'Back yourself': Brad Fittler questions Sharks stadium plea as NRL set to make huge Allianz Stadium call
Updated . First published at
Cronulla's hopes of hosting a home semi-final at Shark Park are set to be rejected as the NRL closes in a bold call to go head-to-head with the AFL.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Sharks chief executive Dino Mezzatesta has pleaded with the NRL to ensure the club plays a semi-final in their own backyard given their opponent is from interstate and a potential clash with the Sydney Swans.
However, despite reports that the game was going to be moved to CommBank Stadium to avoid congestion in the Moore Park precinct, the NRL won't be pushed out.
According to 2GB's Mark Levy on The Continuous Call Team, an announcement will be made on Sunday evening confirming where the Sharks will face the Cowboys.
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"Next week, it looks like both games will be played at Allianz Stadium," he said.
Sione Katoa and Briton Nikora walk off the field after losing the NRL Qualifying Final match.. Getty
"It would indicate that yes, there will be a clash between the NRL and AFL on Friday night. Venues NSW is very confident that the precinct will be able to handle all of the crowds and the traffic.
"It will be confirmed at full time of this game between the Bulldogs and Manly."
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Earlier on Sunday, league great Brad Fittler questioned why the club would even consider locking out thousands of fans at the 14,000-seat venue in the Shire.
"They are capping their audience if they have it at Cronulla," he said on Nine's Sunday Footy Show.
"You have got to back yourself. You've got to give more than 13,000 Sharks fans the opportunity to go and watch their team play in the semi final. Whether you get them there or not, you need to give them the opportunity.
"Fans have shown this year that they are going to go watch the footy."
The sport's governing body allows teams to play at their own grounds in week one of the finals but in weeks two and three suburban venues are not permitted.
The ruling aims to focus on the NRL's aim of attracting larger crowds to major stadiums in host cities.
The week two schedule will not be confirmed until the conclusion of the Bulldogs and Sea Eagles elimination final on Sunday afternoon.
