I recall a post by @Mitch suggesting Mestrov was keen to put an end to losing a home game to Magic Round...
By Christian Nicolussi
April 29, 2023 — 7.45pm
Baffled Manly and Cronulla officials say the decision to ask them to ‘host’ Magic Round games against Brisbane’s two home-grown franchises next week “defies logic”.
The Sea Eagles will be the home side when they take on the Broncos in a Friday-night top-four blockbuster, a fixture they have been involved in the past four Magic Rounds, but also something the new Manly management want nothing to do with in 2024.
Playing the Broncos at 4 Pines Park would have been a guaranteed sellout, and while Manly stand to earn around $300,000 for taking a game to Suncorp Stadium, they know they will need to contend with a parochial crowd whose interest in their own club has reached fever pitch because of their position on top of the NRL ladder.
The Sharks, too, are hardly thrilled about hosting a game against the Dolphins. The NRL newcomers have exceeded expectations and will be buoyed by the occasion of Wayne Bennett’s 900th game on Saturday evening. The Sharks hope the supercoach’s milestone will not hijack their own game.
Manly boss Tony Mestrov and Sharks counterpart Dino Mezzatesta will ask the NRL to ensure they do not meet the Broncos or Dolphins at Suncorp next year. Both clubs are contracted to host a game next year at Magic Round, which will again be played in Brisbane.
“If you look at it this deal, it defies logic - why would Manly want to play a home game against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium,” Mestrov said. “When I first came into this job it was one of the first things I asked about. We will certainly be looking at the contract when it is up at the end of next year. All we want is a level playing field; moving forward all we want is to not play a Brisbane team in Brisbane.”
The Sharks have won three in a row but know the Dolphins will need little motivation given Bennett’s achievement. There will be a presentation for Bennett after full-time.
“There are two Brisbane clubs now, which means two clubs have to host them in Brisbane, which doesn’t make sense,” Mezzatesta said.
Full Story Link:
www.smh.com.au
By Christian Nicolussi
April 29, 2023 — 7.45pm
Baffled Manly and Cronulla officials say the decision to ask them to ‘host’ Magic Round games against Brisbane’s two home-grown franchises next week “defies logic”.
The Sea Eagles will be the home side when they take on the Broncos in a Friday-night top-four blockbuster, a fixture they have been involved in the past four Magic Rounds, but also something the new Manly management want nothing to do with in 2024.
Playing the Broncos at 4 Pines Park would have been a guaranteed sellout, and while Manly stand to earn around $300,000 for taking a game to Suncorp Stadium, they know they will need to contend with a parochial crowd whose interest in their own club has reached fever pitch because of their position on top of the NRL ladder.
The Sharks, too, are hardly thrilled about hosting a game against the Dolphins. The NRL newcomers have exceeded expectations and will be buoyed by the occasion of Wayne Bennett’s 900th game on Saturday evening. The Sharks hope the supercoach’s milestone will not hijack their own game.
Manly boss Tony Mestrov and Sharks counterpart Dino Mezzatesta will ask the NRL to ensure they do not meet the Broncos or Dolphins at Suncorp next year. Both clubs are contracted to host a game next year at Magic Round, which will again be played in Brisbane.
“If you look at it this deal, it defies logic - why would Manly want to play a home game against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium,” Mestrov said. “When I first came into this job it was one of the first things I asked about. We will certainly be looking at the contract when it is up at the end of next year. All we want is a level playing field; moving forward all we want is to not play a Brisbane team in Brisbane.”
The Sharks have won three in a row but know the Dolphins will need little motivation given Bennett’s achievement. There will be a presentation for Bennett after full-time.
“There are two Brisbane clubs now, which means two clubs have to host them in Brisbane, which doesn’t make sense,” Mezzatesta said.
Full Story Link:
‘It defies logic’: Why Manly and Cronulla aren’t feeling the Magic
The Sea Eagles and Sharks will lobby the NRL to avoid hosting Brisbane’s two NRL teams in their own backyard at Magic Round again next year.
You are gold Terry.
