In that regard, the great weakness is not the distribution of games but the little letters beside them - BO (Brookvale), RS (Remondis Stadium), PS (Pirtek Stadium), KO (Kogarah Oval), LO (Leichardt Oval). The small, in some cases dilapidated suburban venues which cater for hardcore fans, but which do nothing to build the family audiences and corporate support the game craves.
Despite the significant increase in kid-friendly afternoon games, the problem remains obvious. Until the NRL builds - or, more likely, joins with Football Federation Australia - to create a modern stadium in the west which caters comfortably for crowds of around 45,000, many games will be a hard sell.
ANZ is a very good big occasion stadium. But asking fans to leave convenient local grounds to watch relatively routine club matches there is like trying to catch a fish with a T-bone steak.
The current impossibility of putting all the best games in the best venues is emphasised from round one. In a gladiatorial sense, Manly v Melbourne Storm at Brookvale Oval will be heightened by the close proximity of the Sea Eagles fans whose faces - as David Gallop can tell you - are often the same colour as the club jersey.
But commercially such a wonderful match-up between two teams with a bitter rivalry and a clutch of superstars is surely wasted on the 18,000 at little old Brookie. Not that those 18,000 could be tempted elsewhere.
Question: 'Why did the Manly fan cross the road?'
Answer? "Trick question! A Manly fan has never crossed a road. Let alone a bridge.''
http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/marquee-friday-night-and-sunday-games-should-feature-best-performing-teams-write-richard-hinds/story-fndujljl-1226775419023
