Source: Dean Ritchie | Daily Telegraph 14/10/2011

An historic hybrid game between Australia’s Kangaroos and Wallabies is moving closer with revelations the match could generate up to $40 million.

It has been revealed that a formal agreement has been struck between the organisers, Hybrid Code Pty Ltd, and ANZ Stadium for the game to played at Homebush in Sydney.

Hybrid Code Pty Ltd has also opened discussions with Channel 9 and the NSW government to get the proposed match off the groudn.

Leading consulting firm, LEK Consultancy, believes the game could generate between $25 million and $40 million, with the cash-strapped NRL and ARU able to pocket between $5 million and $10 million. Of that, players would receive between $50,000 and $100,000.

Hybrid Code Pty Ltd has set a preliminary date of Australia Day next year for the game but that could alter depending on player availability.

Once the company has completed an extensive business plan, it will approach the NRL and ARU.

The AFL managed to approve a similar plan with Australia playing Ireland regularly in a hybrid game.

For the first time yesterday, the heavy hitters behind the proposal went “on the record” to discuss the plan.

“A hybrid game pitching the best rugby league players against the best rugby union talent would attract an enormous amount of attention and we think ANZ Stadium would be the perfect venue,” ANZ Stadium managing director Daryl Kerry said.

Hybrid Code’s directors are former MP Paul Gibson, rugby legend Mark Ella, former Wallabies coach Bob Dwyer and businessman Phil Franks.

The directors will fly to Britain next week to discuss their concept, possibly involving the English rugby league and rugby union sides.