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Bulldogs eye Western Sydney Stadium game

3 minute read

Canterbury could host an NRL game at Western Sydney Stadium next year as they begin to plan for life outside of Sydney Olympic Park.

LACHLAN LEWIS of the Bulldogs kicks the match winning field goal during the NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the New Zealand Warriors at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, Australia.
LACHLAN LEWIS of the Bulldogs kicks the match winning field goal during the NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the New Zealand Warriors at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, Australia. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Canterbury will consider taking an NRL game to the new Western Sydney Stadium next year as they they cast an eye forward to the redevelopment of ANZ Stadium.

The Bulldogs are contractually bound to play nine games a season at ANZ Stadium, and confirmed on Thursday they would play at least one of their other home games at Belmore and another at Suncorp Stadium for the Magic Round.

That will leave one other home match, with the club looking into playing a game at the new stadium in Parramatta to give fans and corporate partners a taste of the ground before the upcoming redevelopment of ANZ Stadium.

"Home matches will be played at ANZ Stadium, at least one game at Belmore Sports Ground, a home match at Suncorp Stadium during the Magic Round and possibly a home match at Western Sydney Stadium," the club said on Thursday.

Canterbury are yet to lock in where they will play matches during the two-year rebuild of ANZ Stadium scheduled to begin in 2020, with a decision to be made later next year.

However it remains likely that at least some of their home matches will be played at the Parramatta venue, while Belmore Oval and other Sydney grounds could also shape as options.

Meanwhile the NRL could face a race to host the match at new $300 million stadium, after the NSW Waratahs confirmed they would play three Super Rugby games in Parramatta next year.

The first of those is locked in for April 27 against South African-based club the Sharks, just a week after Parramatta had originally been expected to play there for the first time against the Wests Tigers on Easter Monday.

The Eels are struggling to come to an agreement with the stadium's operators - VenuesLive - and all of their home games are expected to be announced as venue TBC when the NRL's draw is released next week.

However both parties have stated they expect negotiations to be complete in time for the NRL season.

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