NRL’s best suburban ground: Leichhardt Oval rises from the dust in public poll
After a week of unwanted headlines, Leichhardt Oval has defied the odds to be crowned the NRL’s best suburban ground. In a comprehensive result, the Tigers’ crumbling venue took a third of the votes in the public poll. See the results.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The results are in: Despite a serious safety breach at a recent rugby match, Leichhardt Oval is by far and away Sydney’s favourite.
NewsLocal had compiled a list of 12 Sydney suburban grounds for you, the public, to decide which is best. Hundreds voted and after a brief challenge from Brookvale Oval, the Tigers’ old faithful confirmed its lon g held status as the Eighth Wonder of the World.
As the funding debate rages between the NRL and the Perrottet government, with 33 per cent of the votes, fans have made it clear where the upgrades should start.
Brookvale Oval was next, miles behind with 15 per cent. For Panthers supporters, BlueBet only polled seven per cent, well down the table in scenes reminiscent of their team’s early days in the competition.
Interestingly, both North Sydney Oval and Belmore Sports Ground polled in the top five despite rare appearances in the NRL calendar.
The top five results are below. Congratulations, Leichhardt – it would be nice to say you nailed it.
VOTE: NRL’s best suburban ground – August 4
Now, with the plea for suburban handouts burning brighter than Cumberland Oval after a rare Eels premiership, it is time to take stock.
The glitz of Sydney’s new $828 million stadium is one thing, but the city’s crumbling derelicts is another.
From the game day pilgrimage along Lilyfield’s backstreet’s to Leichhardt Oval, to a drenched backside on Brookie’s hill, nothing bleeds working class quite like suburban league.
So minus the shiny newbies, we’ve compiled the relics – the grounds which hold on to precious memories and classic moments.
We want to relive their glory and ask you to judge which suburban stadium is the best.
Over to you.
Leichhardt Oval
A short priced favourite, the Eighth Wonder of the World could be harder to run down than Larry Corowa. When the Tigers roar, Leichhardt pumps, and it still thumps to the beat of Laurie Nichols’ famed uppercuts. From the smell of hot dogs along Mary Street, to the tomb-like toilet block below the northern end – the only fans off-side here are the ones waving parking tickets from a nearby street.
Penrith Park | BlueBet Stadium
Back in the day, for visiting families, a trip to Pennie Park wasn’t complete without a drive through the nearby Lion Park. Sadly scrapped, the African tourist play now rests with the panther-shaped scoreboard famous for BlueBet’s primal growl. With a new stadium, the Chocolate Soldiers will be crowned kings of Sydney’s west. But what about the waft of doughnuts up Mulgoa Road? For the DahDah brigade, a line through that and match-day merry go-rounds could be the final straw?
Endeavour Field | PointsBet Stadium
Gazetted as Endeavour Field, the Shire venue has had more name changes than Gavin Miller had broken noses. But unlike the battered 80s favourite, Shark Park has settled for a long overdue facelift. Still a Botany Bay wind tunnel, the tricky home-ground advantage is sure to win over the Cronulla faithful. Although the demise of King Wan, the club’s long-time cuisine heavyweight promises to test their allegiance.
Brookvale Oval | 4 Pines Park
Back in the 80s, this seaside venue was the duck’s nuts of the competition. Now – new Bob Fulton Stand aside – Brookie has faded into a patchwork relic to rival the rugs on its famous hill. For the generations who served an apprenticeship sliding on empty beer cartons between all three grades, whispers of a Fortress knockdown are sure to be met with Steve Matai-like resistance.
Kogarah Oval | Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
Proving you can’t have everything. If the action at Kogarah seems further afield than Sydney’s more rectangular venues, then hotfoot it across the road for a screen at the Taj Mahal. With more Immortals than any other club, the glam and glitz of Saints Leagues needs no explanation. For voters still on the fence, check the new museum, you may run into Craig ‘Albert’ Young – the Dragons’ most persuasive enforcer.
Orana Park | Campbelltown Sports Stadium
Like a forgotten benchy, this one should struggle to pull votes. Only a short toe-poke from Leumeah station in Sydney’s southwest, it’s more Magpie than Tiger. But, in a blow to Wests’ evolving identity, neither struck a blow when it hosted the Newtown Jets’ top-flight farewell. The grandstands catch the eye, but not for savvy locals, chiefly because the unobstructed views of the adjoining multi-level car park don’t trouble the hip pocket.
Belmore Sports Ground
Now shunned for the cavernous Olympic Stadium, Belmore was once home to some of the code’s great names. With its blue-collar location – pinned against Bankstown’s train line – the inner west digs were as much a part of Canterbury as Lamb and Mortimer. For 80s BMX bandits, a touch of Geoff Robinson wildness went a long way too – especially when braving trains in pursuit of the game-day Steeden.
North Sydney Oval
With over a century of scars, the power of this beast shouldn’t be underestimated. Riddled with patched up SCG offcuts, Bear Park is the most photogenic on the list. With their team maligned by supporters, yet loved by opposition fans alike, it feels like the big black bears have been on the road forever. Still, whatever happens from here, the cricket square will always remain the only thing harder than Greg Florimo’s head.
Henson Park
A dark horse in the race for the suburban crown, this old brick pit – still resembles a brick pit. Now a hipster haven and preferred meeting spot for KB swilling Jets of yesteryear. If anyone deserves a Rothmans medal, it’s today’s Bluebags crew for keeping the dream alive. Much loved but undersold, this former Empire Games cycling host, is literally the league’s royal survivor.
Wollongong Showground | WIN Stadium
Dripping in Scarlet, the Steelers gave the Showground its first regular bigtime gig. The colour is long gone, diluted with a forced marriage to Kogarah’s finest. Yet by some quirk of fate, with every upgrade, the fewer games the south coast venue gets. That said, underestimate the Gong at your own peril, with the hill’s famous windsock trailing behind their back parochial votes may yet swing the result.
Lidcombe Oval
This head high capital was a 70s madhouse when the Magpies marched to the beat of Roy Masters’ drum for four chaotic seasons. Gary Lester’s book, ‘Clouds of Dust, Buckets of Blood’ says it all. The Sea Eagles’ toughest saw the class warfare for what it was, usually through black eyes. But beyond the bravado, it was Victa – the sponsor and lawnmower powerhouse – that extended the boundary to most suburban backyards.
Redfern Oval | Ironmark High Performance Centre
Lisa Fiaola Cup season preview: Bears set to rediscover their bite
The Lisa Fiaola Cup returns for its second season as a fully-fledged comp and a pathway for girls to the NRLW. We preview the upcoming season, continuing with the North Sydney Bears.
Johns/Daley Cup Season Preview: Can Central Coast go back to back?
The Andrew Johns and Laurie Daley Cup comps are the premier regional pathway for young rugby league talent. We preview all teams across the two divisions.