Down, Down, NRL Crowds & TV Ratings are DOWN!!!

[Xman]

Taylor Swift! Hahahahahaha! As if any of the bogan RL crowd would also go to Taylor Swift!

[cos789]

Official List of Excuses for Low RL Crowds (updated)

01 .SL stuffed us up completely and we haven't recovered .
. The mergers put people off , merged teams don't represent their region , merged teams are too powerful .
. Dropping South Sydney put people off and put more off by coming back and will lose the rest by relocating or dying.
. Dropping the expansion teams kill any chance of becoming national .
. Dropping the other teams didn't matter because they weren't that popular anyway .

02 .We play to our "heartlands" .............. our heartlands are in the bush,
. These people don't get the chance to go to many games as ch9 chop and change times and generally play god.
. Ch 9 and Foxtel shedule NRL games on short notice unlike the AFL that lock the shedule all games in October
. Our heartlands seem to be getting smaller all the time .
. We're stuck in suburban times .

03. Sydney people are doing it tough and just can't afford to go -
. Mortage prices , fuel prices , public transport prices , battery prices for their remote control .
. $30 general entry, I was drinking UDL's at $9 per can

04 . It's a television game -
. And the game was on Fox or FTA so the fans were at home .
. Ratings are much more important than viewers .
. You have to count the regional and city figures even though they overlap .
. You have to count New Zealand figures even though it's not officially a state of Australia yet .
. The ratings were down so I guess a lot of people went out to clubs and pubs to watch it .
. There was a lot of sport on TV. ........golf , tennis , lawn bowls , motorsports , bowling , darts , WWWWE
. There were good shows on TV ... Bloke's World, Iron Chef, Bert's big brother idol lost on celebrity dancing MKR survivor.
. Couch potatoes count as real interested viewers .
. The report is not valid because it only shows interest not real support like ratings where the person gets off his butt and
. ............ sorry where the person changes the channel on the remote .

05.The game is popular but the team isn't
. Either that popular crowd drawing team is down OR that unpopular drawing team is dominating .
. It was an away game for that popular crowd drawing team so they couldn't use their memberships .

06 .It's the Sydney transport system
. Public transport is unpopular or it's too crowded because it's popular .
. You cannot expect people to go to the SFS just because people go to see the Swans at the SCG nextdoor .

07. It's the weather.
. Too hot, too cold, too wet or perfect for doing something else .
. Perfect for going to a Taylor Swift concert next door..
. You cannot expect people to go in weather like that even though there's room in the stadia because nobody goes .

08 It's the Time or Day of the Week .
. It was unsuitable to have a game on at the afternoon, twilight or night time or anytime really .
. It was unsuitable to have a game on Monday ,Friday , Saturday, Sunday or mid week .

09. It's the media
. Too little media , the unfair media ,the negative RL media , too much AFL media
. Our supporters can't read the media (nice pictures though)
. It's war ,according to the Telegraph ,an invasion ,even though football was here before RL ..

10. It's the lack of development by the NRL ,ARL , NSWRL and BRL.... and
. we're facing development from AFL , FFA and Netball .
. NZRL is sponging off Australia and Australia is raping the NZRL
. S14 RU is stealing all our players
. AFL is stealing our players
. FFA will be stealing our players as soon as they expand .

11. It's the lack of blockbusters .
. Sheduled against us was an another big game of .....RU , AFL, AL , NBL , ANL , WNBL.......
. We sheduled a game against another big game of .....RU , AFL, AL , NBL , ANL , WNBL......
. The upcoming Olympics (summer or winter) is grabbing everybody's attention
. The recent WC (FIFA, RU, Hockey, Basketball, Baseball, Cricket, Gridiron) is grabbing everybody's attention
. The recent RL WC is not grabbing everybody's attention - blame the AFL for one Australia Vs Ireland IR test
. Even the AFL International Cup is grabbing attention.


