Wests Tigers will play 10 of its 12 home games next season at its two traditional home grounds, as the club celebrates its 25th season in the NRL.
Campbelltown Sports Stadium and Leichhardt Oval will each host five NRL games, with one home game to be played in Brisbane as part of Magic Round, and another still to be confirmed.
Returning to the club’s two spiritual homes is part of a strategic priority for Wests Tigers, to recapture our identity and give back to our loyal fans.
The 2024 homecoming follows a disjointed 2023 season, when both venues were being utilised by the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe says the five-five split will help to reinforce Wests Tigers identity.
“We are Wests Tigers, and Wests Tigers’ two spiritual homes and historical homes, are Leichhardt and Campbelltown,” said Pascoe.
“We are very proud to represent Sydney's Inner West and South West, and this is where we should be playing most of our home games."
Pascoe says the equal-share strategy is what fans are craving.
“Our fans have been very understanding and very flexible in recent years with home games being played at multiple venues.
This is about giving our members and fans what they deserve.
Justin Pascoe
“It’s important to note that we no longer have contractual obligations at other venues, so we are now able to bring games back to our two traditional homes.”
As wondrous as Leichhardt Oval is, the ‘eighth wonder' is in desperate need of a makeover. So too are improvements needed at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
As Pascoe explains, government funding is crucial if Wests Tigers is to commit long-term to home games at its two traditional venues.
“As a club we are wanting and willing to commit to this strategy, but these grounds must be fit for purpose. It’s as simple as that,” said Pascoe.
For this to happen we need government, both State and Federal, to be on the same page.
Justin Pascoe
“We need facilities to be improved to adequately cater for both NRL and NRLW games.
“We have invested a lot of resources into ensuring we have an elite pathway for women and one that is equal.
"It’s bordering on negligent to think that we don’t have female change rooms at these grounds. This is just unacceptable.
“Government must understand that without the appropriate level of funding, these two great home grounds will become obsolete. That is something none of us want.”
Membership packages for the 2024 season will go on sale on October 23 with existing Members able to renew from October 19.
HOME GROUND HEART-STOPPERS
Round 23, 2001 vs Newcastle Knights - Campbelltown Sports Stadium
In an incredible game, Wests Tigers came back from 32-12 down to beat Newcastle 36-32 at Campbelltown in 2001. A late try to Wests junior Kevin McGuinness put the home side ahead for the first time in the match to wrap up an amazing victory.
Round 5, 2007 vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks - Campbelltown Sports Stadium
A nail-biting victory over the Sharks was Wests Tigers' first win of the season in 2007. After he ran 80 metres to score and level the game at 12-all, a golden-point penalty goal to 2024 Head Coach Benji Marshall secured the two points for the home side.
Round 13, 2011 vs Newcastle Knights - Leichhardt Oval
Robbie Farah became the toast of Tiger Town in 2011 as he stepped out from dummy half and kicked a match-winning field goal to defeat the Newcastle Knights in Golden Point as the club continued its march towards the top four.
Round 1, 2012 vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks - Leichhardt Oval
Wests Tigers scored a late equaliser against Cronulla before Benji Marshall sent the Wayne Pearce Hill into raptures with a 35-metre field goal that opened the 2012 season with a memorable victory.
HOME GROUND HEROICS
Round 6, 2009 vs Melbourne Storm - Leichhardt Oval
A double to club legend Chris Lawrence gave Wests Tigers a memorable victory at Leichhardt over competition powerhouse, Melbourne Storm.
Lawrence showcased his incredible speed when he blitzed Billy Slater down the left touchline to seal victory.
Round 22, 2012 vs Parramatta Eels - Campbelltown Sports Stadium
In just his second first-grade appearance, Fijian flyer Marika Koroibete amazed the Campbelltown faithful in 2012 with a four-try haul as Wests Tigers piled 49 points on the Parramatta Eels.
Round 20, 2013 vs Manly Sea Eagles - Campbelltown Sports Stadium
David Nofoaluma defied gravity scoring a spectacular try against the Sea Eagles that saw the Campbelltown junior earn Dally M Try of the Year honours.
Round 12, 2023 vs North Queensland Cowboys - Leichhardt Oval
Wests Tigers celebrated Luke Brooks 200th NRL game with their biggest-ever points total when they put 66 on the Cowboys in 2023.
Starford To'a, Junior Tupou and David Nofoaluma scored doubles, while Jahream Bula scored the first try of his NRL career in the smashing win at Leichhardt.
