First home game thrill for Wests Tigers

ALTHOUGH the Wests Tigers love affair with Leichhardt Oval is more publicised, the players say they enjoy playing at Campbelltown Stadium just as much.

The Tigers play Penrith Panthers in round two of season 2013 on a Sunday afternoon in Campbelltown, but Leichhardt's four games are scheduled for night time kick-offs.

Centre Blake Ayshford said the players were rapt to find out they play their first home game in Campbelltown.

"It's the same as Leichhardt for us," Ayshford said. "It's our home ground and it's better for us to play at our home ground than the SFS or anywhere else.

"We get the majority of the fans and it's good to get a Sunday afternoon game at home because Sundays are great for families."


Even Leichhardt lover Robbie Farah said he viewed Campbelltown the same as he sees Leichhardt Oval. "They are both our suburban grounds and we generally get bigger crowds there," Farah said.

"Although there's no games at Leichhardt on a Sunday afternoon next year, kicking off our home games with a Sunday in Campbelltown should be good and get a big crowd."

Wests Tigers prop and former St Gregory's College, Campbelltown student Matt Groat was excited about the first match at Campbelltown.

"Campbelltown is my favourite field and it's so close to my old school and I just can't wait," he said.

By Scott Dougherty
http://www.macarthuradvertiser.com.au/story/1193350/first-home-game-thrill-for-wests-tigers/?cs=1437