NRL set to break records as crowds flock back to rugby league
Ticket sales are so strong for this weekend’s round of NRL matches that a number of grounds have already put up the ‘Full House’ sign.
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This could be rugby league’s first-ever sell out grand slam.
If not, the NRL will get as close as it’s ever been in 116-years to selling out every game in a single round.
Already six games are shaping as possible sellouts, the most ever in any one round, and some clubs still have four days to promote matches before kick-off.
The grand final replay between Penrith and Brisbane on Thursday night at BlueBet Stadium will be sold out, as will Friday night’s game between the Warriors and Canberra in Christchurch.
“We’re at 88 per cent sold right now (Thursday lunchtime) and expect the game to be sold out,” said Panthers chief executive, Brian Fletcher.
The Warriors pulled a 16,000 capacity crowd at Apollo Projects Stadium, the venue for Saturday’s game in Christchurch, during a pre-season game against Wests Tigers.
“We sold out this game back in early February,” said Warriors CEO Cameron George. “It’s really exciting and we’re really appreciative of the support around the country.”
Parramatta hosts rivals Manly at CommBank Stadium on Sunday afternoon with an Eels spokesman saying the match will draw a crowd of between 25,000 and 29,000, which is capacity.
Canterbury wouldn’t usually attract a massive crowd against Gold Coast but are now expecting a bumper turnout given the game will be played at the Bulldogs’ spiritual home ground, Belmore Sports Ground.
It is also the NRL’s Multicultural round.
“The last three times we’ve played at Belmore, we’ve sold out and I have no doubt our fans will turn out loud and proud to help cheer our squad on and try to get them across the line for our first win of the season,” said Bulldogs chief executive, Aaron Warburton.
“We know how electric the atmosphere at Belmore can be when our blue and white faithful pack the family hill and the grandstand. We’re looking forward to packing the stands out on Saturday.”
Wests Tigers haven’t won a game yet but the club is certain to fill Leichhardt Oval – nicknamed the Eighth Wonder of the World by locals – against fellow Sydney club, Cronulla.
“They’ll have to shut the gates again at Leichhardt,” said Tigers great Benny Elias. “Leichhardt Oval is a bucket-list item for any rugby league fan. The game has never been stronger.”
Friday night’s blockbuster between rivals Sydney Roosters and Souths will pull a big crowd but may fall short of filling the 45,000-seat Allianz Stadium.
“Ticket sales for Friday night’s game are really strong and on par with the same fixture last year, and we are anticipating a crowd of well over 30,000,” said Sydney Roosters chief executive Joe Kelly.
“This is our first home game at Allianz Stadium for the season and we are expecting a large turnout from our Roosters’ members and supporters. It is also the first opportunity of the season for Souths fans to watch their team in Sydney, so no doubt there will be a strong showing from their supporters as well.”
The Roosters are hoping for a large late walk-up from city workers.
Sunday night’s match between the Knights and Melbourne at McDonald Jones Stadium should also go perilously close to selling out in footy-mad Newcastle.
Melbourne’s unbeaten run coupled with Newcastle’s winless start will ensure immense interest.
Ticket sales are solid for St George Illawarra’ game on Saturday against North Queensland but may fail to sell out. Had Saints toppled the Dolphins last Sunday, Jubilee Stadium would have been bursting.
“Ticket sales have been solid for our first home game of the season on the back of great optimism around Shane Flanagan and the team. A family friendly Saturday evening at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium should bring a crowd of 12,000 plus,” said Dragons CEO, Ryan Webb.
Sydney has a clear weekend forecast.
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