Panthers boss slams mayor of trendy inner-city Sydney council for trying to take money from Penrith’s new stadium to renovate boutique footy ground

Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher has labelled Inner West Council Mayor Darcy Byrne ‘just ridiculous’ after he suggested proposed funding for the NRL premiers should be instead poured into Leichhardt Oval.

Penrith Stadium remains in line for a $309million upgrade under the Labor state government, having being initially flagged by the former Coalition government.

Byrne recently wrote to NSW Sports Minister Steve Kamper, urging Leichhardt Oval be renovated – and if ignored, the Mayor is adamant the facility will soon become ‘unsafe as a venue for professional sport’.

It follows a platform at the ground collapsing during a GPS schoolboy rugby match last year, which saw some spectators taken to hospital.

Inner West Council has adopted a new masterplan, which includes several tiers of potential upgrades at Leichhardt Oval, from minor improvements to facilities including men’s and women’s change rooms to a new 1500-capacity northern grandstand.

Byrne (pictured) recently wrote to NSW Sports Minister Steve Kamper, urging Leichhardt Oval be renovated – and if ignored, the facility will soon become ‘unsafe as a venue for professional sport’ in his eyes

Panthers boss Brian Fletcher told 2GB Radio that Panthers Stadium needs an upgrade to accommodate their fans and the expected population growth in the region

The cost of renovations at the venue dubbed by some footy fans ‘the eighth wonder of the world’ range from between about $5million for upgraded seating to $21million for a new northern stand, and between $33million and $98million for upgrades to the major western stand, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Speaking on 2GB radio, Fletcher didn’t mince his words when it came to Byrne and his bold proposal.

‘It doesn’t make any sense … and [to be honest], they [Wests Tigers], should be giving us money, we supply all their players,’ he fumed.

‘It [ Byrne’s proposal] was just ridiculous, we have been approaching the government for the past 10 years to get a new stadium.

‘Our aim is to leave the hill [at Panthers Stadium] as is, and redevelop the eastern and western grandstands … we want to be in a position to accommodate 25,000 fans each home game, up from the current 20,000.

‘CommBank Stadium at Parramatta can be the blueprint to follow, it is all about the gameday experience for our fans and sponsors.’

Fletcher also pointed out the growth region is expected to house 260,000 people by 2031, up from current figures of 195,000.

Tellingly, Leichhardt Oval will host just five NRL games featuring the Wests Tigers in 2024, while Panthers Stadium will see 11 fixtures as Ivan Cleary’s men chase a fourth straight title. 

A spokesperson for NSW Premier Chris Minns confirmed the proposal from the Inner West Council ‘will be reviewed.’