BY MICK ARMSTRONG

Is the end of Leichhardt Oval the beginning of Wests Tigers finally realising the true potential of the club?

On Wednesday night, Channel Nine news reported exclusively that National Rugby League games at the ancient and legendary venue would cease at the end of 2023.

Looking at the place you can’t be surprised.

A few weeks ago, dozens of high school rugby union supporters collapsed on top of themselves at the northern end of the venue after a try.

It could have ended a lot worse than it did.

The fact is, it’s not up to standard.

It’s been decaying for years.

Only the spirit of locals and old Balmain supporters have kept it alive.

It’s a magical place but looks more like a tier two English Super League park compared to what we expect from the NRL in 2022.

Fantasy land.

While fans in Sydney’s South West and Southern Highlands continue to demand more prominence from the club, the fact that time is finally catching up to Leichhardt is an ironic win for Wests Tigers fans that agree that Leichhardt has had its day.

Incoming (or returning coach) Tim Sheens has a long history with Campbelltown as a premiership-winning captain-coach at the Campbelltown City Kangaroos in the 1980s and then as coach of Wests Tigers when they won the NRL in 2005.

But many times people like Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah have waxed on about the “magic” of Leichhardt forever.

It’s always been a distraction and a form of grooming for juniors coming through the system .

‘Leichhardt is better… Campbelltown sucks’.

It’s also a consistent dream of those in the media with lazy journalists and personalities reluctant or purposely calling them ‘Tigers’ instead of ‘Wests Tigers’ and that Leichhardt is the “spiritual home” of Wests Tigers.

The Wests Tigers have been a burden to themselves for many years.

No identity.

Little substance.

While some officials at Wests Tigers want the club to be a “power” inner city NRL powerhouse, the truth is, it’s just not possible.

They are a development club just like the Penrith Panthers.

What an example to use.

The best footy club in the world.

Leichhardt is dead but it might just end up being the best thing to ever happen to Wests Tigers.