Priced out of the game that I love

I used to enjoy cheering on the Maroons but cannot do that as the price of attendance has exceeded my capabilities

SAD: A reader hopes 2018 will restore failing enthusiasm for rugby league.

TOWARDS the end of 2017, journalist Phil Rothfield wrote an article summarising the NRL season. I heartily agreed with his comments and these were re-iterated on the Fox League Channel 502 along with the panel.

The first point was attendances at matches have dropped and the game is being priced out of the pockets of the average family man, especially those on low wages and pensioners. An example of the over-pricing is a comparison with other sports, especially NRL main competitor, the AFL, where a family ticket for two adults and two children can be had for $60. Try getting into an NRL match for that price.

Another example is The Big Bash where a family ticket can be obtained for from $48 which explains the almost full house at every game.

I used to enjoy cheering on the Maroons but have not been able to do that for a few years now as the price of attendance has exceeded my financial capabilities.

One can't help be annoyed to see 6000 people in an 85,000-seater stadium as occurs in Sydney. It does nothing for the image of rugby league.

The second point was the drop in TV viewing audiences. From a person who has played and refereed rugby league, the answer is simple: The game has become boring and predictable and contests have disappeared.

Scrums are a farce and if they are not going to be packed and have some contest about them, then get rid of them.

I hope 2018 will restore my failing enthusiasm for rugby league and it is governed for what it should be - the working man's game, and not one for the upper-classes who can afford to pay to be seen in the right places at the right time.

DOUG MOSES

East Ipswich