The decision that will have NRL fans ‘salivating’
The NRL is poised to receive a multimillion-dollar injection of revenue after the state government threw open the gates to Bankwest and ANZ Stadiums
The most difficult season in NRL history is set to end with a multimillion-dollar revenue injection for the governing body after the NSW government confirmed they would throw open the gates at ANZ Stadium for the grand final and State of Origin.
The Australian understands the increase in capacity to 40,000 people for the two games could be worth as much as $5m, although that may not necessarily transfer directly into profit. Regardless, every little bit counts as the game struggles to make ends meet due to the ongoing impact of the coronavirus.
The NSW government on Thursday morning confirmed that they would allow 50 per cent capacity for major sporting events at ANZ Stadium and Bankwest Stadium. The SCG has provided a plan that is being reviewed, but the expectation is that approval is a only a matter of time.
The NSW government is also working with NSW Health to assess capacity at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle and Panthers Stadium – both grounds have been pencilled in to host games on the opening weekend of the finals.
The hope is that the ACT government will also relax their stance and allow Canberra to increase the capacity for any finals games at GIO Stadium.
That will have significant ramifications for the NRL as they prepare for the finals series. They could reasonably expect to fill venues to the allowable capacity for those games, providing a cash injection that they would not have been budgeting for a week ago.
The temptation would no doubt be to move as many games as possible to ANZ Stadium or Bankwest Stadium given the extra capacity. However, it is understood the NRL will allow clubs who earn the right to play at their home grounds in week one of the finals.
That will be welcome news for clubs such as Penrith, who are destined to win the minor premiership and secure a home game in week one.
While Penrith still has work to do, it is understood chief executive Brian Fletcher received a call from NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo and Minister Western Sydney Stuart Ayres assuring him that there was no need for concern.
“We just have to sought our COVID plan out,” Fletcher said.
“We prefer to play our semi at home, not at ANZ (Stadium).”
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary punched the air and clapped his hands when asked for his response to the news that capacity would be increased.
“Firstly for the fans that is awesome,” Cleary said.
“We have had some fans out here salivating, just trying to get to games. It might prove to be a handy thing for the future to show how hard it is to get a ticket.
“For a few more to be able to come to those finals games is fantastic for the sport, fantastic for the fans first and foremost.
“Probably not a bad thing when you get held away from something you realise how valuable it is. It shows the experience of watching footy live – it is all great on TV – but there is nothing like coming to grounds.
“It was back to park footy days when we started the season playing in front of no fans or cardboard cut-out fans.
“Now it just seems to be growing. Players definitely feed off that. That is a big part of the excitement of playing and winning.”
Under the new policy, spectators who attend games will be expected to wear a mask when they are not sitting at their seat.
They will also be encouraged to wear a mask on public transport getting to the venue, when they are using stadium facilities, and walking to and from their seats.
While Penrith will host a game at Panthers Stadium on the opening week of the finals, they will also be given a say in where their games are played after that if they remain the top seed – games move to bigger venues after week one.
For example, if they are forced to play Parramatta, they are unlikely to play the game at Bankwest Stadium because it is also the Eels’ home ground.
Likewise, if they play South Sydney in the latter stages of the finals they are likely to push for somewhere other than ANZ Stadium.
“Our number one priority is the health and safety of the people of NSW, however it is no secret we’re also focused on firing up the economy,” Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.
“Safely allowing more fans at in-demand major sporting events will bring enjoyment, employment and help stimulate the NSW economy.”
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