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Tigers to keep urban venues
July 27, 2013
Adrian Proszenko
Chief Rugby League Reporter
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New Wests Tigers chief executive Grant Mayer has reassured supporters that NRL games will continue to be played at Leichhardt and Campbelltown.
As revealed by Fairfax Media on Thursday, Mayer has been handed the task of running the joint-venture club following the departure of Stephen Humphreys.
Just hours after signing his new contract, Mayer was bullish about the Tigers' chances of becoming an NRL powerhouse, setting the ambitious goals of a finals appearance in 2015 and a grand-final berth for the following year.
The franchise announced on Thursday that the team would be playing the round-24 clash with St George Illawarra at the SCG, marking 50 years since the 1963 decider between the St George Dragons and Western Suburbs Magpies. And Mayer promised to deliver more ''good news'' to fans next week. But perhaps the most positive message is the commitment to continue playing games at Leichhardt Oval and Campbelltown Sports Ground, traditional venues that appeared in the firing line following the game's strategy of stadiums consolidation.
''I can absolutely guarantee to our members and fans that Campbelltown and Leichhardt are absolutely crucial to this club,'' Mayer said. ''There is no doubt that Leichhardt needs and deserves daytime football and we'll be working very hard with the NRL to ensure that happens next year. Campbelltown also deserves some great football games. We've got to work hard with the community to get back on board. It's been a tough year but I'm sure they will be right behind us when we include them in our plans going forward.''
Those plans include a sharp turnaround in the team's fortunes. While the Tigers are languishing in 15th spot only above Parramatta, Mayer believes the club's talented juniors - coupled with the addition of some experienced players to the roster - could have them primed for a grand final appearance as soon as 2016.
''You have to have some lofty ambitions in this game and I'm quite prepared, as an administrator, to say that's what we should be focused on,'' Mayer said.
July 27, 2013
Adrian Proszenko
Chief Rugby League Reporter
\
\
\
New Wests Tigers chief executive Grant Mayer has reassured supporters that NRL games will continue to be played at Leichhardt and Campbelltown.
As revealed by Fairfax Media on Thursday, Mayer has been handed the task of running the joint-venture club following the departure of Stephen Humphreys.
Just hours after signing his new contract, Mayer was bullish about the Tigers' chances of becoming an NRL powerhouse, setting the ambitious goals of a finals appearance in 2015 and a grand-final berth for the following year.
The franchise announced on Thursday that the team would be playing the round-24 clash with St George Illawarra at the SCG, marking 50 years since the 1963 decider between the St George Dragons and Western Suburbs Magpies. And Mayer promised to deliver more ''good news'' to fans next week. But perhaps the most positive message is the commitment to continue playing games at Leichhardt Oval and Campbelltown Sports Ground, traditional venues that appeared in the firing line following the game's strategy of stadiums consolidation.
''I can absolutely guarantee to our members and fans that Campbelltown and Leichhardt are absolutely crucial to this club,'' Mayer said. ''There is no doubt that Leichhardt needs and deserves daytime football and we'll be working very hard with the NRL to ensure that happens next year. Campbelltown also deserves some great football games. We've got to work hard with the community to get back on board. It's been a tough year but I'm sure they will be right behind us when we include them in our plans going forward.''
Those plans include a sharp turnaround in the team's fortunes. While the Tigers are languishing in 15th spot only above Parramatta, Mayer believes the club's talented juniors - coupled with the addition of some experienced players to the roster - could have them primed for a grand final appearance as soon as 2016.
''You have to have some lofty ambitions in this game and I'm quite prepared, as an administrator, to say that's what we should be focused on,'' Mayer said.
