With the National Rugby League season kicking off on the weekend, we’ve seen quite a lot of new things in 2014.
Numerous rule changes aimed at quickening the game have been a big talking point and it seemed to be working great through Round 1.
But what the NRL has to look at, is the broader picture.
The crowd attendance for Round 1, so far, has been disgraceful and the NRL are the first ones to blame.
The first game of the 2014 season saw arch rivals the Sydney Roosters play the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
They were the first and second placed teams from last year and have been predicted to finish in the top two spots this year.
What a way to get the season kicked off!
Yet when you see a subpar 20,000 people at the game, all you can do is just shake your head.
The NRL prides itself on bringing kids and their families to the games.
Well, on a Thursday night (meaning school the next day) it just doesn’t work, especially when the game doesn’t start until 8.15pm.
Another reason for poor crowds is that Channel Nine’s coverage of the NRL is so good.
Most fans would rather watch from their television sets instead of going out and supporting their clubs.
If you’re comparing Channel Nine’s entertainment with the half-time entertainment, it’s obvious who wins hands down.
The NRL needs to make going to these types of games (especially a Roosters versus Rabbitohs Round 1 blockbuster) something special to go to.
For the game to be held at ANZ Stadium also raises questions.
I know is was Souths’ home game, but clashes like this should be held at Allianz Stadium, unless it is guaranteed that 40,000 plus fans are going.
Looking around ANZ Stadium and seeing 50,000 to 60,000 empty seats is not the most visual appealing image for the NRL.
Most of the fans that actually go to games, go for the atmosphere (for example the State of Origin).
Seeing 20,000 people at ANZ Stadium – that’s no atmosphere.
Seeing the Western Sydney Wanderers play Sydney FC and easily filling up the football stadium with more than 40,000 fans raises the question – where is the NRL at?
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