Storm: We'll outsell Sydney game
By Dave Donaghy
September 19, 2007
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22443000-5006066,00.html
MELBOURNE officials last night thumbed their nose at doubters of rugby league's future in Victoria, predicting their Telstra Dome clash against Parramatta will outdraw the Manly-Cowboys clash in Sydney.
Amid persistent criticism from Eels boss Denis Fitzgerald, the Storm threw down the challenge to Sydney's footy fans by declaring confidence in more Melburnians attending the preliminary final on Sunday than Saturday's match at the SFS.
Both matches are on track to draw around 30,000 fans, but Storm officials believe a big walk-up crowd - and the addition of corporate guests - will see a record Storm crowd and a one-up to the Victorian "outpost".
A day after being labelled an AFL blow-in by Parramatta chief Denis Fitzgerald, Storm boss Brian Waldron fired back, labelling those north of the Murray River who are firmly opposed to rugby league in Victoria as insane.
"It's further proof that the future of the game lies in frontiers outside of traditional markets," Waldron said.
"We've had record pre-sales of tickets and I think that just shows Melbourne people love their sport and the game of rugby league can venture beyond the borders of Queensland and NSW."
Asked about Fitzgerald's comments, made the previous day, Waldron said: "I don't worry about all that sort of crap.
"We can only do what we can do. Other clubs would give their front teeth for the growth we have had. If they don't think rugby league has a place in Melbourne - they're insane."
Since the introduction of the NRL in 1998, of the 18 grand final teams, 9½ have been from Sydney. The half was St George Illawarra, a joint venture between Sydney's Saints and Wollongong's Steelers, who played Melbourne in 1999.
"The balance between Sydney and expansion clubs is pleasing," NRL boss David Gallop said. " And to have Manly and the Eels playing in the second-last week, and potentially the last week, is also good for the code."
:crazy:
