The NRL grand final will leave Sydney in 2021 unless the NSW government compensates the game's governing body to the tune of up to $10 million for the reduced earnings that would result from staging a second decider at the SCG.

Delays in delivering Sydney’s new stadium network have raised the possibility of the grand final leaving the Harbour City for the first time. A six-month hold-up means a revamped ANZ Stadium won’t be ready to host the 2021 fixture, meaning the game could be on the move despite an NRL-NSW government agreement to keep it in Sydney until 2042.

With ANZ Stadium unavailable, the NRL is demanding cash compensation to keep the 2021 grand final in Sydney. Credit:Allsport

The parties had agreed to hold the 2020 grand final at the SCG as a one-off, under the understanding ANZ would host the match the following year. However, the Homebush Bay precinct won’t be ready in time, leaving the 2021 grand final up for grabs.

The Herald can reveal the NSW government will get the first right to retain the grand final, but will need to make up the difference in lost gate takings resulting from holding the game at the smaller venue for a second season. The SCG’s capacity is about 45,000 - about 35,000 less than ANZ - and the NRL doesn’t want to be left out of pocket two years in a row because it has less tickets to sell.