Robbie Farah amped for Sydney FC game at Leichhardt Oval
He’s used to being the big drawcard for Wests Tigers when fans pile into Leichhardt Oval but Robbie Farah says he can’t wait to be a spectator at the ground when Sydney FC host the Central Coast Mariners on February 17.
He’s used to being the big drawcard for Wests Tigers when fans pile into Leichhardt Oval but Robbie Farah says he can’t wait to be a spectator at the ground when Sydney FC host the Central Coast Mariners on February 17.
“I’m a Sydney FC fan and it’s great for me they’re playing a couple of games here at Leichhardt Oval and I can’t wait to get down here and support the boys when they play the Mariners so hopefully I’ll get a seat up on the hill in the sun and see Sydney FC get a win,” Farah said.
The NRL star and Sydney FC vice-captain Alex Wilkinson took some time out of their intense training schedules to talk to the Inner West Courier about why they love playing at the venue.
“I just don’t think you can beat the atmosphere in a suburban ground and I think it’s a bit of a dying breed in sport these days,” Farah said, adding he is also a diehard Liverpool fan.
“We take games to the bigger grounds that cater to the corporate dollar but for me there’s nothing better than coming to a ground like Leichhardt and sitting on the hill with some mates and having a couple of beers and watching the Tigers or Sydney FC play.
“As a player, you run out and see the hill, as packed as it is with the fans right on top of you and it’s so loud, there’s no better atmosphere to play in. For me this place in particular holds a special place because I’ve played here for so long and grown up playing here so there’s a lot of history for me and a lot of great memories.”
Farah doesn’t mind one bit that the oval, usually awash with orange and black, will be painted sky blue for the Mariners game, which kicks off at 5pm and on March 1 when they lock horns Adelaide United from 7.50pm. Both are expected to be sell outs.
“Not at all, I think more sport should be played here,” he said.
Wilkinson said he was a Wests Tigers fan.
“I grew up in the area not far from here and I’ve spent quite a few weekends down here supporting the Tigers,” he said.
“I just love the intimacy of the ground, I think it’s rare these days where you get these suburban grounds where the seats are really close to the pitch, you’ve got the hill to sit on and I think it creates a unique atmosphere and I think fans will find that when they come along.”
Wilkinson said the redevelopment of Allianz Stadium was giving them the opportunity to take their game to different parts of their membership and convert a few more fans to the world game.
“We’ve obviously been over at Kogarah and now we’re coming over to the inner west at Leichhardt and it’s a fantastic opportunity for all the members and fans in this area to get along to a Sydney FC game.
“And it’s a perfect opportunity to come down to a fantastic ground and have a look and hopefully we’ll get a win and can convert you into a full time member.”
He said the team was pumped for the Mariners clash.
“We always have a really tough game against the Mariners, hopefully they can bring a few fans down (here) as well and make for a great atmosphere.
“We’ve had a couple of wins over them this season already so if we can beat them this time, that’d be three in a row and help us consolidate our spot towards the top of the table in the A-league and give us a real push towards the finals series.”
Farah said it was important for the Tigers to keep playing at suburban grounds like Leichhardt.
“For me I definitely circle the games we’ve got at Leichhardt on the calendar each year and I know the fans do as well and no matter how the teams is going, the fans always show up here because it’s such a great place to come and watch footy and I think it would be a shame if we took games away from here.”
A report prepared to justify the knockdown and rebuild of Allianz suggested matches be moved from the Tigers’ spiritual home to boost crowd numbers at the stadium to justify its $730 million redevelopment.
While it is “more likely than not” Farah’s last season with the Tigers, he is leaving the door open to staying on longer.
“I guess we’ll see how the year goes but to be honest I never really thought I’d get the opportunity to play this year,” he said.
“I went back to the Tigers last year thinking it was probably going to be my last but they were keen for me to go around again and offered me another contract which was a bit of a shock and in the end it was too hard to say no to and I really enjoy my time being back at the club and going into training every day.”
His tenure at the club would depend on “how the year pans out and how the body is holding up”.
IN OTHER NEWS
“NRL is such a long and tough competition that I won’t be making any outlandish statements this early on in the piece but if I’m playing good footy and the body feels good I guess you will never say never but we’ll just see what happens.”
He said new coach Michael Maguire has “instilled a great culture in the club”.
“We are working really hard and have had a really good pre-season … and we’re working hard and I think if you ask any team at this time of year they all think they can win the comp.
“We’re confident we’ve done the hard work and now it’s about transferring that onto the footy field. “We’ve got a great mix of experience and youth coming through as well so I’m really excited about what we can achieve this year.”
WESTS TIGERS
Wests Tigers will launch their season at Leichhardt Oval where they will take on the Sea Eagles on March 16 at 5.30pm.
They will return to the oval for their round 20 clash against the Cowboys on August 1 at 7.50pm.
SYDNEY FC
To host Central Coast Mariners at Leichhardt on February 17 at 5pm before returning two rounds later to take on Adelaide United on March 1 at 7.50pm.
Records tumble: Veterans make timely reminder to state selectors
A couple of grade cricket veterans teamed up with centuries to post a club record opening stand in a timely reminder to state selectors. NSW Premier Cricket top performers.
Why buyer paid record $900m for shop out west
The buyer who splurged the highest price ever paid for an Aussie retail site has revealed why the Western Sydney property is worth the money.