12. The government won't finance new stadiums , but when they do the crowds will be enormous.
. As long as all people are able sit close to the sidelines
. As long as the ends aren't too far from the action
. Now that our stadiums are built they are too big and look empty deterring more people

. Homebush & SFS - small crowds are a visual embarrassment
. Lang Park - now built , no excuses..
. Docklands - state of the art boutique stadium not used as too costly (low crowds)
. Melbourne Rectangular Stadium - Now RL is behind RU as well as AL and AFL.
. Perth NIB - now upgraded , nrl's wannabe team crowd about 1710 and going down .
. Gosford - new stadium , new savior for Sydney clubs except Manly who made a premiership year loss.
. Canberra ,Cronulla, Brookvale, Kogarah, Paramatta, Campbelltown, Penrith, Wollongong upgrades for no effect.
. Newcastle upgrade on the way when the club is looking at downsizing .

13. When they gonna have double headers , triple headers ...we can then claim the one crowd for each game !

14 . We don't have -
. A centrally located "home of football" like the AFL because we chose to waste money at the SFS next to the Swans..
. A centre of sporting excellence like the GWS willl have at Blacktown.
. The AFL's draft , management , development , clout , and aggressive approach to expansion ..
. $1.2 billion in TV rights.
. A decent game , (but that's the least of our worries)
, People wanting to play our game with more wanting to play AFL than RL in NSW in the last 5 years .

15. We do have
. Financially stricken rl clubs (all bar one) awaiting handouts.
. Financially stricken rl clubs unable to pay their CEO.
. Financially stricken rl clubs unable to attract sponsors or hold the one's they had due to misbehaviour.
. Financially stricken leagues clubs unable to support NRL clubs ,
. A new pokie tax that is gonna kill off the leagues clubs .
. A geographically centred stadium at Homebush suited to AFL blockbusters and the GWS .
. A new stadium built at Blacktown for AFL , because the NRL wasn't interested .
. A new stadium built at Homebush for AFL , because the NRL wasn't interested .
. Players wanting to leave their NRL contracts to play AFL .


16. When looking at NRL crowd averages
. You cannot look at Sydney in isolation - because they are pathetically low .
. You cannot look at Melbourne because they have no history there and because they are pathetically low .
. You cannot look at this point in time because historically crowds dip this time of year .
. You cannot look at crowds at the ground because the crowd looked and felt a lot bigger than the official low figure .
. You cannot look at the crowd on TV because the crowd looked and felt a lot smaller than the official low figure .
. You can look at past pathetically low crowd figures because that shows the present in a good light .
. You overlook that 25% of all rounds affected by SOO with the best 34 players either unavailable or backing up after SOO.
. You cannot look at NRL crowds because the focus is on SOO .
. You cannot look at NRL crowds because they are inflated because "they all do it" (just ask the Storm)
. You cannot look at NRL crowds because clubs are paid $100k to play to empty stadiums .
. You cannot look at NRL crowds because they contain freebies from passport holding Pacific Islanders.
. You cannot look at NRL crowds because they contain freebies from Moms , nans , nurses and carers .
. You cannot look at NRL crowds because they contain freebies for Warriors gear, doing a haka or singing an anthem.
. You cannot look at NRL crowds because they include players, officials, coaching, medical, fitness, trainers, boot studders, waterboys, catering, security, sales staff, turnstile staff, magazine sellers, cheergirls and people wandering into the ground lost .(you know most of the crowd )..
. You cannot look at NRL crowds because more people turned up to see Russel Crowe than South Sydney .

17. You cannot look at SOO crowds
. Because they contain a lot of freebies .
. Tickets still are expensive...spending $100 in Sydney to watch footie is way too much
. Spending $50 for the nose bleed section is way too much
. It is a big week in sport for Sydney so going to the game isn't part of it.
. The game is just too good to watch on TV
, Because the same same two teams play each other, then each other, then each other, every year after year after year.

