The NSW Sports Minister has promised the NRL Grand Final and future State of Origins will remain in Sydney despite the stadium debacle.

On Friday, Lendlease pulled the pin on its contract to build the new Sydney Football Stadium at Moore Park, saying it couldn’t stick to the $729-million budget.

Sports Minister John Sidoti repeatedly tried to dodge questions from Ben Fordham about what’s going on.

Ben Fordham: Was Lendlease supposed to build the stadium?

Minister Sidoti: Look, I wasn’t the minister at the time. My understanding…

Ben Fordham: Hang on, was Lendlease supposed to build the stadium?

Minister Sidoti: In two stages. Correct

Ben Fordham: Yes? Is that a yes?

Minister Sidoti: Two stages. Stage one, stage two. That’s the way the contract was designed. Stage two, they didn’t meet the objectives.

The debacle has seen the Queensland Tourism Minister make a bold play at stealing the NRL Grand Final and State of Origin games.

Mr Sidoti tells Ben that won’t be happening.

“So, State of Origin in 2022, there will be one in Sydney?” asks Ben.

“My bloody oath!”

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview

The minister also made headlines today after an embarrassing trip up (literally) during an event supporting Australia’s bid to host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Sports Minister somehow managed to faceplant while playing soccer with a group of schoolgirls and several current and former Matildas stars.

Watch the hilarious video below

Showing off his Italian heritage 😂 pic.twitter.com/7iUSjgVcVq

— Rob Shehadie (@robshehadie) July 30, 2019

Mr Sidoti jokingly posted the video to his own Facebook page after the event, telling Ben Fordham he’s thinking of taking up a safer sport like table tennis.

Image: Getty/Cameron Spencer