NRL independent commissioner Peter V’landys’ vow to help save Sydney’s ageing suburban grounds from oblivion has been backed by fans of the game who want to see their local grounds brought into the 21st century.

While V’landys is a supporter of plans to upgrade Sydney’s major stadiums he is also a firm believer of the tribalism and atmosphere generated at suburban grounds WIN Stadium, Brookvale Oval, Leichhardt, Belmore Sports Ground, Shark Park, Campbelltown, Kogarah and Penrith.

“Tribal followings come from being active attendees at games and having families in Sydney attending suburban grounds is imperative to the future popularity of the game,” V’landys told the Sunday Telegraph last week.

“It’s absolutely shameful that an international, cosmopolitan city like Sydney does not have rugby league stadiums that are world class.

“I’m 100 per cent supportive of the NSW Government’s initiatives that will see Parramatta, Allianz and ANZ stadiums rebuilt or upgraded.

“However, I’m also strongly of the belief that suburban grounds have an important role to play and should also be upgraded for today’s entertainment venue standards.”

And V’landys’ sentiment is one shared by NRL fans around Sydney.

“NRL is about families and neighbourhood facilities not about politicians with 70,000 seat stadia and 15,000 (if lucky) spectators. Politicians at all levels are hopelessly out of touch with the general population,” Bert wrote to the Sunday Telegraph.

“I love suburban grounds. The idiots that want to take them away just don’t get what footy is about,” wrote Simon.

The State Government is knocking down Allianz Stadium and rebuilding the venue at a cost of $730 million, building a new $350 million venue at Parramatta and spending $810 million on redeveloping ANZ Stadium at Homebush.

Yet no money has been committed to the suburban venues.

V’landys - and the punters - want that to change.

“Local grounds are stuck in 1950s standards wise,” wrote Garry. “They desperately need to be brought into the 21st century. ANZ and SFS are great for big games, but super suck for lesser games.”