Dismal start to 2015 for NRL crowds

[NlolRL]

Despite David Smith's bold aim of growing the NRL's average crowds to 20k by 2017 the NRL have made a dismal start to 2015. So far this year they are averaging a woeful 16,032 fans per game, their lowest average after round 2 since 2003. In fact it's around 15% down on 2009 when they were averaging near 20k after 2 rounds.

Yes, it's early days, but it will be fascinating to see how this unfolds through the year, especially given the weather can't really be used as an excuse like it has been in other years.

[ParraEelsNRL]

Wow, all this after 2 rounds.

[NlolRL]

yep. If it was merely below last year or the last few it wouldnt be that interesting. But to be already lower than the last 12 seasons is alarming, wouldnt you say? Especially given they are trying to actively grow crowds and memberships

[ParraEelsNRL]

lol, you can say this is down or that is down on last years numbers, but the same games on the same days in the same timeslots is something that can not be compared.

The Broncos have hosted 1 home game and it was a thursday night and they still managed a respectful 35k +.

Maybe it might be better to have a look at the individual clubs and see whom is letting who down instead of tarring the whole code as in a crisis?

[NlolRL]

As I said, its early days, but alarm bells must be ringing surely

[ParraEelsNRL]

At one or two clubs maybe if the punters aren't turning up.

Yet most crowds are around what they usually are, just that some of the biggest games that have kicked off the season over the last few years haven't been played this time. We had cronulla playing the broncos on a friday night with the kick off at 8:30 for crying out loud. You think young families want to take their kids out and the game not finish until 10:30? Some people in the NRL have rocks in their heads I swear.

No home game for Melbourne while there is no AFL on, how dumb?

Qld teams having delayed games because they don't believe in daylight savings? Well stiff, play the games at home for the first few weeks then.

I could say more, how about all these bloody thursday night games? yeah great for ratings but shithouse for clubs esp when ch9 grab all the big games to show which fucks up the crowds. I could go on, but they seriously need someone in there with a clue and someone who will stand up to 9 and fox.

[NlolRL]

At one or two clubs maybe if the punters aren't turning up.

Yet most crowds are around what they usually are, just that some of the biggest games that have kicked off the season over the last few years haven't been played this time. We had cronulla playing the broncos on a friday night with the kick off at 8:30 for crying out loud. You think young families want to take their kids out and the game not finish until 10:30? Some people in the NRL have rocks in their heads I swear.

No home game for Melbourne while there is no AFL on, how dumb?

Qld teams having delayed games because they don't believe in daylight savings? Well stiff, play the games at home for the first few weeks then.

I could say more, how about all these bloody thursday night games? yeah great for ratings but shithouse for clubs esp when ch9 grab all the big games to show which fucks up the crowds. I could go on, but they seriously need someone in there with a clue and someone who will stand up to 9 and fox.

the alarm bells are certainly ringing on this RL forum http://forums.leagueunlimited.com/showt ... 86&page=61

Comments like:
I think it looks very poor. I cannot work out if it is a sign of fan dissatisfaction with the competition or is it just a lazy/apathy thing? Certainly the number of people and cars i see flaunting souths merchandice every time i step out the door suggests its more to do with the culture of not attending

Looks worse than Friday night. This round had been absolutely shocking crowd wise

It's been a steady decline for a while now. Last night was really bad though. It's a combination of factors I believe. Out of towners can't be bothered now that is live and in HD, and sit at home rather than drive for hours.

[AFLcrap1]

40 k + tomorrow night will be a good start .
Pity dumbo is too gutless to take a bet about it ,after he claimed we wouldn't beat 36 k till Anzac Day .
Step right up dumbo .
Show you're not a spineless delusional liar .

You made a claim .
I want to have a bet you're wrong

[NlolRL]

its worth noting that over the last 12 seasons the lowest crowd averges after round 2 have both occured in the last 2 seasons, with this season being the lowest.

[NlolRL]

40 k + tomorrow night will be a good start .
Pity dumbo is too gutless to take a bet about it ,after he claimed we wouldn't beat 36 k till Anzac Day .
Step right up dumbo .
Show you're not a spineless delusional liar .

You made a claim .
I want to have a bet you're wrong

Raiderdave assured us there would be 2 40k crowds last week yet neither got over 29k. Also, didnt the Broncos v Cowboys get 50k crowds in years gone by?

[Raiderdave]

40 k + tomorrow night will be a good start .
Pity dumbo is too gutless to take a bet about it ,after he claimed we wouldn't beat 36 k till Anzac Day .
Step right up dumbo .
Show you're not a spineless delusional liar .

You made a claim .
I want to have a bet you're wrong

Raiderdave assured us there would be 2 40k crowds last week yet neither got over 29k. Also, didnt the Broncos v Cowboys get 50k crowds in years gone by?

:_<>
Lying n fumbletards
Hand n hand it goes

Where did I say thered b 2 40k crowds you gibbering flea ?

Come on
Ill wait

[NlolRL]

You got dementia pal?

[leagueiscrap]

40 k + tomorrow night will be a good start .
Pity dumbo is too gutless to take a bet about it ,after he claimed we wouldn't beat 36 k till Anzac Day .
Step right up dumbo .
Show you're not a spineless delusional liar .

You made a claim .
I want to have a bet you're wrong

Raiderdave assured us there would be 2 40k crowds last week yet neither got over 29k. Also, didnt the Broncos v Cowboys get 50k crowds in years gone by?

wow 4k more than 36k!
wasn't it going to be a sell out! 50k


the Broncos and cock sucking cowboys just scapped by to get 40k there.
looks like their only other game for the rest of the season that will draw 40k plus will be the public holiday game on ANZAC day.
next renovations of Suncorp stadium will be downgrading its capacity, to make the crowds look not so pathetic

[AFLcrap1]

Deflection alert .
I don't give a fuck if it was 40 or 50 k
It is still more than you claimed .
A claim you were too gutless to back up ..
Tell me dumbo .
Why post your outlandish bullshit ,if you don't have the balls to back it up .

You've shown everyone on here your true colours ...bright yellow .

[Raiderdave]

You got dementia pal?

Im still waiting u filthy lying flog????