Phil Gould attacks the GWS Giants after Blacktown snub

PENRITH general manager Phil Gould has accused the GWS Giants of deserting their western Sydney roots.

Gould

PENRITH general manager Phil Gould has accused the GWS Giants of deserting their western Sydney roots.

After setting up camp in Blacktown, the Giants have moved to a more salubrious set-up at Homebush for their home games.

"They had a quick look at Blacktown and are moving back closer to Sydney," Gould said. "We've been there for a hundred years. Maybe they've underestimated the strength of rugby league in that area.

"They've come in full of promotion and promises for western Sydney. There will now only be token visibility at Blacktown."

Gould's shot stems from Penrith's bid to play trial matches in Blacktown.

When he approached Blacktown mayor Alan Pendleton, he was told the Giants had taken out a 20-year lease on the playing fields.

But Giants chief executive David Matthews declared Gould's claims as nonsense.

"We have a strong partnership with Blacktown and are expanding across the west," he said. "We invest in facilities, in schools, in jobs. We are here to stay and deliver community benefits. We are looking to solve a training issue, but that won't diminish our investment. It will increase."

The Giants' administration and training base will be moving to the Sydney Olympic Park precinct at the end of the year but they will retain a presence at Blacktown, with 45 personnel remaining, including the Giants' academy and development officers.

The Giants reserves will continue to play their matches at the ground at Blacktown, which will host two televised NAB Cup games each year.

Pendleton also said the Giants had every right to lock the Panthers out of Blacktown, suggesting the NRL dropped the ball in what they call their heartland.

"They (the Giants) are still committed to Blacktown," Pendleton said. "They can be there for another 60 to 80 years if they want to.

"Discussions were held with the NRL six years ago and they said they had no money to put in. But if someone built it for them they'd use it.

"But they weren't interested and went to Penrith."

While there are over 70 rugby league clubs within Blacktown council's boundaries, the code still has no presence at the showpiece Blacktown Olympic Park, where cricket, AFL, soccer, athletics, baseball and softball are all represented.

Follow @Telegraph_Sport on Twitter and like Telegraph Sport on Facebook