Souths-Roosters to kick off the 2002 season

[imported_Bigbopper]

Today's papers both report that the NRL is looking at Souths and the Roosters playing in the opening round as part of their local derbies promotion. The Warriors would have the bye. This would leave St George Illawarra up against the Sharks, Parramatta-Penrith, Bulldogs -Wests Tigers, Northern Eagles (whatever)-Newcastle, Brisbane-North Queensland, and Melbourne-Canberra (not quite a local derby).
Not a bid round to get things underway,.

 

[Willow]

There was report last week that the St George v Souths was confirmed for the opening round at the SCG. I would have thought this to be a 50,000+ draw card.

 

[ozbash]

dont know about anyone else, but i dont go along with this "bye" routine..
should be 16 teams to even things out.

 

[Cronulla_Mania]

I would throw the roosters up against manly (northern beagles)...im sure that manly will go back to their old colours next year, and an old roosters/manly clash would draw plenty of attention. I remember a few years ago that a game between the clubs drew 37,000 to the SFS (A regular season game)....
Souths should play Saints. It needs to be that way, back at the SCG (or even the olympic stadium)....they would sell out either place.
I would also give Canberra the bye and put Melbourne up against NZ in Melbourne round 1....alot of kiwis reside down in mexico, im sure a well promoted game down there (with the ground moved in) would draw 20,000ish.....
MFC.

 

[imported_Bigbopper]

I am interested that people keep talking about the SCG. What date is the opening round? Unless it's quite late the SCG will still be in use for the cricket.
If we had a Canterbury-Parramatta grand final, then an fascinating opening round could include a GF replay on the Friday night at the Olympic Stadium, then have Cowboys Broncos in Townsville, Eagles at home to Roosters, Newcastle at home to Canberra, Melbourne hosting the Dragons, Warriors at home to Canberra and end with Souths-Saints on the Monday night at the Olympic Stadium. Penrith could have the bye.
That might go close to the 200,000 mark and brilliant TV ratings.
Mind you, Souths and the Roosters would get a fair crowd. The game could be billed as the return of the originals. Souths and Easts have played each other more than any other two clubs (183 times). Anyway it won't be our decision
Cheers
Bigbopper

 

[Willow]

Ozbash.
I'm no fan of the bye system either but it looks like that will be the case in 2002.
It used to be rare in the early days of RL but I'm about to see it for the 3rd time.

16 teams... bring in Norths...

 

[imported_Lord Ted]

Byes.
Dumb as dogshit.
Turn N.Z.into the7th state of Oz,piss off the broncettes,14 team comp.Cracker.

 

[imported_Bigbopper]

I agree about the bye but think that 16 teams is a better way to go than 14. It would be good to see the Bears back but it will be a hard fight.
Cheers
Bigbopper