Located in Lilyfield in the inner-west of Sydney, Leichardt Oval is regarded by many as one of the last traditional homes of Rugby League in Sydney. One of the most picturesque NRL grounds in the country, continued use of Leichardt Oval—and other suburban grounds for that matter—is crucial for maintaining the link between the current, glitzy NRL television product, and the historical roots of our great and glorious game.
The Balmain Tigers would first play at the ground in 1934 and quickly establish it as one of the toughest grounds to play at in the game. Due to the proximity between the fans and the ground, it would provide an atmosphere that would intimidate opposition players. This closeness to the ground, along with its suburban location, provides local supporters with easy access to the ground along with a good viewing experience, that has fans feeling like they are on the field with the players.
With the Wests Tigers now sharing their home games between ANZ Stadium, Campbelltown and Leichardt, the ground now only hosts 4 NRL games per season. With the NRL looking to move into larger and more financially viable stadiums, Leichardt has received criticism in recent years due to it seating capacity, substandard facilities, and current lighting. With talk of redevelopment in the wings, Leichardt Oval will be looking to increase its 20,000 capacity and improve its facilities without losing its rustic charm.
However, attending a game at the ground is a must for fans of rugby league. There is a palpable sense of communal spirit, as inner-west locals come together to view their beloved orange and black. A word of advice, watching the game from the hill is preferable to the squashy and outdated seats.
