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Why we don't attend games

Kaichen Qiu new author
Roar Rookie
1st October, 2015
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Johnathan Thurston is integral to the Kangaroos – even if he can't play. (AAP Image/Michael Chambers)
Kaichen Qiu new author
Roar Rookie
1st October, 2015
32
1066 Reads

This article comes from the perspective of a Brisbane-based fan who’s originally from Sydney. I will be watching the grand final game being played by two Queensland teams in Sydney on the TV in Brisbane.

Like many of you out there I am questioning the logistics and administration of the game. It has been no secret crowd figures are dropping. We had a 15,000 average for the opening four rounds and from there the numbers have only decreased, reflecting the public’s excitement about the tedious bulk of games before the finals.

15,000 indicates a strong attendance when we are talking about Balmain Oval during a period when the Tigers struggled to get to double digits on the field. However, when you look more closely at the bigger games, especially at ANZ and Allianz, these numbers just do not fit.

Without the resurgence of the Broncos and their religious following this season, crowd attendances would struggle to surpass 12,500.

So why this is this the case? Bear in mind these comments are from a 21-yr-old uni student who religiously follows the game.

Competing codes
It’s always more fun to go to a game with a group of mates. We don’t always get the opportunity to do this as everyone has their own schedules. When we do, we tend to prioritise entertainment over our loyalty to our club.

It’s more appealing to attend a Sydney versus Hawthorn match at the SCG or a Wanderers match at the heartland of the west where there is a greater atmosphere that can be felt when you’re in the stands of a Cronulla match after two hours’ drive to the Shire to see a 10-6 score line.

The pace and passion of the game
We’ve all experienced the heartbreak or elation from Origin and that’s because for every minute, every player out there is ready to give up a leg for their state.

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When you’re at a suburban ground, the games are just not exciting. After 10 minutes all you’re seeing are dropped balls and repetition. The game is becoming routine, you rarely see the flashes of brilliance or the passion that was there in past seasons.

Expensive ticketing
People are more than happy to pay a $25 for general attendance but when you have a group of mates who need to travel, grab dinner and a snack, and catch a cab home, the cost adds up.

With great TV coverage, it’s becoming more and more convenient and economical to watch it at your mate’s lounge, especially for the uni students. Going to a game is just not really worth it and until prices for the smaller, suburban games get cheaper we won’t see a rise in that crowd demographic

Season ticket holders
When I first got to Brisbane, I thought “gee wouldn’t it be great if they had an option to attend any three or four Broncos games in one pass.” Not everyone can make every game on a Friday to hold a season pass.

Even though it is worth it cost wise, we can’t get the max value out of a season pass.

Everyone has their own reasons for the going to a game. The NRL just needs to remind us that their product is still the number one sporting entertainment week in week out and not just for Origin. Reduce alternatives and decrease the barriers so going to a game will just be as easy as going to the cinemas.

Finally, a short note on the grand final and the Broncos’ defence versus Cowboys’ attack.

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This game has tight contest written all over it. The Cowboys have probably played their best footy in the last decade this year with their big names stepping up.

Johnathan Thurston has been by far the standout player in the NRL this season and his Dally M came as no surprise.

This is probably the closest and best chance to win that premiership for the Cowboys.

The Broncos have been the standout team this season, showing consistency and impenetrable defence. They have the ability to pile on points but also to stop them.

The real factor is not playing at Suncorp. The Broncos don’t have the ability to pile on points on the road. However as we saw against the Storm, the Cowboys can score anywhere. I would love JT to win that premiership and on that note will hope he can carry the Cowboys to glory.

Prediction
Cowboys by 4
Thurston Clive Churchill
Ben Hunt first try

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