MARK ‘SPUDD’ CARROLL: Packed Leichhardt Oval shows why the NRL should never take game from suburban grounds

The AFL’s big stadium model works in Melbourne.

The city’s two largest venues — Marvel Stadium (53,000 capacity) and the MCG (100,000 capacity) — are always packed and easily accessible by public transport.

But I can’t help thinking that Melburnians are missing out on the vibe and charm of playing at suburban grounds.

Sure, the crowds aren’t as big, but the NRL thrives on the history and charisma of playing at local venues.

Take last Sunday at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney’s inner west — what an afternoon.

More than 16,000 packed into the famous ground — nicknamed the Eighth Wonder of the World by locals — to watch Wests Tigers sneak home by a last-minute field goal over Gold Coast.

The Wayne Pearce Hill was awash with black and gold, and the entire joint erupted when the match-winning one-pointer was kicked by Adam Doueihi.

Kids were spotted wildly cheering while proudly pointing to the Tigers logos on their jumpers. Their grandfathers and great-grandfathers probably did the same thing all those years ago.

It really was a special moment.

The Tigers first started playing at Leichhardt in 1934. Yep, 91 years ago. With that in mind, Leichhardt Oval should never, ever be lost to the NRL.

And the same goes for Brookvale, Kogarah, Campbelltown, Shark Park and Belmore, where Canterbury plays twice a year.

They are the heart and soul of rugby league — venues where players claim they can smell the hot dogs cooking, and where fans are within touching distance of their on-field heroes.

Accor Stadium, CommBank Stadium and Allianz Stadium certainly have a place in our game, but clubs must forever remain linked to their past.

The Melbourne model of playing all games at the big venues just wouldn’t work in Sydney.

And long may that continue.