Blocker EMOTIONAL about Tigers brushing 200 year of history | NRL 360 | Fox League

Steve 'Blocker' Roach and Benny Elias join Braith Anasta and Paul Kent on the NRL 360 panel to discuss the Leichhardt Oval drama and how the new wave of Wests Tigers Administration have turned their backs on the long history of the club.
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[@wolfy_conservative911]

Cowboys fan here.. I think tigers fans should stay in there heartland at Leichardt

[@user-cb5tl5fu3w]

Joint venture, Wests Tigers.

[@gattingbowledwarne]

@@user-cb5tl5fu3wagree. Wests had a long history too, as roach pointed out several times.

[@RhysJonesredrooster]

🤣🤣

[@mightyknight]

I can understand the emotion behind Leichardt Oval. However, as someone who's been to the ground, I can say that the facilities are bad. The other issue with the ground is that the Tigers actually lose money every time they hold a game there due to a lack of advertising space. I agree that it needs an upgrade. As for Benny Elias, I've heard rumours that as a property developer, he purchased the old Balmain Leagues Rozelle and sold it for development. So, I don't believe his sentiment in this video.

[@RidetheGeoffening]

Yeah. It's a bit rich from champagne and caviar Benny boy..

[@slugerama]

That is disappointing hearing that they have never been invited to a west tigers match since merging.

[@BrettGrady-vf4kx]

​@@224milo so they should stay silent and not be part of the push for success and high standards?

[@Gorewayy]

Good, these 2 peanuts piss on the club every chance they get. Blocker is the most intolerable prick in nrl media

[@loveisthelaw591]

It's all about money now and what's good for the corporations greed bit like when people were forced to take experimental jabs that has turned out to be highly illegal can't wait till they force the digital I'd on everyone and put a chip in your head

[@tmm8521]

They have never accepted the Magpies as a joint partner in the new venture, it's always the 'Tigers' with them. That Tigers symbol is the only thing which still survives from their days at Balmain. Let it go boys, without the Maggies they'd be no Tigers at all. If you got behind the joint venture with more support then maybe you'd be made more welcome. 3 magpies and 2 tigers on the footy jumper says it all!

[@JoshLuck]

Blocker Roach ❤ As a kid in the 80s, he played for the blues, so he was the enemy to me.. But as an adult footy fan, every time I hear him speak, my head starts nodding.. what a legend!

[@coolyoutubeluke]

He's super nice guy IRL too.

[@tommacpherson5852]

Leichardt is my favourite venue and I'm a Storm fan. Would hate to see it go

[@OscarBurke-ig5yz]

Do it for the game. Stay at Leichardt!

[@rustycage882]

As a tigers fan myself in my opinion we should just upgrade Leichhardt oval

[@jason_Doodley]

With the NRL building a $700 million war chest and buying up hotels and other investments to build the financial wealth of the game, why can’t they use some of that money and build Leichhardt up to current day standards? The money belongs to the game and the oval represents the history of the game. Open the purse strings and fix it up.

[@user-of6pk5dy4k]

WELL SAY MATE

[@frankdaniels2518]

The NRL doesn't wanna dip into their pockets thats why they want the federal government to foot the bill.

[@Rayman96]

Lol they do not have a 700M war chest, that's their annual revenue

[@jason_Doodley]

@@Rayman96 Then that is still $700 million. Cash and assets. If they can fly to Vegas, they can spare a few million to fix up the ground.

[@WahsUpTV]

Warriors fan here but watched tigers v warriors around 2011ish no lie one of the best atmospheres to watch a game of footy and the angles you can’t watch the game are so intimate and you feel rugby league there. If I was a tigers fan I would be doing everything to keep this stadium.

[@walterkane7798]

Their not just Diggers fans, there's Magpie fans to, do up Lidcombe oval.

[@PukeSkywanker]

I agree with everything Benny & Blocker said. But what they don't really seem to understand is that it's not the Balmain Tigers anymore. Hasn't been for decades. They're called the Wests Tigers, play in the west aka Campbelltown. And have maybe your heritage round game each year at Leichhardt oval.

