Opinion
Since he has graced the throne of the NRL commission, Peter V’landys has operated by the ethos that listening to the fans is integral to the success of the game.
This was immediately apparent in the landmark decision in 2020 to revert back to one referee and introduce the six-again rule, when his reign was in its infancy, claiming these actions were based on a fan survey.
His modus operandi has not waivered, most recently apparent in the rhetoric surrounding the decision to keep this year’s grand final in Sydney, despite the NSW Government backflip on dedicated funding to suburban grounds.
What are the merits of this rationale? Is it wise to trust a cohort or individual whose judgement is blinded by passion and commitment to their tribe’s agenda, rather than the greater good of the game?
Last Sunday my thoughts became clearer.
It was the 2pm game, Dragons vs Titans at Win Stadium, sun glistening, a light nor’easter blowing, with the turquoise waters of the Pacific in the background. The perfect canvas for rugby league.
The family-friendly kick-off time and irresistible conditions made it too good an allure not to take my seven and ten-year-old daughters and their grandfather along for an afternoon of footy – if more for their experience than mine.
In the back of my mind however was the quality of play potentially on offer from two teams out of the race for the top eight.
Lack of expectation brought with it a relaxed mindset and ability to be less invested in the result and the game itself. This in turn let me soak up my surroundings and the experience of a day at the footy.
Immediately obvious was a perception that the stadium was far from empty. There was a healthy gathering of people in each of the three stands, while the hill was alive with families and diehards alike. Even a contest between sides whose seasons were effectively over was lending itself to an atmosphere of enthusiasm and anticipation, possibly in the hope some of the youngsters wearing the Red V could produce something to dream about for season 2023.
Junior Amone. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
Further to this point was consideration of the Queensland opposition, not renowned for a travelling cohort of supporters.
What was then apparent was the cultural melting pot around me. There was the family of four in front: mum, dad and their early 20-something son, whose girlfriend had snuck in for the ride, all debating Jack Bird’s best position over a few mid-strength tinnies (mum opted for the Canadian Club).
Shooting down the stairs to sort my girls out with an overpriced ice cream, I snuck past two middle-aged Indigenous ladies, swiftly bounding into the stand in anticipation for the match, proudly sporting polo shirts decorated in the traditional colours of their people.
While I waited in the tuckshop line I couldn’t help but smile to myself when eavesdropping on an older gent, tell anyone that would listen that it was the Dragons’ last home game and that he hoped they’d “smash em!”
The twinkle in his eye was nearly as bright as the Red V on his $160 jersey and supporters’ cap.
After scrambling back to my seat with expectation of what was next, an almighty roar erupted as Ben Hunt led his charges out in front of the Wollongong faithful for one last time in 2022.
A sea of red and white flags, jerseys and hats created an atmosphere far outweighing the 12,600 attendees.
It didn’t take long for the defensive deficiencies of each team to take their toll, nor for a 30-something gent to openly let Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, and the rest of the northern stand, know his opinion on the unethical style in which the Titans’ front rower plays the game.
It was nearly as passionate as the hoards of kids, all kitted out in the latest joint-venture gear, man-handling the Goofy-esque big green St George Dragon as he maintained his obligatory laps around the perimeter.
The sensory overload was real as I tried to absorb all before me. The realisation kicked in. Rugby league is an experience that will forever be enhanced by the raw emotion and the tribalism injected by its fans.
To point out the obvious would be to note that the financial contribution of the fans is integral to the game’s success. But they mean so much more than that.
The fans mean as much to the rugby league experience as do the players. In the course of a few hours, the infectious enthusiasm of those who see rugby league as so much more than a game turned an inconsequential contest into something special.
That’s priceless.
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