LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Fans of footy, particularly those of the NRL and rugby, are in an uproar over the decision to replace the iconic goalposts at Concord Oval in Sydney.
These goalposts, considered the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere, have a deep historical value as they were used by a premiership-winning NRL club and in the first-ever Rugby World Cup.
However, the Canada Bay Council has confirmed that the famous 24m steel uprights will be removed due to concerns over their deteriorating condition.
Concord Oval holds a significant place in rugby history, having hosted five games in the inaugural rugby World Cup in 1987.
It was the venue for the pool match between Australia and England, as well as the memorable Wallabies-France semi-final.
The ground has also been used as the training base for the NSW Waratahs for several years.
The NRL has also had its fair share of action at Concord Oval, with three games being played there in the 1990s.
However, the venue became primarily associated with the Wests Tigers, who celebrated their 2005 premiership victory over the Cowboys within its modest confines.
The team's fullback, Brett Hodgson, used the towering goalposts as practice targets, while Benji Marshall honed his field goal skills using them as well.
Despite the redevelopment of Concord Oval, which cost $85 million, the Wests Tigers still call it their home.
The new structure bears little resemblance to its predecessor, with the giant goalposts standing as the only reminder of the past.
The NRL club now shares the facilities with the West Harbour Pirates, a Shute Shield club rugby outfit.
The decision to replace the iconic goalposts has sparked controversy among footy fans, who argue that they should be preserved for their historical significance.
However, the deteriorating condition of the posts has prompted the Canada Bay Council to prioritize safety and move forward with their removal.
This contentious move has left fans divided and mourning the loss of a piece of footy history.