[@MegaBadseed]

Did you watch the video? they both mentioned ‘Wests supporters’

[@richhamiora6637]

Absolutely 💯

[@user-uh2vz7yc7x]

My kids loves that stadium and it’s a part my family. No money can replace an spiritual home that creates a massive legacy of all the greats that’s pass to the next generations including my two boys who loves the Tigers

[@martinpye549]

I'm a Roosters fan who grew up in Oz, but now in the UK. I played minor league both here and Oz, and Leichardt was my favourite ground of ALL time when I was a kid, and still is now. Blocka and Benny are 100% spot on here. Respect from England.

[@BrettGrady-vf4kx]

Best RL ground in the world is here....Elland Rd.

[@H0tchips]

Leichhardt, Belmore, Shark park, Penrith Stadium, they are ALL treasures that would be a significant loss to the future of the NRL that can never be reclaimed. SAVE LEICHHARDT. The future success of the NRL will only be greatly enhanced by keeping "heartland" grounds. They are the pegs that hold the ropes in of the Rugby League tent.

[@BrettGrady-vf4kx]

And Henson Park. And North Sydney Oval!

[@H0tchips]

@@BrettGrady-vf4kx Too right, probably a few others worth preserving. Their worth should not be underestimated.

[@mightyknight]

The only suburban ground that got an upgrade is Parramatta Stadium so far. Belmore Stadium can't get an upgrade due to residential complaints in the past.

[@tmm8521]

There is nothing wrong with Penrith Stadium now, for a dozen games of NRL a season it is sufficient. There is so much more they could spend 300 mill on around Penrith which would benefit the area and people better. The leagues club can finance the new stadium, it has the money. Let the government fix our roads and other essentials.

[@mightyknight]

If you consider it from a State Government perspective: firstly, The Tigers already have another home ground. Secondly, the games at Leichardt Oval don't generate enough money into the economy. Thirdly, unlike the Penrith/Hawkesbury region, Sydney's Inner West is a very safe ALP/Greens seat. However, most importantly, there is a cost of living crisis. Therefore, attracting 16000 fans 5 times a year will not leverage the Government to keep Leichardt Oval.

[@crazykuntz7671]

Kentys favourite band is The Stranglers.

[@thepimpernel6971]

I was living in Annandale in the late 70' and used to go down to Leichhardt oval and watch the games great place.

[@Christians9955]

Manly fan - it's like if we move from Brookie, the club will die. Fans won't be happy

[@lucawilson4012]

Manly fan- couldn’t agree more keep it how it is keep the culture don’t appeal for new fans keep the old

[@Christians9955]

@@lucawilson4012 yeah, like our grounds aren't perfect but that's the way we like it.

[@user-in1dx3pp5u]

I played on that oval for 3 years as a Leichhardt junior.in the late 59 early 60 being in that change shed where all the TIGER greats changed.Was a fantastic feeling for us Kids Greatest memory scoring a try in the corner @ both ends of the field.against Ryde & Balmain United.Change the History & You will change the fans

[@Rpf365]

Mate that's a great quote, "Change the history and you change the fans." I'm stealing that.

[@koeoperations1938]

The heart of a club is the people on ground zero, the community, and all the past players. Every incoming player needs to understand this and get on board for the club as people. But it starts at how it is run. The right people that truly care for the club will make the club great.

[@nathj4818]

The NRL community needs to stand as one and make sure Leichardt oval stays,it's the people's oval

[@nathans1551]

Us Canterbury supporters felt the same about Belmore. We don’t want to share Accor. We want to go back to our roots.

[@politenessman3901]

Too many club directors folded when money got waved under their noses and now their supporters go to huge empty stadiums to watch "home" games.

