NSW Waratahs game at Brookvale Oval could prove pivotal to the club’s future

WITH NSW Waratahs set to be without a home ground next season — due to Allianz Stadium being redeveloped — Brookvale Oval is in a prime position to host more Super Rugby games. But that hinges on people turning up to Saturday’s clash with the Blues, according to the Sydney Rugby Union president.

NSW Waratahs skipper and Manly local Michael Hooper. Picture: AFP

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SATURDAY night’s ground-breaking game between the NSW Waratahs and the Auckland Blues at Brookvale Oval could lead to more Super Rugby games being played on the northern beaches.

It is up to supporters to vote with their feet and get along to the game where Manly local Michael Hooper will lead a NSW side in a vital game that will also mark the much anticipated return to the field of Israel Folau.

Warringah Rats president Phil Parsons and Manly Marlins president David Begg. Both are upset at lack of funding from the ARU ahead of the Shute Shield season. Pictured in Manly.

The old broken down scoreboard, right, with temporary scoreboard, left, during the Waratahs v Highlanders trial match at Brookvale Oval. Picture Mark Evans

Sydney Rugby Union president Dave Begg, one of the driving forces behind staging the game at the home of the Sea Eagles, said it was the chance to put the argument that the peninsula is the heartland of rugby in NSW.

Israel Folau during the Waratahs warm up of their training session on Tuesday. Picture. Phil Hillyard

“There is no final landing point on where the Waratahs are going to go while Allianz is out of action,” Begg said.

“I think for at least some of those games they should be taken to suburban and maybe regional grounds.

“But they are only going to do that if Brookvale is a success on the weekend.

“If no one turns up they are going to say ‘well let’s go back to Moore Park’.”

Begg has been saying for a long time that if you bring a Super game to Brookvale, the people will follow.

“If the people don’t follow I’m going to be bloody embarrassed,” he laughed.

Allianz Stadium, the home of the Waratahs, is set to be redeveloped. Picture: AAP Image/Craig Golding

“I know how strong the rugby community is looking at the Rats and Marlins, and there are people who are not into club rugby who still love the game.”

NSW Rugby sensibly put the kicks off time back to 7.40pm avoiding a clash with the Warringah’s big juniors day when they play Souths at Rat Park that afternoon.