The Penrith crowd was pretty shocking, but the genius who scheduled a Warriors game simultaneously with a Pantsters game clearly should be shot. I only caught the game in passing, going back and forwards with the Bloodyslow, and I have to admit the Pantsters appeared to be a dire affair.
Don't know why anyone is surprised by Campbelltown. Despite hearing all the time "Sydney people want daylight games at suburban grounds" it isn't really true. Proof's in the pudding. Yesterday morning I was flicking through the QRL's Q-Cup highlights from the previous round. Probably more atmosphere at the Blackhawks, Bears or Jets games. Suburban grounds also. Campbelltown needs to be played at once every five years for a nostalgia round. The game, you would hope, has moved on.
As for the Roosters, it is remarkable that a team doing so well can pull so few at an all seater. You guys give the Broncos some stick, but this was really a pathetic crowd. I hate to say "What is going on a Sydney?" but at a time when the game is supposed to be on a high (look at that TV money) you guys are seriously making it (the product?) look second rate. I can't imagine any of the other games this round will improve matters. But for the Cowboys and Broncos games this round, a dispassionate TV viewer would think they were watching some third grade competition for Nevilles. Especially compared to the Netball World Cup.
For comparison's sake, the Brisbane Lions drew a measly 17k, or around half of the Broncos crowd this weekend. Everything, as Radiohead once said sublimely, in its right place.
