Bulldogs, Raiders and Broncos fans have snapped up NRL GF tickets as Sharks supporters lose faith
Exclusive NRL data shows which fans are putting their money where their mouths are when it comes to grand final tickets, and which have given up hope despite their team still being inthe hunt. See the data inside.
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Cronulla fans have abandoned their side’s push for a premiership just days before Friday night’s blockbuster against Sydney Roosters at Sharks Stadium.
Exclusive NRL data which breaks down what club supporters have bought grand final tickets shows Sharks fans have absolutely no confidence in their side.
Unbelievably, just one per cent of tickets sold for the October 5 grand final have been purchased by Cronulla’s faithful.
Canberra fans led the field on 22 per cent.
Fans from struggling clubs including Wests Tigers, Gold Coast, Souths, St George Illawarra, Parramatta and Newcastle have bought more grand final tickets than Cronulla supporters.
It is a slap in the face for Cronulla players ahead of the big Roosters game at Sharks Stadium.
A side containing Nicho Hynes, Siosifa Talakai, Cam McInnes, Addin Fonua-Blake, Blayke Brailey, William Kennedy and Braydon Trindall still isn’t enough for Sharks supporters to head to the grand final.
Fans following out-of-Sydney clubs could argue distance and cost as a factor in avoiding grand final tickets but Cronulla is located just 30km from Accor Stadium, the grand final venue.
Cronulla secured a strong last-up win over the Dolphins but that still wasn’t enough to prompt Sharks fans into wanting grand final seats.
This grand final snub may open debate about whether Cronulla should now have the ability to host a finals game at their 13,000-capacity venue.
Tipped pre-season as a top four side, Cronulla has won nine from 17 games this year and sit ninth on for-and-against.
“I’m a bit surprised considering we were in the top four,” said former Sharks champion Luke Lewis, a member of the club’s 2016 grand final winning side. “We have a great side so maybe the fans can push them into another grand final if they get behind them.
“If the players know that the percentage gets up to 10 to 15 per cent – and knowing the fans believe in the team – then that could be the difference that pushes the boys along.”
Ex-Sharks prop Aaron Woods added: “I had four years at the club and love the Sharks fans, they are very passionate. They are probably just frustrated and disappointed with their side at the moment.
“Cronulla are dark horses, mate. I know people are blowing them off but they are a side that could do some damage on their day. You wouldn’t want to come against them when they’re flying.”
The only other club alongside Cronulla on one per cent is the North Queensland Cowboys.
Conversely, Canberra fans are buoyant after their club’s stunning season. Raiders fans have snapped up 22 per cent of all grand final tickets, the most of any club.
It’s clear Raiders supporters want to party like it’s 1994, the year Canberra last won a premiership.
“I am glad our fans have got in early and I hope we can reward them,” said Canberra chief executive Don Furner.
“We say it all the time – we have the most loyal and resilient fans in the competition. They sit at our games in 35 degree heat at the start of the season and zero temperatures in winter.”
Bulldogs fans have bought 19 per cent of tickets with Broncos supporters on 18 per cent.
Grand final tickets went on sale a week-and-a-half ago.
The table-topping Raiders play Parramatta this Saturday afternoon at GIO Stadium.
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Originally published as Bulldogs, Raiders and Broncos fans have snapped up NRL GF tickets as Sharks supporters lose faith