On Monday night the Wests Tigers will make their 4th and likely final appearance at Campbelltown Stadium for the the 2013 season. Logistically it seems almost bizarre that they will play Manly on a Monday night in Campbelltown, but that is another argument for another day.
The relationship between Campbelltown and the Wests Tigers has always been up for debate, whether rightly or wrongly. There is a perception that the Concord based club prefers Leichhardt due to it's proximity to Concord and that because of it's love affair with the iconic suburban ground, that it often makes decisions favouring the Balmain side of the joint venture. I'm here to tell you that is utter dribble.
There is also a perception that Wests Tigers is disconnected with its fans in Macarthur region. For years now the locals have pointed to a serious lack of presence by the NRL club in the area. Earlier this year, then CEO Stephen Humphreys committed to upping the presence of the Wests Tigers in the region. Even suggesting that plans for a Centre of Excellence were on the cards. This is a move i would love to see the club take on. Since this declaration of support for the region we've seen multiple engagements by the club with fans as it attempts to reconnect with them.
The problem is, i'm not so sure there ever was a problem with Wests Tigers in Campbelltown. I used the word "perception" earlier because i believe that's exactly what it is. Wests Tigers have been smart enough not to deny the cries, they have listened to the fans opinions and taken them on board. They have tried to reassure fans in the region that they do matter and that they are most definitely part of the NRL club. But at some point the onus MUST fall back on the supporters. The club has done its part in 2013 to reconnect with its fans in the region yet we're yet to see the fans show the same kind of support for the club.
Monday's clash with Manly will be the perfect chance for the fans to show the club it appreciates the recent efforts. A game against a high flying premiership heavyweight boasting the likes of Brett Stewart, Jamie Lyon, Keiran Foran, Daly Cherry Evans, Anthony Watmough and co should be more than enough to get locals there. Not to be forgotten, club Captain Robbie Farah plays his 200th first grade game. Local favourite Liam Fulton plays his 150th first game. If this STILL isn't enough then the club's most exceptional talent ever, Benji Marshall, plays his likely final game at the stadium. I don't know what more incentive fans need to get out there??? If it helps the weather forcast is fine and 22 degrees for monday. Perfect!
The bottom line is, the onus IS on the fans now. Wests Tigers has done it's part this season to reconnect with the fans. It's now up to them respond. Show the league world that Campbelltown and the Wests Tigers is indeed a match.
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