NSW Waratahs set up base at Leichhardt Oval for new season
The Waratahs are heading to the inner west with the union outfit set to play more games at Leichhardt Oval than Wests Tigers this season. Here’s why Tigers fans are all for it.
NSW
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The NSW Waratahs will bring rugby union to Leichhardt Oval this season – playing five of their seven matches at the historic ground.
By comparison Wests Tigers will play just three rounds at the spiritual home of the former Balmain Tigers in what some are calling a significant encroachment in the battle of the codes.
Paul Doorn, CEO of NSW Rugby Union and the Waratahs, explained a large part of the decision was down to Covid.
In particular, he said the oval’s hill would enable spectators to spread out to ensure social distancing.
“This is our last year of being in the wilderness before we return to the city,” Mr Doorn said.
“We were very fortunate that Leichhardt Oval had the availability that we needed to be able to play as many home games here in 2022.
“We’re really excited about the move and I know the squad are excited about playing there.”
The Waratahs have a long-term agreement with Venues NSW that has seen them play at their stadiums when available.
It also means the club will call the new Sydney Football Stadium its home from 2023.
It is more commonly associated with rugby league and as one of three current home grounds of the Wests Tigers.
But Leichhardt Oval will swap six points for a converted try for seven, with the Waratahs hosting the Reds, Force, Crusaders, Hurricanes and Blues at the stadium.
Mr Doorn said the move was a late one forced by the continued entry restrictions into New Zealand and the subsequent reshuffle of fixtures along with the SCG being unavailable on the dates of the rearranged games.
“We had locked in our venues for 2022, but when the fixtures changed everyone had already booked their venues for their own seasons,” Mr Doorn said.
“And although the players liked playing there (SCG), it’s also a challenging space from a spectators perspective, you’re a long way from the action.
“You’ve got the heritage and the prestige of the SCG but you don’t have the intimacy that you get from other venues.”
He said the move to Leichhardt had also opened up opportunities for the club in terms of fan experience and atmosphere, with familiarity – for both the players and members – an important consideration behind the move.
“You want to try to establish an environment where your players feel like they’ve got an advantage,” Mr Doorn said.
“From a fan and member perspective it’s also nice to have that familiarity both in getting to the ground and the matchday experience.”
He said the proximity to the airport – in the worst and unlikely case that teams have to fly in and out of games – was also a factor in the decision.
Mr Doorn added: “Leichhardt Oval also provides us the opportunity to spread people out across the hill in the seating area, if need be.
“So it works on a whole host of different fronts, which is really great.”
He added: “Leichhardt Oval always seems to be able to activate itself and supporters.
“It’s a really intimate venue and there’s not a bad seat in the house. We think that it will be a fantastic experience for fans.”
The inner west is better known for its rugby league tradition, although there is a large pool of union clubs and players, something Mr Doorn is hoping the Waratahs can tap into.
“Going to live matches has a massive impact on the volume of people taking up the game, particularly younger kids,” he said.
The Wests Tigers will host three games at Leichhardt Oval in 2022 – playing a majority of home games at the CommBank Stadium for financial reasons.
But the move from the Waratahs has been welcomed by supporters of the Wests Tigers.
Joel Helmes from the Wests Tigers Podcast said that he’s proud to see more games at the venue.
“While the ground is anything but modern there is a unique atmosphere and intimate feel that the Waratah fans and players should enjoy,” he said.
“We hope that union fans will enjoy a ground that most league fans believe is sacred turf.”
Josh Barnett, founder and producer of WestsLife Podcast, hoped that more games being played at the ground would bolster its case for increased state government funding.
“Because the Tigers only play a few games a year there it’s not getting used and the government isn’t going to pour money into it.
“So if more games are played there then the ground might get more funding, which also might lead to the Tigers playing more games there as well.”
Mr Barnett had his wedding photos taken at Leichhardt Oval, such is his connection to and affection for the ground.
“While the new Sydney Football Stadium is being built there’s no better place in Sydney to watch footy than Leichhardt Oval,” he said.
“I’m all for as many sports playing there as possible and Leichhardt Oval being bigger, better and more successful.”
Wests Tigers did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication.
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