Cocky Saints fans snare finals seats
COCKY, arrogant or just plain passionate? Amazingly, the Dragons' Red V Army has snapped up four times more grand final tickets than fans from rival clubs.
It is a defiant message from Saints supporters ... they want back-to-back titles. But they still can't kick their Canberra hoodoo, with the Raiders triumphing 24-19 last night.
As of last night, Dragons ticketed members had bought 34.3 per cent of grand final tickets.
The next best were Brisbane supporters, who had purchased 8.9 per cent of tickets for the October 2 decider.
Cronulla fans are least interested, with 1.5 per cent of tickets bought.
It is startling to think Saints fans are so much more bullish about their side's chances than other clubs.
"This shows how much Dragons fans love their club," NRL chief executive David Gallop said.
Former Dragons premiership-winning captain Steve Edge believes the passion of Saints fans goes back to the club's famous 11 consecutive titles between 1956 and 1966.
"It's our culture," Edge said.
"It has been in place for many, many years, going back to the 11 in a row. It has been handed down from dad to son and it has kept going."
Asked if it is passion or cockiness, Edge said: "It is passion. The fans are still there when the side isn't winning. To have 34 per cent of tickets sold is amazing. Saints fans aren't afraid to support the team, under any circumstances."Former St George Illawarra centre Mark Coyne echoed Edge's opinion, saying there is again poised to be a sea of red and white at the grand final.
"It (the support) has put a bit of pressure on the players but it is fantastic encouragement," Coyne said. "It shows so much trust in the team to get there again. It is a great show of faith.
"Last year St George Illawarra were the standout side but Melbourne are back and Manly and Brisbane are hovering around. It will be a harder competition to win this year.
"No one has gone back-to-back in the NRL but there is always a first time. And plenty of clubs have won successive titles before the NRL."
Grand final tickets to the general public go on sale from 10am on Thursday.
"The numbers are a credit to everyone at the St George Illawarra club," Gallop said.
"The club has a rich history."
