Forget the lure of money, Roosters need to stay on their home patch

Last week I spoke of my disgust in the scheduling of matches by the NRL. Well as we saw on Monday night, people voted with their feet.

Roosters' Shaun Kenny-Dowall on a break during NRL match Sydney Roosters v St. George-Illawarra Dragons at Allianz Stadium. pic. Phil Hillyard

Last week I spoke of my disgust in the scheduling of matches by the NRL. Well as we saw on Monday night, people voted with their feet.

After avoiding enthusiastic match day officials, this columnist had the pleasure of sitting on halfway due to the emptiness of the stands. It was actually quite sad seeing so many empty seats.

For years we have had to listen to other fans comment on how the Roosters lack support. On Monday night it was St George Illawarra’s home game yet only a tick over 10,000 were there. And they have two sets of fans.

Dragon Tyson Frizell is brought to a halt by Roosters Brendan Elliot and James Maloney at Allianz Stadium. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images.

This week there has been speculation about the Roosters shifting some home games to ANZ Stadium. Yes, this is the same ground that our great rivals Souths call home. If you haven’t already spilt your coffee, take a few deep breaths and remain calm.

While we will always trust Roosters management when it comes to making business decisions, this one will certainly divide many fans.

Like many others, I have a lifetime of memories attending matches either at the old Sports Ground and now Allianz Stadium. It would just make no sense to be playing games simply because it is profitable and/or better for attracting away fans.

The tricolours have a great record of winning matches at home. This advantage should never be compromised for financial gain.

How’s your head, Aiden? Dragon Gareth Widdop checks the brow of Rooster Aiden Guerra at Allianz Stadium. Picture: Phil Hillyard

This week the Roosters will play a home game at Gosford when they take on the Gold Coast Titans. This change of venue certainly makes sense. The Titans don’t attract mass crowds and it is a good opportunity to take the Roosters brand to another venue. The Roosters also have an alliance with the Wyong Roos so it is a good opportunity to build support in this region.

The win over the Dragons was another step in the right direction. The first half was dominated completely by the tricolours and it was only a gifted four pointer that kept the “hosts” in the game.

Bottoms up and Rooster Boyd Cordner is crunched in a Dragon sandwich at Allianz Stadium. Picture: Phil Hillyard

The star for the Roosters was enigmatic winger Shaun Kenny-Dowall. I have been watching rugby league for many years and never have I seen a player so deserving of the man of the match award.

“Skid” single-handedly saved two tries and scored two himself. He has been a revelation since shifting to the wing and his contribution week after week cannot be disputed.

Oh, and it comes as no surprise that the Roosters were on the wrong end of the penalty count, yet again. We have won one in the first 15 rounds.

Easts to win.