The Wests Tigers have refused to commit their future to Leichhardt Oval despite reports of a $50 million government pledge to redevelop the iconic suburban ground.
The club will hold a board meeting on Monday to discuss its future stadium strategy and is not in a position to commit to playing any games at Leichhardt.
However since then, I have not heard from the NRL, any other body, including the Inner West Council, about any moneys. It’s interesting that The Daily Telegraph release it before we’re told.”
Sources with knowledge of the situation, talking under the condition of anonymity, told the Herald that the current investment pledge sits at $40 million, with Inner West Council and the NSW state government indicating they would each invest $10 million on top of the $20 million from federal government.
Chief Executive Shane Richardson said he had only been made aware of a $20 million pledge from the federal government after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese contacted him last week.
“We have received no official notification of guaranteed funds for Leichhardt Oval,” Richardson told the Herald. “Last Thursday night I had a phone call with Anthony Albanese, who promised $20 million towards Leichhardt Oval and [asked] me to keep it to myself, which I have.