Panthers cry foul as Eels get jump on grand final tickets
Penrith have taken a stand for clubs throughout the NRL amid concerns next Sunday’s grand final could turn into a Parramatta party 36 years in the making.
Penrith expressed their concerns to the NRL that Eels fans had a 24-hour head start on Panthers supporters when it came to buying grand final tickets with certainty.
The Panthers didn’t get to play last year’s decider in front of their fans, but they know the importance of the support from the stands amid concerns Accor Stadium could be a sea of blue and gold on grand final night. Given the cost of a seat and the desire of the Eels army to see their team play in a decider that could end a 36-year drought, the Panthers wanted their concerns heard.
“[Penrith district chief executive] Matt Cameron was in touch with the NRL about this because we don’t think it’s fair for the two teams who played in the second prelim,” Panthers group chief executive Brian Fletcher said. “The Parramatta fans get the jump – a chance to buy seats knowing for certain their team is in the grand final. It will enable them to have an edge too in support, and I think it’s something that needs to be looked at in seasons to come. Ticket sales should be blocked off completely just before the first preliminary final and opened again on the Monday morning.”
The Panthers even contacted Souths about their concerns, but the Redfern outfit was happy with the NRL’s explanation.
The biggest impact of a one-sided grand final crowd I’ve witnessed was in 2016 when Cronulla fans screamed their team to victory against the Storm, ending another lengthy title drought.
Following Penrith’s complaint, the NRL spoke with the club and Souths on Saturday night to address their concerns. The NRL said a limited allocation of tickets was made available after Friday night’s preliminary final. The same allocation of tickets was also available after last night’s preliminary final, allowing both winning teams access to the same allocation. However, Parramatta fans can actually access both those ticket allocations.
The NRL says members of both grand final clubs will get an exclusive window to an additional allocation on Monday morning, followed by a general public final release. The NRL says the ticket process is consistent with previous years and ensures parity across the competing clubs.
Penrith have expressed concerns to the NRL that Eels fans had a 24-hour head start on Panthers supporters when it came to buying grand final tickets with certainty.
www.brisbanetimes.com.au
