Leichardt Oval place to cherish
May 26th 2008 09:57
completely surrounded - Benji Marshall 's adrenaline is pumped infront of a true rugby league crowd
Whether it be the trees blossoming in the background or plastic cups of VB littered on the ground, there is no place like home for the Wests Tigers yesterday afternoon.
Almost 18,000 packed the suburban ground to witness a game that was abnormal to say the least.
It had all the drama and surprises of a Bold and the Beautiful script on steroids and it left all who watched wanting more.
More of what perhaps? The game itself to continue to golden point?
The fans departed one of the true remaining heartlands of Rugby league with pleasure and joy intact due to their team's dramatic win over the Titans yesterday.
Unfortunetly for them, the Tigers will only have two more trips back to their true hometown.
That's right people, for the remaining 14 weeks of the competition, Tigers fans will be forced to travel to Hombush to see their team fight for a place in the top eight and ultimate glory.
Like it or not, this is all a reflection of rugby league's dying status as a working man's game. It has become a business of immense proportions and clubs are having a hard time coping.
The Tigers clash with the Titans on a Sunday afternoon showcased to all why this game has survived the time it has.
All the key components of a true fan's game was evident at Leichardt oval as excitement, flair, passion, determination reigned surpreme.
The game was filled with drama to say the least as the likes of Shannon McDonnell and Preston Campbell emphasised the excitement of a game that really should see more action on Sunday afternoon.
Titans fullback Preston Campbell was the jewel in the crown yesterday as he saved a try and scored one of his own that was reminiscent of what the little man was all about. Pure adrenaline and excitement.
Surely the NRL saw enough yesterday to warrant more games in the light of day and in smaller grounds that breath atmosphere.
How often have we seen the best games of the NRL played in crowds that fit just over 20,000 people.
Teams like the Panthers, Sea Eagles and Dragons have all enjoyed huge successes in their respective suburban grounds with great crowd averages the norm at these clubs.
So why do teams such as the Tigers, Rabbitohs and Eels have to sacrifice so much history and atmosphere just to meet the financial demands of a system that hardly seems to be working for Sydney teams in the first place?
It really does confuse me why fans are on the recieving end of such a negative approach by the NRL to secure its future.
Even the players are having trouble being acustomed to playing infront of empty 80,000 seat stadiums. It can really be a lonely place for teams at these venues.
Hopefully the example set by the attendance at Leichardt Oval can set the course for Rugby League to take the right approach and give the game back it's true heritage and recognition.
In the game's centenary year, the NRL should have proposed more matches in Rugby League's heartland.
What a waste it would be if the future of this great code were to fall on deaf ears as fans continue to get snubbed on the components of the NRL that make it so pleasurable to watch.
Memo to the NRL- Leichardt oval is what rugby league is all about.
Enough said.
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