NRL attendance figures have alarmingly slumped to their lowest level in 12 years in the opening three rounds of 2015
Phil RothfieldSports Editor-at-Large
The Daily Telegraph
March 24, 2015 9:00PM
NRL attendance figures have alarmingly slumped to their lowest level in 12 years in the opening three rounds of the premiership as disenchanted fans walk away from the game.
A combination of terrible refereeing blunders, exorbitant ticket prices, fans being locked out of a game, the inconsistency of the match-review committee and a lack of confidence in the game’s administration are being blamed for the dramatic slump.
Not since way back in 2003 have average attendances been so poor to start a season.
The saturation television coverage cannot be blamed because ratings are down more than 15 per cent on pay television and Channel Nine’s free-to-air Friday night ratings over the same period are down 3 per cent in Brisbane, but up slightly in Sydney.
A Daily Telegraph investigation has found that since former boss David Gallop’s last full year in 2011, the crowds have fallen by more than 2000 per game for the opening three rounds, a worrying slide of almost 12 per cent.
Even more concerning is the NRL had already played two of their biggest blockbusters this year — the Roosters v Rabbitohs in round two and the Broncos v Cowboys last Friday night.
The fact there was inexplicably no season launch in Sydney to raise public awareness and excitement is also a factor.
Refereeing blunders are seen as a major issue and are happening in every game.
It’s just that coaches are now muzzled and banned from talking about it.
Boom Panthers winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak scored a spectacular try against the Roosters on Monday night, only to have it incorrectly ruled no-try.
Racing personality and lifelong fan Ron Dufficy summed up the mood of fans over the decision, tweeting: “Pathetic. That will do me. Losing interest in this great game.”
The video refs responsible, Shayne Hayne and Luke Patten, have both retained their positions for round four despite the terrible blunder.
The NRL’s strategic plan revealed by the independent commission back in 2012 predicted a growth in average crowds to 20,000 over a full season.
They have gone backwards since.
Over-priced tickets are another reason why fans are staying away in droves.
Manly is charging $32 to sit on the Brookvale Oval hill with hopelessly outdated toilet facilities.
At the Roosters-Penrith Monday night game at Allianz, adults were charged $60 for the best seats and children (6 to 12) $30. No wonder only 10,000 turned up.
In the AFL, kids are admitted free of charge to the MCG and Etihad Stadium on Sundays.
The code has also negotiated a deal to slash food and beverage prices at their games.
Then you have the shabby treatment of fans.
In the round two Monday night game at Campbelltown, thousands of fans were locked out of the first half of the Wests Tigers’ match against St George due to a staff shortage on the gates.
Instead of apologising to fans, Wests Tigers chairwoman Marina Go accused your correspondent of bullying for exposing the poor customer service.
NOT A WORD FROM LEAGUE HQ
The Daily Telegraph offered CEO Dave Smith and Head of Football Todd Greenberg the opportunity to comment on the issues on Tuesday through the media department.
I sent the following email to media man Glen Jackson:
“Any chance I could get a sit down interview today with Dave Smith or Todd Greenberg re opening three rounds of the comp. Thanks Buzz.”
And he replies:
“We’ve had a couple of requests for general interviews but it is probably a bit early in the season for reviews. We generally do them later in the season when we have a better picture of the season.”
So I try again:
“OK — can I get a comment from Greenberg or Smith on the Panthers winger no-try ruling last night [Monday].
“Can I also get a comment from Greenberg or Smith about 1000s of fans being locked out of Campbelltown last week.
“My view is that fans are entitled to an explanation on both. Thank you Buzz.”
They both declined.
