Cronulla fans preparing to take over Allianz Stadium in blockbuster finals clash
TICKET sales show the Sydney Roosters face being embarrassed in their own backyard as Cronulla fans flock to snap up seats for Saturday night’s NRL qualifying final at Allianz Stadium.
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THE chook pen is in danger of being overrun by Sharks.
Ticket sales show the Sydney Roosters face being embarrassed in their own backyard as Cronulla fans flock to snap up seats for Saturday night’s NRL qualifying final at Allianz Stadium.
A wall of rabid black, white and blue supporters are headed over Captain Cook Bridge as 62 per cent of ticket sales come from Sharks supporters preparing to ambush the Roosters’ ‘home’ final.
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In what shapes as potentially the standout game of finals week one, the prospect of the fullback duel between James Tedesco and Valentine Holmes, the race for the vacant Kangaroos centre spot between Latrell Mitchell and Josh Dugan and the battle of two big forward packs has fans excited.
“It’s going to be a big challenge for us coming up against a star-studded team,” Sharks skipper Paul Gallen said.
A crowd of up to 25,000 is expected for the clash. If current trends continue, that could mean 15,000 Cronulla fans turning the Roosters’ fortress into a pseudo Shark Park.
Roosters legend Anthony Minichiello urged his club’s fans to hit back against the Sharks and inject some red, white and blue into the soon-to-be-demolished Allianz Stadium.
“We need our fans there — the more fans there, the more they pump up the boys,” Minichiello said.
“I know the players can certainly hear it, they love playing in front of big crowds.
“We need our loyal supporters to come out and show their colours, for sure. Support us, get behind us and cheer us on.
“We’ve been pretty consistent all year and ended finishing first so I’m urging fans to get out and support the red, white and blue.
“Traditionally, it has always been a tough match against the Sharkies. It will be another big battle upfront.
“This ground isn’t going to last too much longer either so get out and enjoy it.”
Understandably, Penrith fans have bought 92 per cent of tickets for Saturday’s elimination final against the New Zealand Warriors at ANZ Stadium.
Roosters fans, however, are under pressure to turn out for the all-Sydney final in one of the final ever games at Allianz Stadium.
“It will be great to see two in-form Sydney teams playing for a week off and a pass straight through to the preliminary final,” the NRL’s chief commercial officer Andrew Abdo said.
“Ticket sales have been strong so far and Sharks fans have certainly led the way. The Roosters are the minor premiers and they will no doubt have great support on the night.”
The Sydney Swans-GWS Giants will play their AFL elimination final next door at the SCG just hours earlier, which should attract a bumper crowd of around 45,000.
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