Tigers’ desperate plea to fix ‘archaic’ spiritual home

In a desperate plea to save the ground, Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne fronted media on Monday to ask that some of the $309 million worth of funding to revamp the Penrith Panthers stadium be re-allocated by government.

“These dressing sheds can only be described as archaic,” Byrne said from the venue.

“This is a fantastic ground that is loved by people throughout Australia – but the simple fact is, if we don’t get funding to make the facilities decent and safe, it’s not going to be able to host professional sporting events into the future.

“Leichhardt Oval hasn’t received any funding from the government since Benji Marshall was in nappies. We are the only suburban ground, alongside Campbelltown, that is yet to receive any funding at all … and there’s no good reason.

“There’s a new-found hope among Tigers fans, but that has to be combined with saving the best parts of our traditions and heritage.”

Byrne and the council are requesting 10 per cent of the funding for Penrith be transitioned over to revamping Leichhardt, while also pointing out the 83 sporting events held at the ground last year compared to just 11 games at BlueBet Stadium. 

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Tigers boss Shane Richardson also spoke at the joint press conference and stressed the serious nature of the Leichhardt dilemma.

“Saturday night was an example of where people get carried away with the hysteria of the crowd and the atmosphere and forget all about the conditions,” he said.

“The conditions on Saturday night were terrible … if something is not done very quickly about securing Leichhardt Oval, we simply won’t be playing here.”

Leichhardt Oval was the long-time home of Balmain prior to the merger and has continued to hold a fond place in the hearts of the joint-venture’s fanbase.

During a recent appearance on The Bye Round podcast, Richardson admitted there are concerns around Leichhardt’s place in the club’s future and is looking for “assurances” regarding plans to fix the issues.

”Leichhardt is nowhere near the standard – it might be the eighth wonder of the world, but even the pyramids get cleaned and upgraded every now and again,” he said.

“At the end of the day the Leichhardt and Campbelltown councils have to understand clearly that we are only there for this year, we need some assurances.

“Let’s be brutally honest, look at all the great clubs in the NRL. Where do the Melbourne Storm play? At a great stadium. Where do the Roosters play? Where do Souths play? Where do Parramatta play? Penrith are getting a brand new stadium built.

“You might upset a few people but it has to be what is best for the growth of the club. If you are not thinking that way, you will continue to go backwards.”

Prior to the round three win over Cronulla, the venue was also given a two-year shelf life to host NRL matches over safety concerns.