[@brendaninman596]

Richardson doesn't get that this year is first in a long time we get proper home games, we've played the other stadiums and it does nothing for us as a club or to winning games

[@timecapsuleearth2960]

That contract just ended unbelievable ay! Homebush is dog 💩

[@ALONZOHARRIS2020]

Kenty is legit. Always standing on the hill at Leichardt enjoying some cold ones

[@matcole1975]

Im a old Western Suburbs Magpie supporter but I love the Wests Tigers. I agree with Block and Benny. I want to see more games at Leichhardt and Campbelltown.

[@robocop5935]

If you leave leichhardt. Go to Henson park or Lidcombe oval. But leichhardt oval got to be retained.

[@stephenfox4278]

In 1979 I got to see my beloved Cronulla Sharks win their first silverware at Leichardt oval. Classic old ground. It took us a long time to win another trophy but we did.

[@ryan-jonnoble6793]

Different sport, but as someone who attends Anfield regularly, the best thing the club / owners ever did was not leave Anfield and build a new stadium. Simple as that. Can’t buy or build what comes with it week in week out

[@akp1983]

You ever been to Anfield? Think you'd be saying something different if you've ever been.

[@ryan-jonnoble6793]

@@akp1983 “as someone who attends Anfield regularly” 10+ times a season

[@akp1983]

@@ryan-jonnoble6793 wow an your happy with that as a stadium! Magic these new ones, they have something called leg room.

[@jasonmcroberts7994]

Agreed, preaching to the unpreachable though pal. This is a back yard competition compared to the EPL lets not forget. No 700 Billion dollar per annum in this game. But it is what it is, hard and entertaining. But as far as advancement is concerned let's not forget they've got an audience of 5-6M people not 2 billion.

[@Nickgooner21]

I get the impression that Shane Richardson is pressuring the govt. or the NRL to buy it as this has been a volleyball issue for 10 years. It's working because now people are talking about it in the media, mark my words the NRL will buy it and as a Knights fan I am happy for that to happen. Brent Read on another video I saw was being a twat considering Brisbane has had such a free run at making money for 30 years. Kenty called him out subtly in that vid and I appreciated it. I live in Ashfield and the whole area is like a carnival when the Tiges play at Leicharrdt

[@chillwinston1255]

Can't they just update it?

[@aryansinha4751]

The chat about the commbank situation is bs,It’s literally eels home game.they play again in Campbelltown

[@MetalMayhem1978]

Blocker & Benny - Legends !!!! And I’m a sharks fan

[@Shad0w5carab]

Blocker have you ever bothered to think that Richo’s comments aren’t because he wants to pull the Tigers out of Leichhardt but because he’s looking at the reality of the situation and the future of the club. It needs an upgrade, it needs investment and if the club and the NRL keep letting the local council walk all over them it’ll be turned into apartment blocks in a couple of years. The only viable option I see is the NRL buying it off the council and working out some agreement with the club to upgrade it now and pay it off over x number of years. Ditching Leichhardt would be a dagger in the heart of an already dying fanbase.

[@jasonlogie3863]

I’m a broncos supporter and use to follow the Mighty Bears and I have to absolutely agree with Blocker there’s nothing like a day at liechardt oval . I took my 3 kids there when they little. They loved getting there face painted and running around the hill. But I also think North Sydney Oval was also a fantastic suburban ground.

[@user-de5ez5pe8t]

At least care enough to spell correctly.

[@peteilijevski4553]

Loved Blocker and Benny as players Balmain legends I’m sorry they don’t feel part of the Wests Tigers But surely they must understand that they are part of the problem I’m in my 50s and I’ve been a Balmain fan for 20 years and a wests tigers fan for 25 While we must celebrate our past We must secure our future Typical of fox to drag out these two for cheap headlines Then do a story tomorrow of the divisions in the club between western suburbs and Balmain Richo has done more in 3 months than the previous CEOs did in 10 years

[@monwell250]

My first NRL game live was on this ground.

[@chrisb441]

If the NSW government doesn’t have the capital, the supporters should organise a donation drive and raise the cash themselves.

