Bennett says keep NRL decider in Sydney
The MCG and Suncorp Stadium are being thrown up as NRL grand final venues. (AFP and AAP)
Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett says the NRL grand final should stay in Sydney, amid reports the decider could soon be on the move.
The Queensland and Victorian governments are attempting to lure the decider to Brisbane or Melbourne during the proposed upgrade to ANZ Stadium in 2019-2022.
While the NRL is yet to confirm their plans for the grand final's venue during the redevelopment process, Bennett says some traditions must be kept sacred.
"Sydney's the home of the NRL grand final, simple as that," Bennett said.
"Melbourne is the home of the AFL grand final.
"We shouldn't tamper with it, we shouldn't play with it.
"It's about the history of the game, the tradition, and that's pretty important to a lot of people."
Bennett says if ANZ Stadium is unable to host the grand final during the upgrades, an alternative Sydney venue such as the SCG should be the favoured option.
The NRL has confirmed both the Victorian and Queensland governments have made preliminary approaches to them about hosting the grand final but the situation was far from resolved.
"We need to know when ANZ is available before we have any talks," the NRL said in a statement to AAP.
"We also need to ensure we put the NSW government first given they have committed $1.6 billion to stadia."
