http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...s/news-story/31532c39cea6aa977a1095b8dd482272
"THE 60,000 Cronulla Sharks fans who jammed into ANZ Stadium for last year’s historic grand final victory are now harder to find than Harold Holt.
Now the porch lights have been turned off, only 4000 tickets have been sold for their sudden death semi-final against the Cowboys at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.
The NRL is facing an embarrassing weekend of first round finals attendances compared to the AFL.
In four games they are expected to reach only the 70,000 mark.
In comparison the AFL has forecast 232,000 at their four finals.
The Swans’ game against Essendon in Sydney has already sold out yet the Sharks v Cowboys and the Sea Eagles v Panthers have both sold less than 5000 tickets.
It shows the AFL’s tactic of having a bye round before the finals has worked and made fans hungrier for the finals action.
Sharks chief executive Lyall Gorman has called on fans to get behind the premiers.
“For us to rewrite history, our boys need the support of our fans at Allianz,” he said.
“We are in sudden death football right now and it’s time for our fans to let go of any lingering grand final hangovers and get out to the game.
“They need to know the difference they made in helping us create history last year and surely they, like us all, want to experience those incredible emotions again.”
What hasn’t helped is the SCG Trust’s recent media spin about their poor facilities at Allianz Stadium in a campaign to squeeze more money out of the State Government for a refurbishment.
Describing your own venue as a ‘death trap’ is inviting fans to stay at home and watch the games on television.
The NRL used to play the first round of the finals at suburban venues.
It was changed after 2010 when the Dragons played Souths in front of 17,000 at Kogarah for a game that would have attracted 50,000 at ANZ Stadium.
Your columnist was one of many who campaigned for finals at bigger venues after 30,000 fans were locked out of Kogarah.
Surely the NRL needs to revisit the venues issue for the first round of semis.
It would make sense to choose venues the week before the finals depending on the teams playing and the demand for tickets.
Both Brookvale and Shark Park would have sold out by now if Manly and Cronulla were playing at home.
Sharks coach Shane Flanagan says the players are desperate for strong support on Sunday.
“The support inspires the players,” he said, “It lifts them up when they need it most and I’m sure it played a part in us winning the grand final last year.”
Gorman said ticket prices were: “exceptionally affordable”
“From just $20 for an adult and $50 a family is great value.
“With the NRL we have made it exceptionally easy to get to Allianz with buses running from the Leagues Club and free train travel built into the ticketing costs.”
