Wests Tigers legend Benji Marshall is focused on coaching his team ahead of their match against the Sharks but is concerned about the future of Leichhardt Oval. He hopes the club can quickly secure the funding needed to save the iconic venue, which is at risk of being scrapped as an NRL venue by the end of next year.
According to reports, the Inner West Council, which oversees Leichhardt Oval, considers the historic ground a safety risk and is considering closing it to professional sports by the end of 2025, although lower-grade matches could still be played there.
While funding has been discussed by the state government in the past, Marshall emphasizes the need for politicians, the NRL, and private investors to come together and provide the necessary funds to preserve the stadium.
Despite being one of rugby league’s most beloved suburban grounds, Leichhardt Oval has its challenges, including long queues for food, drinks, and restrooms.
While the atmosphere on the hill at Leichhardt Oval is spectacular, some of the facilities are outdated, highlighted by a section of a stand collapsing during a high school rugby match in 2022.
Benji Marshall has fond memories of Leichhardt Oval, including a winning field goal against the Sharks 12 years ago. He emphasizes the spiritual significance of the inner-west home to past and present players, saying, “Leichhardt has a great meaning to a lot of us, especially the ones that have been around since day dot.” Upgrades estimated to cost up to $50 million are needed to ensure the stadium remains suitable for premier fixtures.
Marshall acknowledges the need to focus on coaching and leaves the task of securing funding to others, stating, “That’s not my job (to pitch to the government). We’ve got a lot of people here who can do that.” Despite the Tigers’ recent nomadic schedule, playing home matches at various venues across the country, Marshall expresses a love for playing at Leichhardt Oval, noting the unmatched feeling of coming to a packed stadium.
The Tigers will play the first of five games at Leichhardt Oval this season on Saturday, with a significant change in the halves. Veteran Aidan Sezer has been promoted to the starting side after Jayden Sullivan’s struggles in the previous game, aiming to provide more structure to their attack.
“We just thought it was best for the team this week,” Marshall said, explaining the decision to start Sezer and move Sullivan to the bench. He praised Sullivan for handling the demotion well.
“Each week we select the best 17 that we think can beat the team that we’re playing. We like Aidan’s leadership and what he brings on the field. We’re looking forward to him doing his job tomorrow night.
“We brought Aidan here for a reason, and that was to give us a bit of leadership on the field and to guide us around the field, and that’s what we expect from him.”
Sezer will also continue to mentor teenager Lachie Galvin, who impressed on debut and has shown a strong work ethic in training leading up to his second game.
“We’ve seen what he can do on the field, but off the field, we just love the kid that he is because he’s really easy to work with and has a really good learning mindset and wants to learn every day,” Marshall said.
“This week I’ve actually seen a more steely focus. The initial excitement of getting your debut out of the way is one thing, but when you’re in the team again, you’ve got to back it up.”
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