Council helps Tigers feel at home

Players from the West Tigers run from the tunnel onto Jade Stadium on 12 June, the first of three Councilsupported “home” matches the Sydney rugby league club will play at the $70 million dollar ground.

The deal worked out last year with Jade Stadium Ltd (JSL) means Jade will be the Tigers’ home away from home for one match in this and each of the next two National Rugby League seasons.

The City Council is putting up $17,500 a year from its Event Seeding Fund to encourage what it hopes will become a significant local sports fixture at a time when there’s a gap in the calendar. Last month, the Tigers hosted the New Zealand Warriors. Despite it being a cold evening, the match drew a crowd of 16,500 – more than JSL had said was needed to break even.

Greg O’Connor, JSL’s commercial manager, says the Sydney players and management enjoyed their stay.

“Coach Tim Sheens said they felt a bit like a touring Test side, with the mayoral reception and dinner. Canterbury Rugby League helped organise training venues and, on top of all that, they had a big win. They’re looking forward to coming back next season.”

The Tigers are likely to be here in July next year, says Mr O’Connor. “The Super 12 ends at the end of May and the British Lions are due the last weekend of June, so July or August looks to be good timing for a big sporting event.”