We should only really use up 1 or 2 of our rivalry games in Round One, the rest should be spread out. The matches should take into account last year's form and crowd results, daylight savings plus also the early March heat.
Broncos vs Dragons @ Lang Park on Thursday Night - Seriously, we all know the Broncos are going to be on F2A, if we want to avoid Rabbitohs on the Thursday at least for the Broncos a 7:05-7:20pm QLD local kick off (similar to Monday night) equates to an 8:05-8:20pm EDST kickoff. More family friendly for a weeknight for the Broncos, good for TV. The NRL could splurge $50 and hire some decent Season Opener entertainment for the 7:30-8:00 slot. I still say we should be treating the opener like the grand final (play it the Sunday night before hand) but for now it's Thursday. 40k+
Rabbitohs vs Roosters @ Stadium Australia on Friday Night - I know it's Roosters turn for Rd 1 but it should be swapped. The prelim final crowd was underwhelming but off the back of the first grand final in years if they're aiming for anything less than 50-60k it's a joke (should be a sell out). And as it's likely to be first pick it's going to be a night game but it needs to be the Friday.
Knights vs Sharks @ Newcastle on Saturday Arvo at 4pm - by round 4 they were bottom of table and still pulled 18k for same game, Knights are the least-worst to host wooden spooners first up. 15k-20k+ depending on the weather.
Storm vs Raiders @ MRS on Saturday twilight at 6:30pm EDST - with no AFL on the twilight slot avoids the heat. With promotion capable of drawing 15k+
Cowboys vs Titans @ Townsville on Saturday night - the Cowboys should usually limit the amount of home games played during the first few rounds but after that 1 point loss try and capitalise support first up at home (before form becomes a factor), wait a few weeks, then schedule their second home game as Cowboys vs Roosters. Also a 7:30pm QLD kickoff is 8:30pm EDST. 15-25k.
Warriors vs Eels @ Mt Smart on Sunday at 4pm local (2pm EDST) - no super rugby on that day, You'd be aiming 15k+
Bulldogs vs Tigers (or Panthers) @ Stadium Australia on Sunday arvo at 4pm - When you consider that the prelim only got 8k less surely this kind of Western Sydney opener off the back of a grand final is capable of 35-45k (Tigers opener got 20k this year). Schedule it at 4pm (live for tv) to avoid potential heat.
Panthers vs Sea Eagles @ Penrith on Monday Night -
A strong match up for the first Monday night game and the Panthers allotted Monday night match, you'd hope Panthers fans turns up. 15k+
9 will picks the Broncos & Rabbitohs matches, Fox's next best is Panthers for Mondays leaving Bulldogs for 9 on Sunday (that said there's more leeway/negotiation now).
All up aiming for 200k, hopefully more. With competent promotion and management - 250k.
