Leichhardt Council will document the time Wests Tigers have spent at Leichhardt Oval
LEICHHARDT Council has moved to record the Wests Tigers’ time at Leichhardt in a documentary that will trace the history of the team’s colourful home, in case it is the club’s last year there.
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MORE than 11,000 fans graced the famous hill at Leichhardt Oval last night to watch the Wests Tigers storm to a 36-22 win over rivals Manly Sea Eagles.
But Leichhardt Mayor Darcy Byrne is worried that this might be the last season that fans can regularly watch top-level rugby league at suburban grounds.
The team is set to play three more fixtures at Leichhardt Oval in 2016, but beyond that there is little certainty as to where the Wests Tigers will call home.
With fears that the history of the ground, and its significance to the inner west joint venture may be lost forever, Leichhardt Council has arranged to fund the recording of a documentary.
Cr Byrne said Council has approved his plan to call for expressions of interest for the $20,000 project.
“There is a very real risk that this may be the last year that the Tigers play home games at their spiritual home of Leichhardt Oval,” he said.
“This film will record a crucial part of our community history while galvanising fans to fight hard to keep West Tigers playing at Leichhardt Oval.
“Leichhardt Council has worked hard to keep the Tigers at their historic home, taking over management of the ground, investing heavily in its upgrade and offering a long-term lease with no fees charged.”
Cr Byrne said there was a real uncertainty surroundings suburban rugby league grounds including Leichhardt Oval, Shark Park, Brookvale and Kogarah Ovals.
He said that no commitment had been made yet about games at Leichhardt Oval beyond the 2016 season.
“Given that we may be seeing the end of an institution, I think it is important to make a proper recording of the club, the fans, and what the Tigers still mean for the local area,” he said.
“Fans themselves could record their strength of feeling for the ground, why it is so important to them, and why it is important that games continue to be played there.”
Cr Byrne said the club was one of the most successful teams in the history of Australian sport, and that heritage must be protected.
“The Balmain Tigers have a long and proud history in our local area and with a history of over 100 years, the Tigers are intrinsically tied to our local identity,” he said. “When the Wests Tigers play at Leichhardt Oval, it is a community celebration attended by close to 20,000 people as well as being a boost to our local economy.”
Wests Tigers coach Jason Taylor said he had been extremely happy with the crowds the Wests Tigers had seen at games in round one (at Campbelltown Stadium) and last night at Leichhardt Oval.
“I said it last week, and I’ll say it again, the crowd was superb — we’re really excited about that,” he said.
“It’s really positive for the club.
“We’ve hit 10,000 members and we are heading in a great direction.”
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