SCG to host NRL grand final after ANZ refurbishment

ANZ Stadium will undergo a facelift after next year's State of Origin series, handing the Sydney Cricket Ground the rights to at least the 2020 NRL grand final during construction.

The NRL told club chief executives and chairs at a meeting in Sydney on Wednesday that ANZ Stadium would be out of action after next year's Origin series opener at the Olympic venue.

It will leave the Bulldogs and Rabbitohs searching for a new home for the second half of the season, but also the NRL for its major events.

It's likely the Bulldogs and Rabbitohs will play the majority of their home games in the first half of the year and are expected to take most of their remaining games to Bankwest Stadium.

ANZ Stadium, which will be transformed into a 70-75,000 seat rectangular facility, will be out of action until the start of the 2023 NRL season.

The Sydney Cricket Ground will host grand final day in 2020 with the NRL in discussion with the NSW Government about locking in the next two grand finals after that.

"We always knew there would be some challenges for our clubs and for the game with major works being done to the stadium network in Sydney," NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said.

"We will work closely with the clubs as we develop the Premiership schedule in coming years, knowing ANZ Stadium as well as Allianz Stadium will not be available.

"Bankwest Stadium has been a wonderful addition to the sport this season and while we know there will be certain challenges over the next few years we also need to consider the fantastic result for the game when Allianz Stadium and ANZ Stadium are completed.

"We are not losing sight of the fact that over a four-year period we will have three purpose-built rectangular venues opening in Sydney. This remains a great result for the game."

The new stadium at Moore Park is expected in early 2022 and could be in line to host the grand final that year.