Round 1, 2008

[mattyg]

How would you guys organise the opening round of the centenary year in terms of games and scheduling...personally, i'd love to see all the rivalries take place. I'd go with:

Fri 7.30pm - Bulldogs v Parramatta @ Telstra Stadium
Fri 7.30pm - Storm v Warriors @ Olympic Park
Sat 5.30pm - Titans v Raiders @ Skilled Park
Sat 7.30pm - Knights v Manly @ Energy Australia
Sat 7.30pm - Dragons v Sharks @ Telstra Stadium
Sun 2.00pm - Broncos v Cowboys @ Suncorp Stadium
Sun 3.00pm - Tigers v Panthers @ Telstra Stadium
Mon 7.00pm - Rabbitohs v Roosters @ Telstra Stadium

yeah, its a big whore out of Telstra Stadium, but realistically all 4 of them games can draw 30k +, with the Souths/Roosters game a decent chance for a crowd over 40k. If its promoted right, i don't think we'll ever see a higher crowd drawing opening round again.

perhaps they can have a special offer if you buy tickets to see all 4 of the games at Telstra...i'd do it!!

 

[Angry_eel]

it should be Titans V Storm, they have a rivalry.

 

[Timmah]

Bulldogs v Eels
Storm v Titans
Raiders v Tigers
Souths v Roosters
Panthers v Warriors
Knights v Manly
Dragons v Sharks
Broncos v Cowboys

As angry eel said really.

 

[philstorm]

Correct me if i'm wrong, but do the Premiers get the first match of the season?

 

[Russell Crowe's Band]

round 1 2008

thurday

big parade in sydney. all the teams on floats. streamers, balloons etc. live entertainment at the end and a speech from prime minister John Howard (i see the future). he will be wearing a dragons jersey for added effect. lockyer breaks the ground on the new league hall of fame.

Friday

Roosters Vs Rabbitohs 730 @ Sydney Football Stadium. curtain raiser between Newtown and Norths.

Saturday

Double Header @ Telstra

Bulldogs Vs Parramatta
St George Vs Manly

Sunday

Brisbane vs Canberra @ Suncorp
Penrith Vs Cronulla @ CUA
Melbourne vs Warriors @ Olympic Park

Monday
Titans Vs North Queensland @ Skilled Park

 

[Raider_69]

Id do in that manner

Roosters V Souths
Dragons V Sharks
Broncos V Cowboys
Knights V Manly
Raiders V Penrith
Storm V Warriors
Bulldogs V Parramatta
Titans V Tigers

 

[innsaneink]

Tigers- Cowboys
Manly -Souths
Dogs -Rooster
Broncos -Titans
Storm -Warriors
Panthers -Raiders
saints -Sharks
Knights -Parra

 

[innsaneink]

Correct me if i'm wrong, but do the Premiers get the first match of the season?

They choose their opponent, whether its first now is debateable what wth two fri niters. Channel 9 get that choice.

 

[Timmah]

ink... surely with the stickler you are for tradition you wouldn't abandon Roosters v Souths? (which I'm sure is already confirmed as a R1 match @ Telstra???)

 

[innsaneink]

I just changed it...I think Rooster/Dogs and Souths/Manly is just as appealing.
Plenty tradition there too.

Dont care if its confirmed, the question asked is:
How would you guys organise the opening round of the centenary year in terms of games and scheduling.

 

[Timmah]

Fair enough.

 

[smeghead]

As far as I am aware Round 1 is set down for Tigers V Dragons at the SCG

 

[Quidgybo]

The one rule I'd follow for the opening round is not to waste any showcase matches on it. The first round will draw its socks off regardless of who is playing who. Why waste showcase clashes like Broncos v Cowboys (a guaranteed blockbuster no matter what round it is played in) when you could use the opening weekend halo effect to improve crowds for some clashes that would otherwise struggle if played latter in the season? I'm not suggesting we put the worst match for each club on show but I really don't see the point in throwing away some of our blockbusters on a round that simply doesn't need the help to be a success. Blowing good games at the start of the season is not the way to maximise attendances for the game over the long haul.

Leigh.

 

[Fast Eddie]

Are people just putting us vs the Storm because both clubs don't really have any rivalries etc?

 

[innsaneink]

Are people just putting us vs the Storm because both clubs don't really have any rivalries etc?

LOL....like when two Kids, acting as captains pick their teams, each selecting from the group...you guys are the last two.

 

[Fast Eddie]

Oh well the two best teams going up against each other in Round 1 sounds alright to me;-)

 

[Coaster]

Friday

Titans Vs Storm @ Skilled Park

Saturday

Double Header @ Telstra

Bulldogs Vs Parramatta
St George Vs Cronulla


Warriors vs Canberra @ NZ
Sunday

Knights vs Manly @ Energy
Penrith Vs Tigers @ CUA
Brisbane vs Cowboys @ Suncorp

Monday

Rabbits vs Roosters @ Telstra

 

[Quidgybo]

Are people just putting us vs the Storm because both clubs don't really have any rivalries etc?

Partly, but it also makes perfect sense for the NRL to nurture a rivalry between the Storm and the Warriors - especially with a view to promoting RL in Melbourne. The large Kiwi expat community in that city which is probably both Rugby literate and without AFL loyalties is a prime target for the game. The other rivalry the NRL should be pushing is between the Storm and Canberra - particularly as a vehicle for promoting the game in the Riverina and regional Victoria.

Leigh.

 

[Dutchy]

Manly should play Storm Friday night in a dbl header featuring Parra v Dogs

OR Sunday arvo game @ Brooky v Newcastle.

 

[ozzy_ozman]

Friday Night:
Melbourne v Canberra @ Telstra Dome
Manly v Penrith @ Brooky

Satday night:
5.30pm - Warriors v Cronulla @ Mt. Smart
7.30pm - Dogs v Gold Coast @ Telstra
7.30pm - Newcastle v St. George @ WIN

Sunday
2pm - Brisbane v Nth QLD @ Suncorp
3pm - Wests Tigers v Parramatta

Monday
SouFFS v Roosters @ SCG/Telstra