Cronulla Sharks players urge club to open the gates to try to get a good crowd for match against Titans
CRONULLA players have urged their club to throw open the gates at Toyota Stadium this weekend with the Sharks predicted to be embarrassed by a crowd of no more than 5000.
With less than 500 tickets pre-sold to the unappealing match against the Titans on Saturday night, players yesterday called for fans to be let in for free as half-priced tickets were offered to tempt die-hards.
But with star attraction Paul Gallen likely to be out, cold weather, the dreaded Saturday night time-slot and two teams playing that can't make the finals, well ... it might not be enough.
"It is pretty disappointing (that the crowd could be so small)," said Luke Douglas. "The loyal ones will turn up, they always do, but maybe they should give them away. I am not sure, it is a tough one."
On Monday the Sharks had sold just 200 tickets, their worst pre-sales this year by more than a 1000, prompting panic in the boardroom.
Already facing financial difficulties, the Sharks need to maximise their gate receipts to stay viable.
In a bid to lure their apathetic supporters to the game, the club last night offered half-priced tickets to the match to those that purchase a full- priced ticket.
"Purchase a full-priced general admission ticket and receive a second general admission ticket at half price," a statement read.
"With the weather forecast set to shine favourably in the shire this weekend, this isn't an opportunity to miss. Club legend David Peachey will return to Toyota Stadium as an ambassador of the David Peachey Foundation.
"The Sharks will also be running special entertainment and discounts around the ground for all those in attendance."
With one more loss likely to end their finals hopes - if they aren't dead and buried already - the club is also pre-empting poor crowds at their final three home matches and offering discounted "three game passes" and membership packs.
Coach Shane Flanagan urged the fans to support their team and said the Sharks' season was far from over.
"It is important to get a crowd out here and hopefully we get some out here," Flanagan said.
"Obviously the Titans won't bring too many and our fans can be a bit fickle when we aren't winning, but hopefully they can see some light at the end of the tunnel.
"We still have a lot to play for and we aren't out of the finals yet. We need to put in a good performance and we are still in control of our own destiny.
"If we win our last five games then we will be in. It is a tough ask but we need to chip away and it can all turn around. It is a funny comp and the team in front of us could lose their last five. You never know."
Douglas added: "There is no better place to watch footy and everyone should get out here. We are putting in and will do our best to put on a good game."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...h-against-titans/story-e6frexnr-1226107838567
