21,000 fill stadium for NRL opener

Players were urged to avoid taking selfies with fans, and taking items from members of the public was prohibited at the NRL’s season opener.

Reed Mahoney of the Eels celebrates scoring a try with team mate Mitchell Moses. Picture: Getty

The Parramatta Eels defeated the Canterbury Bulldogs 8-2 at the NRL season-opener on Thursday night’s opener at Bankwest Stadium in Sydney’s west.

Thursday’s game came as fear around COVID-19 deepened, with the showdown the largest gathering since coronavirus hit Sydney.

The 21,363 who turned out to watch the game left thousands of seats empty, falling far short of earlier suggestion of almost 27,000 attending.

“I’m not a believer,” said Lorna Allan, who was sporting her Parramatta colours loud and proud with her family.

“My daughter lives in America and she said ‘I can’t believe you’re going to the footy tonight’,” the 59-year-old said.

But Ms Allan wasn’t fazed, happy to attend with her son, daughter-in-law and grandchild.

“There could be 1000 people here with the virus and they’ll get over it,” she said.

Lines were long, with less than a metre room between punters.

Masks were few and far between and few appeared to be have taken advice to avoid touching their own faces.

But the NRL was concerned. New measures to guard against infection made their mark on the playing field, with several changes made to the traditional routines.

Handshakes between players and fans were supposed to be out and back slaps in, after players were urged in fresh guidelines to avoid the greeting on fears it would spread the virus.

But in the opening minutes hands were shaken and fists bumped, with hugs and high-fives doled out at closing.

Players had earlier been urged to avoid taking selfies with fans, and taking items from members of the public was prohibited.

Mingling with fans was also to be limited prior to matches or on the field after full-time when friends, supporters and family members joined them.

The pathway in the downstairs bar, where Eels players typically greet the crowd, was cleared and tables pushed way back.

Collin Young, collecting coins for the Salvation Army, said he was deeply worried for his wife but had less fear for himself.

“My wife shouldn’t do this stuff,” he said, gesturing to the coin collection bucket he was jangling by the gates.

“My wife has a bronchial condition and this (virus) could be bad for her.”

Mr Young said he was has been assisting Sydney’s COVID-19 victims, supplying them their shopping while they wait our their quarantine.

“I’ve got two lots of shopping to do,” he said. “We’ll wear a mask, gloves, and leave it by the door for them.”

“I’m not at panic-mode yet, I know people who are.”