The Wests Tigers have declined to commit to Leichhardt Oval despite reports of $50 million in government funding earmarked for the redevelopment of the aging stadium and facilities.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the Tigers are scheduled to convene a board meeting on Monday to discuss their future stadium strategy and have opted not to commit to scheduling any games at Leichhardt.
Tigers CEO Shane Richardson only became aware of a $20 million pledge from the federal government when contacted by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last week.
“We have received no official notification of guaranteed funds for Leichhardt Oval,” Richardson told the Herald. “Last Thursday night I had a phone call with Anthony Albanese, who promised $20 million towards Leichhardt Oval and [asked] me to keep it to myself, which I have. However, since then, I have not heard from the NRL, any other body, including the Inner West Council, about any moneys. It’s interesting that The Daily Telegraph release it before we’re told.”
Sources informed the Herald that the current investment commitment stands at $40 million, with the Inner West Council and the NSW state government indicating they would each contribute $10 million in addition to the $20 million federal government pledge.
The NRL had requested $30 million from the federal government, but Albanese has only agreed to provide $20 million and has urged the state government to match that amount.
Richardson stated, “If this funding is available it will be taken into consideration with our stadium plan, which we are meeting tomorrow morning in Brisbane to discuss at our regular board meeting. I can assure you, the first people who will know about our stadium decision will be our members, and until then, we will make no further comment regarding the stadium.”
The Tigers are aiming to announce their stadium policy for the next three years in mid-June but are unlikely to commit to playing games at Leichhardt until they receive a detailed breakdown of how the funds will be allocated and how they will enhance the game day experience for fans.
The Tigers are seeking a new grandstand at the northern end of the ground with adequate corporate facilities and four dressing rooms to accommodate both NRL and NRLW teams. They also desire significant improvements to amenities and hospitality in an effort to increase the ground’s capacity to 19,000.
At this stage, the Tigers are planning to move the majority of their games to CommBank Stadium in Parramatta starting from next season.
