Dogs get Stadium punt for the AFL

Sky-high view of ANZ Stadium. Source: Braden Fastier / News Limited

RUGBY league used to be the game that ruled Sydney. Not anymore.

In a major embarrassment, the NRL backed down to the AFL over a scheduling stuff-up at ANZ Stadium that could cost the Bulldogs their last home game of the year.

As of Tuesday night the NRL still didn't have a venue or date for the crucial round 25 clash between the Bulldogs and Penrith that was going to be played on Friday, August 30.

The AFL Swans-Hawthorn final round blockbuster will take priority on that Friday night.

Red-faced NRL officials were scrambling to try to limit the damage this has done to the NRL's credibility.

The NRL is considering moving the game to a different venue or playing it on a different night, with some suggesting it could be played on the Thursday night.

The fact the Bulldogs have to back up the following Thursday night in Brisbane means the game has to be played by Saturday at the latest.

The other factor the NRL must consider is Channel 9 must televise two Friday night games.

This has the potential to force a complete reshuffle of all final round NRL games that will decide the top eight.

The Bulldogs would be reluctant to lose their last home game, given they could be fighting for a top-four finish.

The NRL's director of marketing and commercial Paul Kind on Tuesday night could give no indication when the game would be played.

"We are uncertain at this point," Kind said.

"We are looking at what options are available and working with the Stadium and the Dogs on solutions."

Asked why the NRL backed down to AFL, Kind could not offer a clear reason.

"Not because we made the mistake." he said.

"You can simplify it if you need to but where we are is we thought we were in a position to lock that match in for the Friday night and in the end the AFL has been granted that spot by the Stadium."

Asked if it was the Stadium's fault, Kind said: "It was the Stadium's decision.

"At a point not long ago all parties thought they had it solved. In the end it ended up both parties were looking at Friday night. At one point we thought it was Saturday night."

But it is understood the NRL should have been fully aware of this potential scheduling disaster all year.

The AFL only schedules three games a season at ANZ and it is understood the Swans and Hawthorn game was pencilled in to be played on either the Friday or Saturday night.

All parties were aware the Swans game would take priority.

An AFL spokesman said they had been assured by officials they could have the night for some time. But that didn't stop the NRL selecting the Bulldogs-Panthers game on the Friday night regardless.

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