Good positive article except I disagree on his response to the price of admission. It is too high, and does adversely affect the number of spectators.
It seems to me that the fans at the ground are the least considered by the NRL and individual clubs when they should be the priority. For example:
1. I want to see all my grades playing at the one venue, starting with the Under 20s, then the reserves and first grade. Go back to how it used to be. Perhaps then people will be able to justifying spending $25 to sit on the hill.
2. I don't want to have to wait 40 minutes between matches. This warming up on the ground robs me of much of the excitement of seeing the team run on for the first time. Again, go back to warming up out of sight.
3. Unfortunately the 'entertainment' at Brookie is of the 1960's vintage. Picking 'nuffies from the crowd to kick goals. Please. That's pathetic. The Seabirds try but really it is not a great spectacle.
Create better value for money and the crowds will come. That leads to better atmosphere and, most times, a better match. Better atmosphere at the match also creates a better spectacle on TV, and encourages some of the couch potatoes to get to the match.
Not that complicated, really. Make the game day experience the priority, and the rest will follow.