Parramatta chief executive Scott Seward has called on NRL boss Dave Smith to consult clubs when it comes to deciding the games stadia strategy.
However, Seward wouldn't be drawn into Fairfax Media's revelations that Manly had made a bold move to snatch coach Brad Arthur as early as this year. Manly and Parramatta camps went to ground ahead of their highly anticipated round-one clash on Friday night. Fairfax Media revealed the Eels held urgent talks to ensure Arthur's long-term future would be at the club.
Seward was happy to weigh into the stadium debate. With the Eels investing about $100 million into a new facility at Parramatta, Seward wants clarity from the games bosses. His comments came after Smith indicated a desire to pack out stadiums "whatever that size is" at the NRL's general meeting on Friday.
"Any NRL strategy on stadiums must be done in consultation with the clubs and their specific needs," Seward said. "The Parramatta Leagues Club is investing $100 million in the area surrounding Parramatta Stadium and the NRL should make clear what its investment strategy for Parramatta Stadium and Western Sydney is. With an average crowd last year of nearly 19,000 and the biggest regular season crowd of 50,000 on Easter Monday we believe that Parramatta Stadium and ANZ Stadium are a perfect mix for our growing membership and supporter base. Both should have significant investment to ensure our fans have world-class facilities."
Although Smith wants games played at packed stadiums, it won't necessarily mean the survival of suburban grounds including Leichhardt and Brookvale. Even if the Sea Eagles want to transform Brookvale Oval into a multi-purpose stadium, which could seat up to 40,000 people. Smith is still pushing for a redeveloped Moore Park precinct having spent $750,000 on a feasibility study for the area.
An NRL spokesman confirmed Smith's stadia policy was unchanged. "Sydney sports fans ultimately need a network of stadia that are purpose built for rectangular sports," an NRL spokesman said. "This will dramatically improve the fan experience at the grounds. We need a major stadium for the big events, as well as a range of stadia that can cater for other matches. Dave has always said this is a long-term proposition."
St George Illawarra have already adopted the "right game right venue" strategy, which sees home matches spread across Kogarah, Wollongong, Sydney Olympic Park and Moore Park.
Seward said a world-class facility in Parramatta would help the game prosper in Sydney's west.
"It's not all about a particular number — it has to be about the infrastructure and services that come with it like Wi-Fi, parking, restaurants and the entertainment precinct surrounding it," Seward said. "We play the greatest game of all but we must have a game-day experience that matches the action on the field. Western Sydney is one of the most competitive sporting markets in the world and any strategy must ensure that NRL maintains its position as the premier sport and world-class stadium infrastructure is essential."
