Wests Tigers fans vow to fight to keep team playing at Leichhardt Oval
DIE-HARD Wests Tigers fans have vowed to revolt against any move to shift NRL games from Leichhardt Oval to “soulless” State Government-owned stadiums.
Inner West
Don't miss out on the headlines from Inner West. Followed categories will be added to My News.
DIE-HARD Wests Tigers fans have vowed to revolt against any move to shift NRL games from Leichhardt Oval to “soulless” State Government-owned stadiums.
A report prepared to justify the knockdown and rebuild of Allianz Stadium at Moore Park suggested matches be moved from the Tigers’ spiritual home to boost crowd numbers at the stadium after its $730 million redevelopment.
The business case, prepared for the State Government by KPMG, also advocates for an approach of deterioration by neglect.
“In line with the stadia strategy, the government has stated its commitment to not fund non-State owned venues,” the report said.
“As such, these Sydney-based teams will begin to require new venues to host home games as their stadia become unsuitable for hosting national sporting competitions (e.g. Brookvale Oval, Leichhardt Oval).”
Former Wests Tigers board director and Australian swimming legend Dawn Fraser said it would be “stupid” to relocate matches from Leichhardt Oval.
“There would be an uproar because Leichhardt Oval allows fans to be very close to the game,” she said.
“When you’re in the stand, you actually feel as though you’re on the playing fields with the guys because its that type of oval and that’s what the spectators love.
“And it just has such a wonderful history; you can’t rewrite the history of Leichhardt Oval.”
Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said the council had spent $1.3 million over the last three years and has budgeted another $1.2 million over the next two years in capital investment on top of ongoing expenditure to keep the playing surface in good nick.
“That’s one of the reasons we’ve been able to attract a lot more in the way of international soccer teams and it’s the reason Sydney FC are interested in the ground because the surface is of a very high quality,” he said.
“But while the Government is continually refusing to invest a single dollar in suburban grounds and it’s actually their preference for all NRL games to be moved from Leichhardt Oval, it makes it hard for us to justify the ongoing investment when we’re doing it by ourselves.”
He said the Government should be chipping in some of the $17 million of work identified in a masterplan for the oval, which would include improved corporate facilities and upgraded seating to increase the commercial viability of hosting NRL games and other elite sport as well as community events and even concerts.
Cr Byrne said there would be a “backlash” if the “small number” of NRL games at Leichhardt were relocated.
“There’s not a single Tigers fan who wants that and the vast majority of them will come out onto the street to fight against it if needed so it would be much wiser for the Government to put this ideological obsession with big expensive stadiums to one side and support councils like ours to keep much loved grounds like Leichhardt viable for NRL games,” he said.
“There’s just so much history and heritage associated with the ground and that sense of community spirit and love of our local sporting institution, the Tigers, is so central to this community’s identity and has been handed down over generations.”
Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe said the club hadn’t had any discussions with anyone regarding playing games at the proposed new stadium in Moore Park.
“Where we play our games is completely our decision and will remain that way,” he said.
“We have a strong relationship with Inner West Council and will continue to work with them to ensure that Leichhardt Oval is a part of this club for as long as possible.
“We’re very proud to be able to play at the ground and love the emotion that it evokes in our players, members and fans.
“Every time that we play at Leichhardt Oval our players comment on the special feeling they get and it’s great that we still have a venue like that in the game.”
Mr Pascoe said the Oval plays “a big part in the heritage of the club” but it does come at a cost to play there.
“Every time we play at Leichhardt Oval it’s a risk for the club which makes it incredibly important we make each game a special experience for our fans so they come back each time regardless of how we’re playing, who we’re playing or the weather,” he said.
The business case, which also outlines the cost benefits of an $810 million refurbishment of ANZ stadium, suggests there would be better financial returns for sporting clubs playing at a bigger stadium.
Tigers fan Allana Hempenstall said the current arrangement — three games at both Leichhardt and Campbelltown, four at ANZ stadium and two elsewhere — achieved a “happy medium” by ensuring the club’s financial security while maintaining its sense of community and heritage.
“Although ANZ lacks the atmosphere and nostalgia of Leichhardt Oval, it provides a great deal of financial benefit for our club,” she said.
“Games at ANZ are good for the future viability and financial security of the Wests Tigers, but what is the point of future viability if we lose our sense of community and heritage?
“A lot of fans have been dismayed at the current arrangement of three games a piece at Leichhardt and at Campbelltown, but in all fairness games at suburban grounds come at a large financial deficit.
“The current arrangement is a happy medium for the club and Wests Tigers fans who want to see our club live a long and prosperous future.”
But she said fans have the right to feel angry when talk turns to sending more games to ANZ however that makes “geographical sense” when compared to Allianz.
“Allianz is very sterile, and hostile for the most part as it is mostly used as the Roosters home ground,” she said.
“When there is potential for the club to choose money over community, we have every right to be resentful.
“The club needs to understand how important Leichhardt is to its fans. It might not be state of the art, like a lot of NRL grounds, but you just can’t beat a game at Leichhardt Oval.
“It is like Mecca for any fan of Rugby League, and it's a pilgrimage I would recommend to everyone.
“Trudging the muddy shortcut up to Mary street, buying a sausage on a roll from the hot-doggie man, the feeling of joining your mates on a packed hill. The roar of the crowd.
“There is a lot of history in Leichhardt Oval and it would be a tragedy to see it become a relic in the chase of dollars.
“I am looking forward to seeing a sell out crowd to see Robbie Farah return to his spiritual homeland on July 1, and I encourage all Wests Tigers fans to join the hill for a welcome home party not soon forgotten.”
THE ANZ STADIUM ANNOUNCEMENT
Sports Minister Stuart Ayres said: “Our stadia plan is about making Sydney and NSW the number one destination for sport and major events.
“To do that you have to have the best facilities. Decisions on where a sports club plays are made entirely by each club. Government has no role in directing which events are held where.”