Coronavirus: Newcastle Knights member Arabella Zucchetto ‘shocked’ at closure stadium
The questions are starting to stack up. Will NRL club memberships be refunded if all games are played behind closed doors?
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Newcastle Knight member Arabella Zucchetto is one of the red and blues’ biggest fans and admits she won’t be demanding the club give her back a refund amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The entire NRL season could be played behind closed doors after Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced this week a ban on outdoor gatherings of more than 500 people could last more than six months.
For Knights members it’s now up in the air whether they’ll actually get to see another game and be among the action for the rest of the season — what their money paid for.
It ignites the question, what will happen and will they compensated?
“Everyone is disappointed, we’re all shocked with what is happening with the game and everyone is shocked at what is happening locally,” Zucchetto said.
“We were just so keen for footy to be back, the countdown has been on, everyone has been making plans.”
Zucchetto who goes to games with her Knights-obsessed son, Dante, said this year for the first time she purchased two full memberships.
Only to hear the news, that from Round 2, games will be behind closed doors.
But while she admits some fans are demanding their money back, she wants to support the club the best way she can.
“I won’t be rushing out to get a refund,” she said.
“We love the club, we love the players and we care about their welfare.
“The talk around memberships is where everyone is very opinionated.
“I can understand there are some people will be asking for their money back, unfortunately with everything due to coronavirus some people don’t have leave entitlement, who are losing their jobs.
“Some people pay significant money for their memberships and if it comes down to it, you’d want that money for a roof over your head and food on the table.
“While some feel you have committed the money and should support the club.”
The other question is whether those forced to stay out of the stadiums can watch at home, with free-to-air Channel 9 broadcasting some games but most viewed on paid subscriptions Fox Sports and Kayo.
Luckily for Zucchetto she has Foxtel.
“I can understand how other families can’t outlay that and could essentially miss out. It’s not always easy to go out to a pub or club,” she said.
“It’s a shit show at the moment. Fans just don’t know what will happen.
“Also talks with the NRL, whether there is a game shutdown whether the game will survive, that’s what has got people concerned.
“Everyone who loves the game wants it to survive, but given where everyone is at, I think there’s other people that need help and handout prior to the NRL needing it.
“Everyone is in a difficult scenario.”
It seems the NRL clubs are none the wiser on the future of the game, and what will happen with memberships.
A statement on the Knights website on the weekend said, “We will now need time to assess this situation before providing further communication to Members, so we appreciate your patience while we work through this unprecedented situation.
“Now, as much as ever, we value your constant support and understanding. Rugby League is known for its resilience and we know we will work through this together.
“We would ask that you hold tight and await further information, as we won’t be able to provide any answers over the phone or email at this point.
“We will be in touch again via email once we have further information to share with you.”
Watch this space!