Wests Tigers’ dramatic victory over Cronulla on Saturday has sparked fresh criticism at the club’s spiritual stadium, Leichhardt Oval, with commentator Warren Smith saying key fan demographics are being left out.
It was an emotional night for premiership-winning player-turned-coach Benji Marshall and his charges, overcoming the odds to record a big win after back-to-back NRL wooden spoons.
Almost 16,000 people packed into the Leichhardt to witness the 32-6 rout and the party continued long after the siren sounded.
This led many to praise the place for the tribalism it arouses in the Tigers and the club’s fans, but many were quick to also criticize the deteriorated and aging facilities.
Prominent football commentator Warren Smith used this photo from Saturday night’s match to argue that a lack of seats on the hill means children, families and older people are being excluded from Wests Tigers matches in Leichhardt .
Smith (pictured) slammed Leichardt Oval in a lengthy online debate and even said the Tigers should have moved to Perth.
“I know there’s a romanticism to these fields but they don’t have the infrastructure to meet NRL or A-League standards,” one fan posted.
And while the atmosphere was electric, the wilderness of the hill and the $55-per-person entry fee at Leichardt are keeping children and seniors from attending the games, Fox Sports commentator Warren Smith said.
“Look closely at this photo and tell me what you don’t see,” he posted on social media platform X, referring to a photo of fans watching the action from Leichhardt Hill.
‘The answer is children. And older people.
“Leichhardt Hill is only suitable for a fairly narrow group of Tigers supporters, making the western side, where the site is located, difficult for families to access due to cost.”
It was part of a long rant from the veteran commentator, who insisted the whole place needed a major upgrade, that the Balmain Tigers knew about the problems 30 years ago and did nothing, and that the joint club should have moved to Perth. .
There were plenty of kids on the Fox Sports broadcast after the game, and fullback Jahream Bula was seen taking selfies with young fans.
Young Wests Tigers halfback Lachlan Galvin also took the time to meet the club’s younger fans at Leichhardt Oval.
However, footage of Wests fans celebrating after the win went against Smith’s comments, with fans of all ages, including children and seniors, seen cheering on their team.
Former Western Suburbs and Wests Tigers playmaker Steve Georgallis responded to Smith on social media.
‘What about the other side? He was there on Saturday and there were a lot of older people and children. I was with my children. Just saying,’ she posted.
Smith quickly responded: “That’s great, but a lot more could be done if the place was fully seated, with easy access to food and drink outlets, not to mention toilets.”
Tigers fan Lyn said they have no problems with the amenities that night.
‘The women’s toilets were excellent and plentiful at the back of the hill. There are also decent food establishments at the top of the hill,” she posted.
‘If the hill were full of seats, there would be far fewer people able to attend. Those on that hill love it and come looking for that experience.’
Smith said Leichhardt Stadium should have been upgraded along with other regional and suburban venues decades ago.
Tigers fans responded to Smith, saying they attended the game with their families and had no problems, but the commentator insisted the venue does not meet NRL standards.
Smith also responded, posting: “I’m glad you had a great time Lyn, but if the Tigers are still playing there in 15 years their performance as a club will be lower even than they have been in the past.” 15 years.
“In fact, Balmain left Leichhardt 30 years ago because it wasn’t up to par, but here are the Wests.”
Fellow Fox Sports reporter James Hooper also noted that there were people of all ages at the game.
“It’s clear that the fans love the experience of going to Leichhardt,” he wrote in his weekly blog.
‘I saw children, families, moms and dads having fun. Sure it’s different than going to CommBank or Suncorp, but there’s still a place in the game for history and tradition.”