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AAP
AAP
Sport
Jasper Bruce

Roosters saying bye, not farewell to SCG

The Sydney Roosters want to return to the SCG to play NRL matches befitting of special occasions. (Mark Evans/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

The Sydney Roosters hope to return to the Sydney Cricket Ground for special occasions after their new home ground, Allianz Stadium, opens later this month.

The SCG has hosted Roosters home games since 1913, making it the oldest ground still used for NRL fixtures.

The Roosters played just four matches at the SCG between 1988 and 2018 after the Sydney Football Stadium opened at Moore Park, but when the NSW government announced plans to rebuild the SFS from the ground up, the side relocated to its ancestral home from 2019.

Saturday night's clash with the Wests Tigers will be the Roosters' final game at the SCG for the time being, as they prepare to make their return to Allianz Stadium in round 25.

"It's been a wonderful four years," Roosters coach Trent Robinson said of the stay at the SCG.

"Since 1908, we've been playing in the different grounds in this area and the SCG has been a big part of that.

"We've been privileged to play there."

There appears to be nothing standing in the way between the Roosters and a return to the SCG at some point in the near future.

Allianz Stadium and the SCG are operated by the same organisation, the Sydney Cricket Ground Trust, and the NRL told AAP the league would place no restrictions on the Roosters taking home games to the SCG.

Robinson suggested the historic stadium would be a fitting location for the traditional Anzac Day match against St George Illawarra.

The Roosters may also need to play at the SCG when Allianz Stadium is commandeered by the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023.

"To play on it one last time before we move to the new Allianz Stadium will be great," Robinson said.

"(But) when we're at Allianz, (the SCG) has been our second home.

"It won't be our last time forever on that ground but it will only be for special occasions."

Roosters halfback Sam Walker made his NRL debut at the SCG in round four last year and scored his first career try there a week later.

The thought of not playing there again is enough to worry the young gun.

"(The SCG) holds a special place in my heart," Walker told AAP.

"I'm definitely going to miss it but I'm really looking forward to the new stadium too and everything that comes with that."

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