Tigers no guarantee to return to Leichhardt despite Federal Government pledging upgrades

Despite Leichhardt Oval receiving a lifesaving combined $50 million upgrade from Federal, State, and Local Governments, there is no guarantee the Wests Tigers will return to their spiritual home.

In March, Tigers CEO Shane Richardson admitted there was a “real possibility” the club wouldn’t play at Leichhardt beyond 2024 amidst mounting safety concerns and a lack of corporate facilities.

Now, despite all levels of government pledging to upgrade and save the ground, may still opt to play home games at Commbank Stadium over Leichhardt, according to SEN's Michelle Bishop.

“There’ll be a board meeting held with the Wests Tigers in Brisbane today to talk about the club’s strategy moving forward in terms of where they’ll play and what they’ll do and at the moment they’ve indicated there won’t be any games at all played at Leichhardt Oval,” Bishop told Breakfast with Vossy and Brandy.

“(CEO Shane Richardson) was personally contacted by the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, ‘don’t say anything to anyone but here’s what we’re doing, we’re going to cough up $20 million’, so the numbers aren’t clear.

“A further investigation there, it appears the Federal Government (will pledge) $40 million, and the Inner West Council and the NSW State Government will pledge another $10 million.

“They’re going to announce that 3-year deal, their preference is to play those games at Commbank Stadium.”

Bishop reported that, as part of the $50 million investment, the Tigers most want a new stand built, similar to the recent development at Brookvale Oval.

“The background was they want the $50 million to put a new stand down the Southern end. They are desperate for corporate facilities and a big important part of this moving forward is four dressing rooms to accommodate NRLW and to increase the capacity from 20000,” Bishop said.

The Tigers next return to Leichhardt Oval in Round 15 to oppose the Gold Coast Titans, and are currently on a 7-game losing streak.