The NRL push for the multi million redevelopment of suburban venues includes Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
The State Government is set to abandon plans for the $800 million upgrade of ANZ Stadium at Homebush, and the NRL wants the money spent on Campbelltown, Penrith, Kogarah and Brookvale.
If the push is successful the NRL will end up with four state of the art boutique stadiums.
If built, the new stadiums could be used as rugby league hubs, along the lines of the current Covid-19 approach.
The 2020 schedule sees Campbelltown Stadium not only as the home ground for the Wests Tigers but also Penrith Panthers, St George Illawarra Dragons and the Canberra Raiders.
Last Sunday Campbelltown Sports Stadium hosted its first game, with Penrith taking on Newcastle.
There were some criticisms from fans after the playing surface was badly scuffed up during the game.
However Campbelltown Council says there was no problem and is confident the stadium will be up to the task over the next few weeks.
“The stadium playing surface remains at a world class standard to host elite sports and neither the NRL or the clubs who played on Sunday evening have expressed any concern about playing conditions,’’ said Jenny Franke, the Campbelltown Council director of City Lifestyles in response to questions from the South West Voice.
“Our ground staff work tirelessly to ensure the playing surface at Campbelltown Sports Stadium is of a world class standard in preparation for any sporting events,’’ Ms Franke said.
“Couch grass used on the stadium surface in preparation for the resumption of the NRL season is a naturally fluffier grass and any scuff marks to the pitch are purely cosmetic that do not affect the quality of the pitch.
“It is expected there would be some impact to the pitch during a rugby league game and our ground staff will work as usual to prepare the playing surface for the next match on Friday night.”
The Panthers host the Warriors in round four action of the NRL, with kick off from 6pm. The game will be televised on Fox Sports.
Campbelltown Stadium will host two NRL matches this coming weekend, with the Raiders hosting the Knights on Sunday in the 4pm match, which is on Channel Nine as well as Fox.
The Wests Tigers will play at Campbelltown the following Saturday, June 13, when they will host Canberra with a 7.30 kick off.
