongong and six at Kogarah. In fact it may only be five if the Anzac Day game continues to be played at its traditional home in Moore Park.

HOW WE COVERED THE GAME LIVE

This leaves Cronulla, who will not move from Shark Park under any circumstances.

They do however want to explore the option of doing a joint venture with the NRL to build in Woolooware in an opportunity that would finally give the game a decent profitmaking asset.

Interestingly, the government’s investment in suburban/community stadiums was supposed to be aimed at shovel-ready projects to kickstart the economy.

Certainly not on a two-year feasibility study for what is so obviously a white elephant at Kogarah.

LOWLIGHT

The biggest losers in Origin were Queensland taxpayers without the influx of around 8000 Sydney fans who annually spend upwards of $20 million on restaurants, bars, cafes, shopping, theatres, hotels and transport. Well done Annastacia.

James Tedesco of the Blues concussed.

STICKY SITUATION

Former NSW and current Raiders coach Ricky Stuart was having a south coast morning walk with his brother-in-law Gary on Wednesday when he was approached by a woman. Chuffed at being recognised, Sticky was quickly rocked when the lady said: “Laurie Daley … I always loved you as a player.”

BRONCOS BOUND

Former Storm star Will Chambers was spotted last week entering quarantine at Liv Apartments in Quay St, Haymarket after returning home from Japan.

We’re hearing that the Brisbane Broncos are close to securing his services as a replacement for Jack Bird. He’d sure add some much needed experience. The other option is the Knights.

BRANDY & BULLDOG

Greg Alexander missed his 24th wedding anniversary with wife Tanya because he has been inside the Blues bubble. And the great Dean “Bulldog” Ritchie missed his first Origin game in 25 years by having to cover the match off the TV.

Queensland celebrate a try to Harry Grant. Picture: Peter Wallis

SPOTTED

NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo was another one locked out of Queensland. He had the rare opportunity to watch from hone with his wife and two children. Always looking after sponsors, the Abdos demolished a bucket of KFC and Andrew washed it down with a couple of VBs.

SPOTTED 2

Head of Football Graham Annesley, who is back home on the Gold Coast after a fortnight in quarantine, delivered the NRL address to VIPs. Apparently he went okay and has a future in public speaking.

SPOTTED 3

Only one member of the independent commission at the game — the newly appointed Kate Jones, who lives in Brisbane.

Originally published as Phil Rothfield: NRL dudded in Sydney stadium stuff-up