The renowned Leichhardt Oval may no longer host NRL matches by the conclusion of the 2025 season due to escalating Occupational Health and Safety concerns.
Neil Breen, reporting on 2GB radio, revealed that the Inner West Council, responsible for Leichhardt Oval, has informed the Wests Tigers that the venue will cease hosting professional sports events within two years, citing increasing OH&S issues.
Nevertheless, smaller fixtures below the NRL level might still be permitted to use the venue.
According to Breen, “The Inner West Council has determined that the oval’s suitability for professional sports, including the NRL, has a limited duration of two years due to occupational health and safety concerns. This poses a significant challenge for Leichhardt and the NRL.”
The estimated cost of necessary upgrades to meet the standards for both elite sports and community use ranges between $20 to $50 million, with Breen suggesting a figure of $40 million for the upgrade.
Funding discussions for stadium modernization occurred during the previous NSW state election and subsequent budget but did not materialize.
Without secured funding, the stadium’s future beyond the 2025 season remains uncertain, unless a collaborative effort involving the three levels of government, the NRL, the Wests Tigers, and private investors materializes.
Situated in Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Grayndler electorate, Leichhardt Oval’s fate may become an election issue in the forthcoming federal election, with funding potentially becoming a campaign promise.
Despite limited support from state or federal governments, the NRL may need to provide financial assistance.
Breen highlighted ARLC chairman Peter V’landys’ advocacy for preserving suburban NRL grounds over larger multi-purpose stadiums.
The reluctance of fans to travel to larger stadiums and the popularity of watching games from home on television are factors contributing to the significance of maintaining suburban grounds like Leichhardt Oval.
This development at Leichhardt follows Raiders coach Ricky Stuart’s call for a new stadium in Canberra after concerns arose about a foul odor at GIO Stadium.