A bold plan to lure several major sporting events to Sydney over the next decade has been criticised as an attempt to justify the NSW government's multi-billion dollar stadium redevelopment plan.
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The Berejiklian government on Monday announced it will bid for 10 world cups in rugby union, soccer and other five sports to be held between 2019 and 2029.
Two of the events - the men's and women's cricket World T20 in 2020 - have already been awarded to Australia, with MCG beating the SCG to host both finals.
Rod McGeoch - the man behind Sydney's successful bid for the 2000 Olympics - will head an advisory panel that will manage the eight other bids, though most will require the support of several Australian cities.
Mr McGeoch said the sporting world had confidence Australia could deliver on major sporting events and had top-class officials and fans to match.
"That all is very persuasive," he said.
"Argentina, could they claim quite that? No."
Argentina is in the running to host the men's rugby world cup in 2027.
NSW's tourism and events department estimates visitors coming to the 10 events would bring $1 billion into the state's economy.
Much of that figure is tied to the 2027 rugby tournament, while the annual men's tennis world team cup is expected to replace the existing Sydney International from 2020.
The state opposition was critical of the wishlist, saying it was a response to the government's $2 billion "stadium splurge".
"It's just an attempt to justify the indefensible," Labor leader Luke Foley told reporters.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said it wasn't possible to bid for world events without world-class venues.
"We want Sydney to be the leader, not just in Australia but in our region, for hosting global events," she said.
"We are Australia's global city, why shouldn't we host these global events?"
Sports Minister Stuart Ayres said regional areas would also be involved in some events.
WORLD CUP WISHLIST
* 2019 men's Rugby League Nines
* 2020 men's and women's cricket World T20
* 2020-2030 men's tennis World Team Cup
* 2021 women's rugby world cup
* 2022 men's and women's road cycling world championships
* 2023 women's FIFA world cup
* 2027 men's rugby world cup
* 2027 netball world cup
* 2029 rugby league world cup
Australian Associated Press
