The NRL has surrendered to the AFL, allowing its rival to host an all Sydney semi-final match at ANZ Stadium on Saturday September 10, despite the Bulldogs having priority over the use of the Homebush venue.

The Bulldogs will now vacate their home ground to play at a neutral venue, Allianz Stadium, against the Panthers on the same Saturday if the final round NRL matches this weekend go as the NRL expects.

The NRL concede they agreed some weeks ago to vacate ANZ stadium should the Swans meet the Giants in the first weekend of AFL finals.

This is despite the Herald being told by the NRL over the weekend: "We expect to have priority for ANZ, given Dogs and NRL are partners of ANZ stadium. Sounds like AFL are going to move to the SCG anyhow. But we are just pushing along with as normal with our finals plans."