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I believe the time is ripe for the National Rugby League to make a serious move towards building and owning its own Sydney ground.
Bumper crowds turned out at all games over the Easter weekend but the one that got me thinking ‘ground ownership’ was the Rabbitohs-Bulldogs blockbuster on Friday afternoon.
I was in the 51,686 crowd at ANZ Stadium which, if you have not heard, was the biggest for a regular season game in Sydney since 1966.
I can report that it was an awesome experience, an 80-minute adrenalin rush, and this was only a Round 4 premiership game!
There were two so-called heavyweight clubs on show, it was Benny Barba’s comeback game, Souths were trying to uphold their unbeaten run, the weather was sensational and the Easter Show was on next door.
But so much money from this massive event was always going to be lost to the League. The stadium renting costs do not come cheaply and so others are making hefty profits at the code’s expense.
If our head body is all about swelling its coffers – and we do have some very clever businessmen at the helm – I think it is time to at least explore the opportunity of sourcing a venue for our own home ground and start organising the funds to build it.
In my view, the Souths-Canterbury game showed that we need more big games played at big stadiums in Sydney.
Our NRL clubs are on aggressive membership drives as we speak and from all reports, the fan numbers are swelling every week.
That means the current and potential revenue stream is heading upwards and logic says that the really big premiership clashes should take place at major venues, rather than the much smaller and often ill-equipped, suburban grounds.
I realise there is a rich history and tradition associated with grounds such as Leichhardt, Brookvale and Kogarah but I think huge crowds at far bigger arenas makes rugby league even more spectacular for the fans who attend, and for those at home or in the pubs and clubs watching television.
Don’t for one moment think I am advocating the death of suburban footy. No way, these places generate a magic of their own and help to foster grassroots rugby league. I just think more of the bigger games should be scheduled at major venues.
Players love the incredible atmosphere these mega-games generate and I think it would be sensational for everyone concerned if they could take place at (my proposed) NRL purpose-built, state-of-the-art stadium.
That Good Friday game was terrific and showcased the awesome roster strength of the Rabbits and Bulldogs.
Souths were a touch too good on the day, they certainly took their chances.
Losing skipper Mick Ennis was always going to make things tough for the Dogs as a lot of direction and leadership stems from him.
Barba was sound in his comeback game and rewarded his legion of fans with some typically brilliant touches and a late, late try.
He will be a lot better for that outing. Benny will improve every week now that he is settling back into his playing routine.
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