Wests Tigers NRL chief executive Stephen Humphreys will make a decision on a home final venue later this week, but refused to say whether he was leaning towards the Sydney Football Stadium or one of their suburban grounds.
After 20,168 supporters packed into Leichhardt Oval on a picture perfect Sunday afternoon, the chorus grew louder for the Tigers to come back there again in two weeks time for their opening playoff match.
With the absorbing atmosphere behind them, the Tigers lifted to a 26-14 win over Melbourne, and Storm captain Cameron Smith confirmed what most already suspected by saying Leichhardt is the place he’d least like to come to for finals match against the Tigers.
However there is an equally persuasive argument for the SFS getting the nod, with it’s 40,000 plus capacity and more comfortable facilities for fans and corporates.
Campbelltown Stadium is Humphreys’ other option, but he hinted that the SFS holds the inside running ahead of his meeting with the NRL about the issue this week.
“I wouldn’t rule anything in or out although the advantage the SFS has is we can get more of our supporters into the game and in comfort and that is a strong factor as we think through the options, but we’ll see how we go,” he said.
“The NRL will have a view we’ll have a listen to, but ultimately it will be our call and we’ll just sleep on it and have chat tomorrow amongst ourselves and the NRL and go from there.
“I think we’re well aware of the Leichhardt factor.
“The good news for us is we’ve got three great venues the guys love playing at all three and it’s a good problem for us to have.
“We’ve got a strong following and the form the guys have shown this year has really galvanised that support so I’ve got no doubt that whatever ground it is, they’ll be full of Tigers supporters.”
It’s understood the Tigers would be against playing at the SFS if they were facing the Sydney Roosters in the first week of the finals, as it is their home ground as well.
But Humphreys’ promised a final decision would be made before round 26 kicks off and final placings are known.
mds1970
Roar Guru
Can the NRL afford to turn people away?
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
The sooner the I.C is in place the better.teams like St George want to play at their home venue:max capacity 18-20,000.They would get double that number at the SFS or ANZ.Bloodymindedness by club officials. There are more than 18,000 Saints fans in NSW, therefore all the club is doing is catering for the lowest common denominator.Not thinking outside the square but being bleeding square.and dudding the majority of fans.
Whites
Guest
Why is this still an issue? At the start of the season the NRL should have said to Sydney based clubs who make the finals that their "home" game in Sydney is to be played at either ANZ, the SFS or the SCG. It's finals football. It shouldn't be played at some decrepit suburban ground.