NSW Premier Mike Baird has ruled out a controversial proposal to build a new stadium at Moore Park in inner Sydney.
The decision puts the premier at odds with his Sports Minister Stuart Ayres, who is reportedly backing a plan to construct a $1 billion, 55,000-seat stadium on Centennial and Moore Park land.
Mr Ayres was preparing to pitch the proposal to cabinet after failing to get a commitment from the NRL that 65 games are played a year at three stadiums - ANZ and Parramatta in the city's west and the existing Allianz Stadium at Moore Park, the Daily Telegraph reports.
But Mr Baird ruled out the idea on Monday, arguing that Mr Ayres does "agree with" the cabinet's decision to construct a new stadium on existing SCG land.
"That's the cabinet position, I can't be clearer," Mr Baird said.
He said that if the SCG Trust came back to the government with a proposal to build on Centennial Parklands he would urge them "go back and make sure it's built on existing land".
NSW Labor has meanwhile called for Mr Ayres to be replaced over his management of the future of Sydney's stadium funding.
The three long-standing tenants of Allianz Stadium - Sydney FC (A-League), NSW Waratahs (Super Rugby) and Sydney Roosters (NRL) issued a joint statement on Monday night saying a major rebuild on the existing site was untenable for all three clubs.
"Up until today, it was the clear understanding of all three clubs that there would be a new stadium built without interruption to Allianz Stadium's operations," the statement read.
"If the New South Wales government is unable to achieve this, then our overriding preference is for a major renovation of the existing stadium.
"We strongly oppose a new stadium on the existing site, as a forced relocation out of Allianz Stadium for four seasons will be disastrous for all three clubs, their respective members and fans."
"The government's stadium strategy has now descended into farce," opposition leader Luke Foley said on Monday.
He said Labor was opposed to Mr Ayres' proposal.
"Stuart Ayres is fighting his own cabinet's decision and trying to steal precious urban parkland from the public to build his white elephant, 55-thousand stadium in Sydney's eastern suburbs," he said.
Comment is being sought from Sports Minister Stuart Ayres.
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