The growing battle over Brookvale Oval "has taken a dramatic and ugly turn," according to Dean Ritchie of the Sydney DAILY TELEGRAPH. Two neighboring northern beach councils "have gone to war over the exorbitant rental fees being charged to use Brookie." Manly Council claims Warringah Council -- which operates Brookvale Oval -- is "ripping off" National Rugby League side Manly Sea Eagles and is "holding the club to ransom." Warringah Council claims to spend A$600,000 ($425,400) a year retaining Brookvale. Council charges A$45,000 ($31,900) a game "to play on a playing surface which, unbelievably, is open to the public." It "is the highest fee of any NRL club using a suburban ground." The A$45,000 figure "dwarfs the fact a professional national rugby union franchise was charged" only A$750 ($530) a game at Brookvale Oval. One source close to Manly said, "Essentially, Manly is paying the most money in the NRL to play at the worst ground in the NRL. Warringah Council is being disgracefully greedy." The Sea Eagles claim that Warringah Council "is trying to drive them out of Sydney." Manly though, aware how passionate fans are about their beloved Brookie, "are desperate to continue playing at the famous yet dilapidated suburban ground." Manly Mayor Jean Hay said, "I feel that Warringah Council are using the Sea Eagles as a cash cow. Manly provide an enormous benefit to the local community and their presence on the northern beaches is essential" (DAILY TELEGRAPH, 9/22).
