NRL head of football Todd Greenberg has announced a `groundbreaking' finals double header next Saturday at Allianz Stadium and denied the League had again caved in to the demands of the AFL.
Greenberg confirmed on Triple M on Saturday that after the Sydney Swans were slotted in for their AFL semi-final at ANZ Stadium on September 14, South Sydney will kick off the 2013 finals series at the Olympic Park venue on Friday night.
Next Saturday Cronulla and minor premiers Sydney Roosters will host their elimination and qualifying finals at Allianz Stadium as the Swans play across town.
Canterbury will host their qualifying final at ANZ Stadium on the Sunday.
The NRL was forced to move the round 25 match between the Bulldogs and Penrith at ANZ Stadium back 24 hours after the AFL grand final re-match between the Swans and Hawthorn was given preference, leaving rugby league officials red-faced.
But Greenberg denied the NRL had been bullied into scheduling the double header by the AFL.
"I think we can be pretty clear that the NRL has not been forced into the move," Greenberg said.
"I think at the end of the day everyone has got a great result.
"I would suggest both sports are happy with the outcome.
"This is a groundbreaking double header and hopefully we can fill Allianz Stadium.
"I think it is a wonderful move ... an innovation thing.
"It's great not just for the broadcasters but the fans.
"It will be a fantastic weekend of finals."
However the move is a change from last year's finals schedule when minor premiers Canterbury played on the Friday night and second placed Melbourne played on the Saturday night.
Roosters captain Anthony Minichiello said he was looking forward to the night.
"That would be fantastic, a double header ... we will look to pack that out," Minichiello said.
Under-siege over his role in an alleged assault case concerning Ben Barba, Greenberg would not comment on the matter currently under the investigation of the NRL integrity unit.
"It would be inappropriate for to comment," Greenberg said.
"I will talk when all the issues are resolved."
Greenberg did say the NRL would investigate a banner unfurled by South Sydney's official supporter group `The Burrow' at Friday night's match against the Roosters that referred to their arch rivals as `scum'.
"(We will) talk to the club to ensure that doesn't happen again," he said.
