As I said you don't have a poor home record and suggesting that the sharks form could in anyway be responsible for turning away fans is possibly the biggest cop out I've ever read in this forum (and that's saying something). I don't disagree with you about the scheduling issues, feel free to discuss the massive issues facing crowds of all NRL clubs. Just don't try to use bullshit excuses like the above point and expect to be taken seriously.
Also I don't live in Melbourne I live in Scone. Despite living 2 hours drive from the nearest NRL team I still make more games than the vast majority of posters on this forum. I also manage to make 3-4 games in Sydney each year despite it being 5 hours away. So yes I can fathom the issues Sydney faces and for the most part I think they're over exaggerated. They're an issue sure but not an insurmountable one. It would be nice if the NRL and clubs would make some effort lobbying the government to help overcome these issues as well (like the AFL does).
Also as mentioned previously it doesn't really explain why the AFL have no problem drawing big crowds in Sydney as well.
You don't read or need glasses,
I stated despite the Shark's form being up and downright ordinary they were still able to get 17,000 plus fans at their game against the Roosters, plus a decent crowd against the Titans.
I never stated
they are not getting crowds because of their up and down form ,as the crowds on Saturday nights have shown that not to be the case.The point was they have been frustrating to watch this year.Their fans will still go but find Thursday nights family wise and Friday 6pm crap.They are in the top 5.
I assert the fans would not go in numbers if they were in Souths or Dogs position on the ladder
So there is no BS. involved them's the facts whether you live in Scone,Oodnadatta,or Wallangarra.
I have stated the main reason is scheduling (with the likes of the Interstate clubs playing there on thursday nights)and to lesser degree not having an all seater stadium .
" Massive crowd issues" yes that is correct, but let's look at the facts not BS:
In any case poor form if you look at Souths and Dogs who have large supporter bases,has affected their crowds greatly.To suggest otherwise one has NFI.Have a look at the warrior's crowds drift away.
ANZ stadium ,count on your hand the number of rl fans who like it for NRL games ,in it's current configuration,dopey scheduling,Thursday nights there hilarious unless you own a helicopter to arrive with a family.6pm Friday games seriously this for backpackers and the unemployed?
There have been decent packed crowds at Wollongong,Sharks Park,Penrith Park,Brookvale at decent scheduled times, which says something to the administrators.
And a sellout at CCV stadium Roosters v Sharks.decent schedule,all seater.
Are you aware the NRL: has lobbied for new stadiums.?Ever heard of the new Parra stadium due for completion early 2019,A rebuilt ANZ and SFS.$40m for clubs C of E all State Govt monies.
Don't blame the current admin for lacking lobbying house,blame the dopey Gallop gimps,who looked on whilst the SAFL were bale to extract money form even Local councils such as Wagga to build infrastructure,plus SA oval, plus the new Perth Stadium.
Swans: Finals year after year,the vast majority of their fans within Eastern Suburbs/Lower Nth Shore and Inner City close to the SCG,playing fortnightly,no FTA,friendly scheduling,all seater oval specific stadium in a central CBD type situation.On the odd occasion has Thursday night games,their fans hated ANZ ,never have a 6pm game, team covers the whole state.Decent transport infrastructure to fit in with their family friendly scheduling.
If they had 3 years being near the a*(se end of the ladder, you think they would maintain their crowds?
You honestly believe the AFL would have the Swans playing their 3 major Vic opponents on a Thursday night or have 6 pm Friday night games?
If the NRL had all those plusses in their basket, we wouldn't be arguing crowds.
