Wests Tigers take games away from suburbs

Sep 26, 2017 - 5:32 PM The Wests Tigers will take games away from their two traditional suburban venues as part of the NRL club's new stadium strategy next year.

Just three games will be played at both Leichhardt and Campbelltown next year, down on the four that have been played at the grounds since the 2010 season.

Instead, the Tigers will take to games to yet-to-be-announced venues outside of Sydney, while ANZ Stadium will keep four home games as part of a pre-arranged contractual agreement.

"The decision to take two games to new locations was made after much deliberation," chief executive Justin Pascoe said.

"These decisions are never made lightly, however we believe it's the right decision for the game, our members and fans and our football department, and provides absolute balance, inclusive of our existing contractual commitments.

"Our suburban grounds are incredibly important to the history of this club and we look forward to playing a minimum of six games across Campbelltown Sports Stadium and Leichhardt Oval in 2018."

Campbelltown averaged crowds of just 9,634 this year, while Leichhardt pulled 12,123 per game.

In comparison, the Tigers attracted an average of 18,897 for their four games at ANZ Stadium.

However, this figure is boosted by the Tigers' four games at Olympic Park being against Sydney teams, while Campbelltown and Leichhardt had just two each.

Pascoe said the club were aiming to negotiate multi-year deals to keep NRL games at the two suburban grounds long-term, for the first time in the history of the joint-venture.

Source: AAP