- SPORTS EDITOR-AT-LARGE
- NEWS CORP AUSTRALIA SPORTS NEWSROOM
- 3:32PM MAY 19, 2024
Prime minister Anthony Albanese and NRL commission chairman Peter V’landys have stepped in to deliver a $50 million deal to save Leichhardt oval.
A joint funding agreement between the federal and state governments in conjunction with the inner west council will save the famous old rugby league venue in the prime minister’s seat.
This masthead can reveal money was set aside in last week’s federal budget under infrastructure projects that will see the Albanese government fund almost half of the project.
A new grandstand at the northern end of the ground with sponsor and hospitality areas will showpiece the project that includes:
• Four new dressing sheds to accommodate both NRLW and NRL teams on the same day.
• Renovated corporate and media facilities at the top of the existing Latchem Robinson stand.
• Ground capacity increased to 19,000.
• New toilet facilities.
• New bar and food outlets to cut down the waiting time for meals and drinks.
Long lines for bar and food outlets are hopefully set to be a thing of the past. Picture: Tom Parrish
Wait times for the poorly maintained bathrooms have proven frustrating in the past. Picture: Tom Parrish
Finally, the 20-minute wait for a beer and a pie will become a thing of the past.
Work is expected to start on the building and renovations next year.
The future of “the eighth wonder of the world” had been in doubt since new Wests Tigers chief executive Shane Richardson spoke earlier in the season of abandoning decades of tradition to move to the 85,000-seat Accor Stadium to accommodate more corporate support.
“Leichhardt is just nowhere near the standard (to host NRL games), “ he said, “we will play at the most commercially viable ground to grow our corporates and membership.”
V’landys, however, has been privately lobbying the governments over the last six weeks.
Thousands of football fans flock to Leichhardt Oval to watch the West Tigers. Picture: Tom Parrish
Outside of the Wests Tigers, the ground hosts more than 120 events each year including rugby union, soccer, school and elite junior sport – an important point in the commission boss’ plea for funding.
While events like Magic Round here in Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium are a huge rugby league money-spinner and comfortable setting for fans, V’landys has always spoken of his love for the tradition and tribalism that can only be created at Sydney’s suburban venues.
How nothing in this game beats the atmosphere and theatre of a Wests Tigers packed house at Leichhardt Oval on a Saturday night or Sunday afternoon.
Nothing like a packed Leichhardt Oval. Photo: Tom Parrish
This deal is a huge victory for the Wests Tigers and V’landys, who used his tight connections with Albanese and Premier Chris Minns to deliver the outcome.
When we told local mayor Darcy Byrne of the deal, he declared: “This money will ensure the future of Leichhardt Oval for the next 50 years.”
The extra corporate space and an increased ground capacity will make it far more cost appealing to the Wests Tigers management.
That’s not to say the club will play all home games there, more like three of four each year.
The club is still investigating opportunities as part of a strategic plan to use Leichhardt, Campbelltown and a major stadium for their home games.
Albanese’s office declined to comment on the upgrade. A spokesman told this masthead: “Any future announcements will be made at an appropriate time.”
