NRL grand final stays in Sydney as Peter V’landys freezes out Queensland, funding fight escalates

The NRL grand final is staying in Sydney but only for one more year as Peter V’Landys gets tough with NSW and leaves the door open for Queensland.

The Panthers celebrate last year’s grand final win.

The NRL grand final is staying in Sydney for another year in a multi-million dollar deal with the NSW Government.

Independent commission chairman Peter V’landys reached an agreement with sports minister Steve Kamper over the weekend to host the game at Accor Stadium in the first weekend of October.

There had been interest from both the Queensland and Victorian governments.

V’landys would commit for only 12 months while negotiations continue for funding for NRL suburban grounds.

Work will begin late next year on the new $309 million Penrith Stadium but Brookvale, Leichhardt and Cronulla have been left without funding.

It is understood the government had paid more than $10 million to keep the game in Sydney – the most the NRL has received for the event.

They believe there will be a return on the investment through tourism with the possibility of an interstate side being there on grand final day.

Premier Chris Minns wants to work with the NRL in future to secure a 20-year deal. Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said recently: “We’re happy to talk to the NRL about any proposal.”