Leichhardt Oval’s future is in question, as the beloved home of the Wests Tigers requires significant upgrades. Despite the ground being packed with fans during Saturday night’s impressive victory over Cronulla, concerns about Leichhardt’s long-term viability as an NRL venue have resurfaced.
Currently, the Tigers are committed to playing at Leichhardt until the conclusion of 2024. However, this leaves the possibility open for additional games to be held at Campbelltown Stadium or CommBank Stadium in the following year.
“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 remarked.
“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 is 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 backward.”
However, the absence of corporate hospitality and overall amenities available has led Richardson to question whether it can continue to host first-grade fixtures.
“We will play at the most commercially viable ground to grow our 30,000 members, to grow the ground corporately,” he stated.
“We had 300 corporates on Saturday night …. we could sell 700. We will play where we believe we can grow the Wests Tigers club.
“That is a decision we will make based on the economics of the club.”
Before the round three victory against Cronulla, the venue was also granted a two-year extension to host NRL matches due to safety concerns.
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