The NRL preliminary final between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Manly Sea Eagles has been delayed by 15 minutes, with the Sea Eagles’ stuck in traffic en route to Suncorp Stadium.
In a horror start to the sudden-death match for Manly, the underdogs’ bus turned up late to Suncorp Stadium, after being caught in Brisbane’s famously troublesome Friday night traffic.
The NRL have announced a new start time of 8:05pm (AEST) to allow the team to go through their normal pre-match preparations, back 15 minutes from the original 7:50pm kickoff.
The Sea Eagles were forced to get a police escort through the streets of Brisbane to the stadium, with the club taking to Twitter to thank Queensland Police for their efforts.
In a season once again forced to undergo significant upheaval due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this is nothing the NRL and its clubs can’t handle… but we somehow doubt the Sea Eagles will be so chancy with the traffic should they make it to next Sunday’s grand final.
Jay Ay
Guest
Manly knew they were going to be humbled and didn’t want to turn up
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
Given that Souths scored seven tries once Manly turned up, maybe that no defenders theory might be worth trying next time.
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
I think Manly were 70 minutes late
PeterCtheThird
Guest
Ah, the thick plottens!
Monorchid
Roar Rookie
Maybe Manly couldn't afford the bus fare BL?
Ben Lewis
Roar Pro
I assume COVID restrictions are why the team left it so late to drive to the stadium, but heavens above that’s unexpected. Reminds me of when Mick Cronin needed a police escort to the 1986 Grand Final due to horrendous traffic :laughing: Cue the conspiracy theories from both fans :silly: either Des is up to his psychological tricks by delaying the game on purpose a la the 2014 GF (we all know how well that turned out for him) or Wayne Bennett has managed to sabotage the Manly bus.
Monorchid
Roar Rookie
I used to turn up to job interviews at least three bus or train trips in advance to make sure I got there on time. Clearly getting to the church on time is not a priority for footballers paid a lot more than I ever got. If my interview was successful that is. Why don't they start the game on time and see how many points Souths get on the board before Manly arrive. Probably none.
AJ
Guest
Even better, Wayne knows the coppers. He was one of ‘em.
PeterCtheThird
Guest
So, Ivan may be mates with the referees, but Wayne knows the guy who controls the traffic lights. Well done. Did they send the Manly bus down Caxton Street so the Souths fans could pound on the sides?