[@danielryan4352]

They have plenty of money if they stopped lining their own pockets

[@cousy65nc61]

I went last year when I visited Sydney an I loved the place .

[@PC-fo8ld]

Even as a Roosters fan, I think the NRL should buy the ground

[@Alekosdw]

Braith distances himself from the Tigers but I’ll never forget going to a game I think 2013 or 14 and he pipped the raiders in Campbelltown with a field goal identical to the one in the magical prelim in 2010 💯

[@clevelandwilliams5922]

When they say play in major stadium it’s a covert or concealing decision to either merge clubs or remove clubs.

[@jimharkin8802]

What will Blocker think when the Tigers relocate to Perth?

[@Anonymous-is2qb]

Besides the MCG, Leichhardt is the most sacred ground in Australia.

[@jamieferguson7867]

I have done it twice as a wahs fan its magic small ground but big atmosphere

[@user-cb5tl5fu3w]

So what about the Magpies? What about Lidcombe Oval? It isn't the Balmain Tigers anymore, it is the Wests Tigers and then there is Cambelltown.

[@JayWhy1964]

exactly!

[@Gorewayy]

Growth area isnt balmain anymore, these 2 boomers have no clue and only have balmains interests at heart. Benny elias is the definition of a self serving grub.

[@damonmlinaric9254]

Let them pick one ground to stay at and upgrade

[@chrismacmillan2571]

Phins fan blocka bought a tear to my eye wow I'm soft

[@dugganmg]

What is the average attendance at a sydney game?

[@GypsieNinja]

Benny, Sam Newman called, he wants his eyes back.

[@GregsKitchen]

Id rather attend an authentic old school ground than a fancy new cooky cutter one

[@paulcampbell3245]

dont take liechardt away from the tigers or the fans, although im not a tigers supporter the ground holds fond memories for me, i remember spending wednesday nights watching the panasonic cup there as a chid, It saddens me knowing that todays fans have not and will not experience the passion and closness to game that derived from this ground or any of the other origional grounds. its where legends were made. keep liechardt, bring back redfern and belmore ovals.

[@mxlarge6915]

Agree 100% and while I am a Souths fan, and Redfern oval is too small to have NRL, I think I would rather be at a sold-out Redfern oval than watch a game in one of those massive big stadiums that are not even a third full. As Kent said, the fabric of the game isn't taken into consideration. Wonder if Souths current problem is actually because they stopped training at Redfern and now train at that new facility, because from memory, their decline started when the left Redfern for training.

[@The123dannyd]

I went to the roosters south's game. I spent the week in Sydney and stayed in redfern. I could not believe how dead redfern was on game day. I think that the stadium move has killed south's in redfern and kids will grow up in the area as roosters fans.

[@phbrand8548]

Home grounds are the most important thing to fans and players. It's not all about money and appearances. As the people.

[@VIKINGKING70]

I Feel Sorry For These Legends Of Our Great Game 🤦🏿‍♂️#BringBackBalmain🐯

[@davoguiney9902]

Bring back the wests magpies I loved that club for years

[@tmm8521]

Three Magpie symbols and two Tigers symbols on the current 'Wests Tigers' jumper......that says it all!

[@GS-kh5se]

I think Wests Tigers should be based out of Campbelltown, but we should play a few heritage matches a year against Sydney clubs like Roosters, Souths etc at Leichhardt Oval

[@jdeedaniels6313]

Never shut the Tiger's den!! I went there so many times as a child best roots ground ever! Leichardt oval is like the colossium of the NRL hands down? If you've never watched a game there you should experience it, cos its awesome, ppl on the roofs of their houses n all around the whole ground? Awesome ground that should NEVER go! The club should start a petition to keep it open??

[@neilross8697]

Is there a magpie on the board

[@erinaporter1985]

Your local team is no longer your local team if it moves away. Just have to look to recent events in English Rugby where teams moved then went bust.

