NRL to back clubs' stadium request

The squabble over Sydney's stadium strategy has taken another twist, with the NRL reportedly set to side with its clubs on prioritising the upgrade of the Olympic site at Homebush.

The NRL will support its clubs' push for a 72,000-seat rectangular refurbishment of ANZ Stadium ahead of a new ground at Moore Park, according to Fairfax Media.

The upgrade will likely consume between $600 and $700 million of the government's $1.6 billion package, with the clubs then supporting a $450 million revamp of Moore Park and a $200 million facelift of their current suburban grounds.

However, the requests remain at odds with the NSW State Government and sports minister Stuart Ayres, who still wants a rebuild of Allianz Stadium at Moore Park.

It could lead to the government almost turning its back completely on the NRL, with Ayres instead allocating the remaining money to the SCG.

A $300,000 upgrade at the iconic cricket ground would increase its capacity by redeveloping the Bill O'Reilly and Brewongle Stands.

Given the $300,000 upgrade of Parramatta Stadium is already locked in, the remaining $1 billion would then be placed into an infrastructure fund.