@joel So the new grandstand at the Northern end has no roof 😂😂😂 to highlight the glorious trees Oh so green good one Darcy !this whole thing is a total waste of money . Who builds a grandstand with NO roof ! Honestly ..Leichhardt oval is becoming like the Tigers a laughing stock .
you seriously think Darcy is designing the grandstands?
I think it’s just cost isn’t it? They have $40m and a stand without a roof I’m guess is structurally easier and cheaper to build
I think that there is a roof design but its inclusion is dependent on there being enough money. The very large development document seemed to have some aspects of the plan as part of a max version when in reality we will probably only get the min version. I think that is how it looked to me on my quick flick through the 77 pages.
We just had a preliminary chat about this on the podcast, but we would love you all to contribute.
What should the name be of the new northern grandstand at Leichhardt Oval?
Robbie Farah Stand?
Benji Marshall Stand?
Anyone else? Or someone from Balmain's history? etc. Let us know your thoughts on this one.
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers since 2018!
They should rename the main stand as well. The Benji Marshal grandstand and the Robbie Farah northern stand. Who is Latchem Robinson anyway? Some sort of sports administrator?
Latcham Robinson was, by profession, a medical doctor — but he became best known for his extensive work as a sports administrator in Sydney.
His primary career
- Medical practitioner (doctor)
- Worked in Sydney in the early–mid 20th century
- Built a respected career in medicine before and alongside his sporting roles
His major “second career” (where he became influential)
He was heavily involved in sports governance, including:
- Trustee of the Sydney Cricket Ground
- Administrator linked to rugby league venues like Leichhardt Oval
- Contributor to broader NSW sporting administration
In practical terms, this meant:
- Overseeing stadium operations and development
- Helping manage major sporting events
- Influencing how key venues were run and improved
Simple way to think about it
- Day job: Doctor
- Legacy: One of the key behind-the-scenes figures shaping Sydney’s major sporting venues
That’s why his name appears on stands — not for playing, but for building and running the infrastructure of sport in Sydney.
I think it would not be inappropriate to name it after Chris Lawrence, an esteemed and long time club man for WT.
Then again as the stand will have no roof and so patrons will be exposed to the elements maybe The Laurue Nicholls Stand would be even more appropriate.
@tgrzmn I agree... if the Latcham Robinson stand name is to remain then the new northern stand really should be someone like Laurie Nicholls.
If not someone from Balmain's past then it would have to be a legendary Wests Tigers player(s)... I suggest the Farah-Marshall stand.
@tigertowns FYI I don't believe he was ever a Doctor.
Norman "Latchem" Robinson (29 January 1901 – 18 March 1980) was an Australian professional rugby league footballer, coach, selector and club administrator for the Balmain Tigers club in Sydney and a City, State and National Selector and Manager. He also served as NSW and Australian coach in 1948 and 1958 respectively.
He was a member of the Balmain Tigers team that won the Premiership in the 1924
Robinson had three separate coaching spells with the Balmain club. He coached the Balmain Tigers in 1930, 1944, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1954, 1955 and 1956 before retiring.
He was coach of New South Wales in 1948. Also, in 1953, he coached the American "All Stars" during their tour of Australia. He was manager of the Australian team in the 1957 Rugby League World Cup. He was appointed coach of the Australian team for the 1958 Ashes series against the touring Great Britain Lions.
Robinson was for many years after his playing retirement a Secretary-Manager of the Balmain Leagues Club. The Wests Tigers Team of the Century was announced in 2004, encompassing the best players from both Balmain and Western Suburbs. Norm Robinson was voted the Coach of the Century.
A couple of left field ideas - Tim Sheens? Garry Jack? Played for both clubs and would be fitting opposite the Keith Barnes stand.
I like the Chris Lawrence suggestion but would think Campbelltown might be more appropriate?
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers since 2018!