[@BrettGrady-vf4kx]

MK Dons

[@jasonmcroberts7994]

I used to like standing up with no seats watching Rangers vs celtic in the 80's With 120,000 other maddies, but its called advancement

[@Burgo30]

I agree 100%

[@sebbenson6213]

All they do is bag the club! Elias told Moses to leave! What are they supposed to think?

[@davidgagen9856]

Ur not Balmain any more. We are Wests too!

[@AliPo-ne3yf]

I'm a Panther. Get the Wiggles to help Yah'll .. their Tigers 🐯

[@user-in1dx3pp5u]

Phil Gould once openly boasted. That the only place to be On a Sunday was@ leichhardt oval watching Or playing against Balmain he loved the place

[@russtang24]

this perfectly illustrates the folly of this never ending quest for the mythical "new fans" while the old fans walk away in droves...

[@benjaminrehmie8427]

I’ve been a long time fan of Shane as a sporting director from his time at the Sharks and my beloved Bunnies. But to move the tigers from their home would be a major mistake on his part

[@markrutherford6010]

Tigers need stay at Leichhart Oval. Good on Big Blocker Roach!!

[@rabbits77]

Bring back west's again leave tigers at Leichhardt

[@domodoeslife4741]

West just in name. Just like North

[@TBird89]

You should never get rid of inner city stadiums no matter the sport. The Tigers have a high performance centre down the road so why would you make them play away from that area. The premier made the comment that NSW has a large debt. Not the Tigers fault.

[@MrGroovergeorge]

I agree mate. Smaller stadiums that are full have a way better atmosphere than teams sharing a 50 000 seat stadium at 1/10 capacity. The NRL seems more intent on b/s like going to Las Vegas and building on an American model.

[@TBird89]

@@MrGroovergeorge yep spot on.

[@robertparry4929]

From down south...keep suburban footy. The AFL have only retained 1 suburban ground and that's Geelong and spending money on it.

[@davidpaullister9428]

💯💯💯💯!!!!.. AGREE..BLOCKER n BENNY.. TIGERS were my TEAM..growing UP!!!!..we got our CLUBS..TEAM..this is gettin FKN RIDICULOUS!!!!..🤬😡🤬😡👊🏿

[@jonomadden3862]

wouldn’t be a bad spot for 300-400 1 and a half bedders

[@dugganmg]

I’m sure they don’t know what cavier is??

[@stephenfox4278]

Politicians waste coin on ridiculous ventures. Spend a few million on fixing the ground n facilities please also n co...

[@mickhasthefacts8632]

I think it goes without saying that old fellas like this aren't going to want to let go of the past and see things of their younger days as the best. Not sure they're the right people to judge what's what in terms of the current/future direction of their playing grounds.

[@davegray2056]

❤️🐅

[@Mr4thQTR]

Tbf, I completely understand the government saying no. The Tigers split their 12 home games a season between 3 stadiums. What's the point in doing up a ground for 1 team to play 5 games at? Roosters and Bunnies have more history then any team, they don't play at their "traditional home ground" and it hasn't hurt the tribalism one bit. Tradition is important, but it's not everything. The government could and should be putting the money to much better use.

[@csp5813]

dont start acting like you care about the tigers roach, after you bag them out all the time

[@steeleheraud3496]

Sounds like the bloke has a reason to bag them. The clubs board is a joke. How have they never been invited to a home game?

[@csp5813]

@@steeleheraud3496 why are you defending him. no one likes him

[@craigrobinson4953]

Upgrade Campbelltown stadium, make it their home ground and change their name to the Macarthur Magpies.

[@neilross8697]

Not one mention of Campbelltown this is why the wooden spoon is on offer again 🎉

[@SweatBoy42]

Manly supporter here. Leichhardt needs to stay. I've met Benny. Was a client. Tough negotiator. Blocker, didn't like him as a very young one eyed Sea Eagle young bloke, but loved him in the end because he landed one on the chin to Bobby Lindner in State of Origin. He proved to be a character. I do have ties to the Tigers because I am friends with former Marketing Manager. If you want to keep it, it,'s Elias, Roach, Pearce, Sironen, Hardwick, Edmed, Jack, and Benji Marshall working together to ensure it happens. Get Ellery and Schofield in there also. Farking formidable team of players. Also, Manly let Api go, was very sad because he's a gun. Tigers got a good one there. Take care Tiger Town. 👍👍

[@user-dk4ow1xs9k]

Please just hear what the 2 tigers are saying.

