I am not one to usually rant so apologies for the below, but the way the draw and scheduling is done is ridiculous. Round 1 is meant to be a big exciting start to the season but they have completely butchered it:
- Having the first 4 games in Sydney is just asking for trouble. No one can predict the weather but why place all your eggs in one basket?
- Isn't the first game of the season meant to built up as an 'event' or something of the sort? Yes, the Sharks are defending premiers but last night's game doesn't really live up to that moniker. If it must be in Sydney, at least make it a big game at ANZ or SFS and pump up the crowd with family deals etc. Suburban games have their place, but not as the season opener (not to mention following it with Belmore).
- No games in Brisbane or Melbourne in week 1 seems like a massive missed opportunity to get a decent crowd and a bit more national coverage. Particularly Melbourne given the AFL hasn't started yet and the other big drawing team (Victory) is playing away from home.
- If Melbourne must (for some reason) play in Sydney, why make them play on the same night as Victory a few kms away. At least make it the day after in the hope some well travelled Victory / Storm fans make a weekend out of it.
- The Friday 6pm game is an atrocious decision. Most people are not even home from work in time to watch it, let alone make it to the stadium. Like many others, I will be catching the second half on TV most weeks. It can't be that hard to find another timeslot (6pm Sunday).
I know this is the crowd thread, but addressing all of those points would have helped the NRL start the season with a bang, instead it has started with a whimper. Some of the blame lies with the TV networks, but the NRL let them do it. Hope it gets better from here.