Days out from their last match of the 2026 NRL season, Wests Tigers have confirmed that next season they will play the majority of their home matches at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
Leichhardt Oval will undergo upgrade work and will not be available in 2027.
The Tigers will play six games in South West Sydney during the 2027 regular season, the most since 2002.
Two years later, in the 2029 season, they will play seven games at Campbelltown Stadium as part of the 15 year deal with Campbelltown City Council underpinned by a $60 million plus stadium redevelopment in 2028.
And as confirmed by the club in 2024 in an agreement with Venues NSW, there will be four games played at CommBank Stadium next season, including the Easter Monday blockbuster against the Parramatta Eels.
Benji Marshall’s side will participate in Magic Round as a “home’’ team once again in 2027, with an additional fixture to be taken on the road as the club navigates both of its spiritual homes being unavailable for at least the next two seasons.
Wests Tigers CEO, Shaun Mielekamp said the club playing the majority of its home fixtures at Campbelltown Stadium was significant.
“It’s a great moment for the club and signifies our intentions in South West Sydney for many years to come,” Mielekamp said.
“Playing the bulk of our games at Campbelltown Stadium is critical to our strategy in the region and lays the foundation for the work we’ll be doing through our pathways, in the community and to support participation in rugby league.
“We are a proud joint-venture club stretching from Leichhardt to Leumeah, but know just how critical our work in the South West is to the future of the Wests Tigers.
“We’re so appreciative of the work of Campbelltown Council, it’s a genuine partnership that goes well beyond the bricks and mortar of a stadium redevelopment.’’
Mayor of Campbelltown, Cr Darcy Lound said having six Wests Tigers games in Campbelltown in 2027 is a fantastic outcome for our community.
“Campbelltown is proudly the home of the Wests Tigers, and we want to see the club continue to grow, connect with our community, and inspire the next generation of players and fans.’’
In the meantime, Benji Marshall is preparing his side for one more battle, up against the Panthers, who are not resting any of their stars for this clash at Parramatta Stadium.
Prop Terrell May, pictured above, will run out for his 100th NRL game on Sunday.
A proud man from Penrith, 27-year-old Terrell came through the Panthers system alongside brothers Taylan and Tyrone.
He spent three seasons at the Sydney Roosters from 2022, before joining the Tigers in 2024, where he has gone on to play 46 games.
“I can still remember my first game. It was against Penrith. All the boys I grew up with and I see in the off-season or on my days off. A lot of my close mates. I now get to verse them on my 100th game,’’ Terrell said.
“I think it means more for my family. I’m the first brother to hit 100 games and I was the last brother to debut.’’
Prop Vaka Aho will make his NRL debut for the Tigers after playing 21 games for the Western Suburbs Magpies in the NSW Cup this season.
The 23-year-old Tongan forward played SG Ball and Jersey Flegg for the Balmain Tigers.
Latu Fainu returns from a hamstring injury in his first game since Round 20 against the Bulldogs. Sione Fainu comes into the team for Tony Sukkar (delayed concussion symptoms).
Kick off: 4.05pm.
WESTS TIGERS LINEUP V PENRITH:
1. Jahream Bula
2. Junior Tupou
3. Solomone Saukuru
4. Patrick Herbert
5. Jeral Skelton
6. Jarome Luai
7. Jock Madden
8. Terrell May
9. Api Koroisau
10. Fonua Pole
11. Samuela Fainu
12. Sione Fainu
13. Alex Seafarth
INTERCHANGE:
14. Latu Fainu
15. Vaka Aho
16. Ethan Roberts
17. Bunty Afoa
18. Heath Mason
19. Sunia Turuva
RESERVES:
20 Tristan Hope
21 Charlie Murray
22 Tino Tavana
