The NRL is on a collision course with several Sydney clubs over a rule change that could result in them being stripped of hosting rights in the opening week of the finals.
In previous seasons, teams finishing first, second, fifth and sixth on the ladder would earn home-ground advantage and would nominate where the fixture is held.
But the governing body has told clubs it will now retain the right to decide where all first-round finals matches take place.
“For all NRL finals matches ARLC reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to determine venues considered most suitable to host NRL and NRLW Final Series matches,” the NRL wrote in a missive sent to clubs before the start of the season.
“This policy ensures all fixtures are played in facilities that meet the required standards for capacity, broadcast, operational delivery, player welfare, and fan experience.”
The edict was made, in part, to provide the flexibility to shift to larger stadiums to ensure fans aren’t turned away due to the limited capacity of some suburban grounds.
However, it has raised concerns at several clubs, most notably Manly and Cronulla, who are both on track for the finals.
The Sea Eagles are concerned they could lose the right to begin their finals campaign at 4 Pines Park at Brookvale, while the Sharks may also be forced to play away from their spiritual home at Ocean Protect Stadium in Woolooware.
“All we are asking for is a level playing field,” Manly chief executive Jason King said.
“Integrity is paramount in every sporting contest – everyone must compete under the same rules. There’s been talk about minimum standards – that’s a rotten phrase in rugby league. We’ve been told we are unlikely to be impacted, but there’s no guarantees.
“Surely our community – those who pay their hard-earned across the entire season to attend home games at 4 Pines Park – deserve this. Surely our football team deserves the advantages of playing at home if they earn the right to do so. We’re not interested in neutral Sydney venues with acres of empty plastic seats.
“Apparently, it’s about fan experience, too. Leave me alone. There’s no better experience than a heaving 4 Pines Park.”
While the Sea Eagles and Sharks could be in danger of losing home-ground advantage, the new rule is unlikely to apply to other teams. For instance, Melbourne (AAMI Park), North Queensland (Queensland Country Bank Stadium), Newcastle (McDonald Jones Stadium) and the Roosters (Allianz Stadium) will likely retain the advantage of playing in front of their own fans at their regular venues.
“Surely our football team deserves the advantages of playing at home if they earn the right to do so.”
Manly CEO Jason King
“My position won’t change,” Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta said. “If the rule is that you’ve earned the right to play a home semi-final, how can it become discretionary?
“If you change the rule, change the rule for everyone. If you’re going to turn around and say it’s at the ARLC’s discretion, then that’s not a rule. It’s like there’s a rule for some and a rule for others …
“You make a mockery of the rule if you’ve earned the right, and then they have discretion [to change the venue] depending on the match-ups. That’s even worse.”
Cronulla’s stance is understandable given their recent record at Ocean Protect Stadium. The Sharks have won 21 of 27 matches at home since 2024 for a winning percentage of 77.8 per cent. Over the same period, Manly has won 20 from 29 for a winning percentage of 69 per cent.
The NRL runs the finals series and pockets the gate takings. By shifting games to larger stadiums, head office can potentially make a bigger return. But such a move could come at the expense of clubs that would normally earn the right to play in their preferred ground.
It will also spark debate about whether the fans of some clubs are prepared to attend a venue they feel is not their own, and whether there is still a place for suburban grounds for marquee matches.
The NRL declined to comment.
“We understand the commercial outcomes the game is trying to achieve through greater ticket sales and corporate suites – but at what cost?” King said.
“Would a capacity crowd at a sold-out 4 Pines Park not be a great advertisement for the game – its tribal roots, and its powerful connection with the community?
“Why should a club like Melbourne – or the Knights or even the Cowboys, for that matter – be treated differently to us? If they were to ‘earn’ a home final – they would get to play at their home ground – play on, six again, no questions asked.”
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