This is how power is exercised in NSW. After sustained pressure from the powerful SCG Trust, including a campaign of strategic media leaks, NSW cabinet has backflipped on yet another Baird decision, signing a cheque to rebuild Allianz Stadium in Sydney's east.

Yet serious questions remain. You can start with the simple ones, like why didn't the Sports Minister release a business case or consult with the public before seeking cabinet approval to rebuild Allianz? Does he really think the mooted $800 million rebuild is value for money?

The government says our parks must pay their own way – but 20 million people visit the Moore and Centennial parklands every year, while Allianz is a sea of empty seats on game days, averaging just 40 per cent capacity across the NRL, Super Rugby and A-League.

Many of the clubs oppose the rebuild, and safety upgrades to the stadium designed by eminent Australian architect Philip Cox would cost far less at about $150 million.