- Panthers Stadium remains in line for a $309 million upgrade
- The Inner West Council wants the money to be allocated elsewhere
- Mayor Darcy Byrne proposed the development of Leichhardt Oval
- Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher scoffed at the bold proposal
Panthers chief executive Brian Fletcher has branded Inner West Council Mayor Darcy Byrne “simply ridiculous” after suggesting proposed funding for the NRL premiers should instead be deposited at Leichhardt Oval.
Penrith Stadium remains in line for a $309 million upgrade under the Labor state government, after initially being highlighted by the former Coalition government.
Byrne recently wrote to NSW Sports Minister Steve Kamper urging Leichhardt Oval to be renovated. If this is ignored, the mayor is convinced the facility will soon become 'unsafe as a venue for professional sports'.
It follows a ground platform that collapsed during a GPS schoolboy rugby match last year, sending some spectators to hospital.
Inner West Council has adopted a new masterplan, which includes several levels of potential upgrades at Leichhardt Oval, from minor improvements to facilities including men's and women's changing rooms, to a new north stand with a capacity of 1,500.
Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher has branded Inner West Council Mayor Darcy Byrne “simply ridiculous” after suggesting proposed NRL Premier funding would be used to upgrade Leichhardt Oval.
Byrne (pictured) recently wrote to NSW Sports Minister Steve Kamper urging Leichhardt Oval to be renovated – and if this is ignored the facility will soon become 'unsafe as a venue for professional sport' in his view
Panthers boss Brian Fletcher told 2GB Radio that the Panthers Stadium needs an upgrade to cater for their fans and the region's expected population growth
The cost of renovating the venue dubbed 'the eighth wonder of the world' by some footy fans ranges from around $5 million for improved seating to $21 million for a new north stand, and between $33 million and $98 million for upgrades to the grandstand. western position, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
Speaking on 2GB radio, Fletcher minced no words when it came to Byrne and his bold proposal.
“It doesn't make any sense… and (to be honest) they (Wests Tigers) should give us money, we supply all their players,” he fumed.
'It (Byrne's proposal) was just ridiculous, we have been approaching the government for the last ten years to get a new stadium.
“Our goal is to leave the hill (at Panthers Stadium) as it is, and redevelop the east and west stands… we want to be able to accommodate 25,000 fans each home game, up from the current 20,000.
“CommBank Stadium in Parramatta can be the blueprint to follow, it's all about the gameday experience for our fans and sponsors.”
Fletcher also pointed out that the growth region is expected to be home to 260,000 people by 2031, up from current figures of 195,000.
Significantly, Leichhardt Oval will host just five NRL matches with the Wests Tigers in 2024, while Panthers Stadium will see 11 matches as Ivan Cleary's men chase a fourth straight title.
A spokesperson for NSW Premier Chris Minns confirmed the Inner West Council's proposal 'will be assessed'.