[@stewartdavies929]

Where would they play against someone like the titans if Leichhardt were to be more than a couple of novelty games? For years nobody went to Leichhardt. Now they all turn out in droves for a couple of games a year. What happens when it’s no longer a novelty? Should we spend money on it for a couple of games a year? There was a reason they merged and a reason they moved. At least act like you want to be affiliated with Campbelltown. It’s the club;s only chance of a future.

[@sopwithpuppy]

WOW! 200 years of history? So Wests Tigers, a club formed in 1999, has a 200 year old history? Western Suburbs and Balmain Tigers folded faster than Superman on laundry day, and now their fans are screaming "What about our history?".

[@banliveexport325]

It is not the job of the Taxpayer to pay for NRL Stadium upgrades. The NRL and West Tigers are turning over millions of dollars let them pay for the upgrades.

[@user-de5ez5pe8t]

Roach and Elias never played a game for West's tigers

[@ZombieDime]

#saveleichardt

[@dylanmarrapodi7035]

Absolutely blocker rugby league means more them money

[@aaronsault3309]

It's like asking Bulldogs to leave belmore

[@brianandrea3249]

Ah, nostalgia ain’t what it used to be! Either knock it down and replace it with modern facility or move! Time waits for no-one. Many bigger clubs across the globe in all sorts of sports have battled with the same question and the Tigers are no different (as much much as as you would like to thinks you are). One thing is certain though, change needs to happen and shitty old stadiums are holding the Tigers and the NRL back. Avg attendance of 16k…fans aren’t exactly flocking! With a better stadium this could be closer to 30k and could cement them as a destination club.

[@SighOO]

Maybe Benny dips his hand into his pocket and we can get the leagues club rebuilt first.

[@AC26875]

Not sure if I hear ‘Blocker’ Roach and Ben Elias say anything positive about the Tigers.

[@fantomghost6213]

A bigger stadium means more money for the club to buy better players and stay in touch with other clubs. I just think these old blokes don't get that!

[@frankdaniels2518]

They don't understand basic economics. Bigger stadiums pay clubs more money to have games there, suburban grounds bring in less revenue.

[@tmm8521]

Love Blocka Roach and his passion for his club Balmain Tigers but, let's be serious, the 'tigers' dont exist anymore. The Wests Tigers are basically the Wests Magpies with the 'tigers' component a marketing symbol. Balmain bring little to the table in this day and age. If it were not for the Maggies there would be no Tigers, just face it. Put the money for Leichhardt towards improvements at Campbelltown and give the outer southern suburbs a decent stadium to watch their team.

[@patrickkelly5565]

200?

[@nickgrch]

Forza Leichhardt!

[@laurieirwin2331]

Blocker roach is right

[@craigmacfarlane2722]

Shame on the tigers board.. Sironen , Roach , Elias , Jack , Pearce . 5 of the best ever...Never been invited to a game is disgusting..Seems Parramatta has more respect for those tigers legends..

[@swingham4020]

This was a great discussion for 2:50, then Kieunt piped up & ruined it. Move on Kieunt, surely its time

[@bradglawson4395]

West tigers make the 8 now omg

[@Rpf365]

When Fox Sports took over the Rugby League and created the NRL they described the fans as "wall paper." Blocker's right we're much more than that. I'm a Rabbitoh supporter and why in hell is a team called South Sydney playing in the West? Because the fans don't matter. They talk about shifting demographics. I now live in the west but I want to watch my team play on their turf. Fight for Leichhardt. You'll regret it if you don't.