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ANZ Stadium is just no good for NRL fans

Roar Rookie
20th June, 2011
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Roar Rookie
20th June, 2011
67
3848 Reads

I question the NRL in a lot of areas, be it from the television scheduling, the number of teams or the player drain to rival codes. I always hear David Gallop talking about the fans, but to tell you truth, as a fan, I am often left disappointed.

The latest angst I have is Sydney teams playing at ANZ. No question that ANZ should be used for grand occasions

That’s not to say I am not an admirer of the Sydney Football Stadium, I still believe the SFS is the best rugby league ground in NSW.

However, what annoys me as a fan is watching our players play in front of 5000 fans at a 80,000 seat venue. Can’t the NRL see that this a terrible look for the game?

Suncorp Stadium is the best league ground in the NRL, no question. That’s not to say Leichhardt Oval on a Sunday afternoon is not a success, however in today’s market when you are vying for revenue you need to cater to your sponsor.

This got me thinking, Sydney doesn’t need another 50,000 seat stadium, but it does need boutique stadiums such as Skilled Park, Robina.

Skilled Park seats 27,400 fans, it has 100 open corporate boxes, 25 closed corporate suites, two 450 seat function rooms.

It’s a great rugby league venue, why can’t this model stadium be brought to Sydney.

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The next question is where would you place a Skilled Park stadium for Sydney league fans? We had an opportunity to refurbish Redfern into a perfect little boutique Stadium, however, this was brought undone by the local council. Unfortunately, now it’s just a training paddock.

For me, the next best location is Henson Park.

It’s perfectly located between Stanmore Station (1km walk) and Sydenham Train Station (1km walk).

Who would play at such a venue?

I would place Souths Sydney, Canterbury Bulldogs and the West Tigers at this new venue. It’s within close proximity of all three teams (see below).

– Henson Park to Belmore Oval – 7.8km.

– Henson Park to Leichhardt Oval – 5.3km.

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– Henson Park to Redfern Oval – 5.7km.

Could it be more central for all three teams ?

Mr Gallop, the AFL are currently working with GWS to build a boutique Stadium in the middle of our heartland. You have seen the cards the AFL have drawn, why don’t you raise the stakes and at least attempt to win this hand for rugby league fans in Sydney?

I see no reason why this wouldn’t be a success and from what I understand, the current Premier of NSW is a huge West Tigers fan.

At least give it some consideration, especially as you’re about to inherit $1billion for the next TV rights deal.

Small investment for a long-term gain, I think. I also think you would see a large increase in crowds at game. Let’s face it, it would be a great look for the game and, hey, I might be able to share a try with the fan next to me!

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