In recent discussions regarding final games in Sydney, NRL great Cameron Smith has suggested that all such matches should occur at Allianz Stadium, asserting that traditional suburban grounds no longer fit the bill for this level of competition.
Smith's remarks come ahead of a crucial finals clash between the Penrith Panthers and the Sydney Roosters, highlighting the competitive advantage of Allianz for the Roosters, who play all their home games there. He mentioned during the Monday night program '100% Footy,' "If there's finals being played in Sydney or a Sydney club is hosting, it should be played at Allianz."
Allianz Stadium boasts a capacity of 42,500, allowing for a vibrant atmosphere, especially for high-stakes matches involving teams like the Panthers and Roosters. This scenario could leave the Panthers feeling disadvantaged, as they finished first on the NRL ladder versus the Roosters' fourth place. Hosting the match at a venue that is effectively the Roosters' home would be disappointing for Penrith supporters, diminishing the perks that come with a minor premiership.
Commentator Andrew Voss raised concerns about the venue selection as well. He noted that over 12,500 fans would be unable to attend a game at CommBank Stadium, which has a capacity of only 30,000. Voss stated on SEN radio, "It's an all-Sydney finals game and they're both heavyweights... It's a game that warrants 40,000 minimum."
The predicament of finding a suitable venue remains a hot topic, especially with the tradition of final games in Sydney evolving significantly over recent years.