18. Canberra is under performing
. Because now it supports two clubs .
. Both those clubs cannot find a sponsor.
. The sponsors have all gone to the new AFL club GWS.
. It's all a bluff because Canberra are renegotiating their stadium deal.

19. It's a bluff because "the AFL want some publicity".

20. We cannot look at specific crowd attendances because "8588 is a really inmpressive figure".

21. It's basically because rl is dying - but that is another list !!!

[Xman]

Here's an example why NRl crowds are so crap. A member on LU posted this comment in the Crowds thread: " Roosters will be lucky to get 10k with the weather. I was thinking about going but then stepped out on to curlewis street and thought...can't pass up a day like this! Beach burrito, north Bondi and beach road await."

So when it rains they don't go because of the weather, and when it's fine they don't go because of the weather.

[Raiderdave]

Here's an example why NRl crowds are so crap. A member on LU posted this comment in the Crowds thread: " Roosters will be lucky to get 10k with the weather. I was thinking about going but then stepped out on to curlewis street and thought...can't pass up a day like this! Beach burrito, north Bondi and beach road await."

So when it rains they don't go because of the weather, and when it's fine they don't go because of the weather.

Sydneysiders are not pathetic clingy morons Like Melbournians
they don't need to go to every game

they don't feel a sense of " missing out " if they choose to do something else

they have lives

unlike VFL fans

[Xman]

Here's an example why NRl crowds are so crap. A member on LU posted this comment in the Crowds thread: " Roosters will be lucky to get 10k with the weather. I was thinking about going but then stepped out on to curlewis street and thought...can't pass up a day like this! Beach burrito, north Bondi and beach road await."

So when it rains they don't go because of the weather, and when it's fine they don't go because of the weather.

Sydneysiders are not pathetic clingy morons Like Melbournians
they don't need to go to every game

they don't feel a sense of " missing out " if they choose to do something else

they have lives

unlike VFL fans

So now you profess to know the mindset of fans in Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne? AFL draws bigger crowds than the NRL in every single city bar Brisbane. it's not the weather or "missing out", it's just a better sport!

[Beaussie]

Here's an example why NRl crowds are so crap. A member on LU posted this comment in the Crowds thread: " Roosters will be lucky to get 10k with the weather. I was thinking about going but then stepped out on to curlewis street and thought...can't pass up a day like this! Beach burrito, north Bondi and beach road await."

So when it rains they don't go because of the weather, and when it's fine they don't go because of the weather.

Oh dear, lol

Doesn't get any more pathetic than that.

Did you see the crowd at the SFS today for the Roosters game? Awful, their so called fans are too busy eating burritos down at Bondi and what few Panthers fans there are, obviously thought a trip into the city was too much... too far.

[Xman]

Here's an example why NRl crowds are so crap. A member on LU posted this comment in the Crowds thread: " Roosters will be lucky to get 10k with the weather. I was thinking about going but then stepped out on to curlewis street and thought...can't pass up a day like this! Beach burrito, north Bondi and beach road await."

So when it rains they don't go because of the weather, and when it's fine they don't go because of the weather.

Oh dear, lol

Doesn't get any more pathetic than that.

Did you see the crowd at the SFS today for the Roosters game? Awful, their so called fans are too busy eating burritos down at Bondi and what few Panthers fans there are, obviously thought a trip into the city was too much... too far.

12,700 for a Sydney v Sydney NRL game on a fine afternoon is about as Embarrasing as it gets!!

But according to Raider AFL fans go to games because they think they may miss out! or maybe because they don't have a life!

It's yet to register with Dave that AFL fans are more dedicated and passionate about their sport and their club than NRL fans. this is the reason why the AFL crowds and membership numbers are over double the NRLs, despite the heartland populations being of a similar size.

[King-Eliagh]

League is far more tv friendly sport, thats half the issue with the lower crowds.

It's yet to register with Dave that AFL fans are more dedicated and passionate about their sport and their club than NRL fans

And your bias is clear within your wording here Xman. You have no evidence about passion and dedication to either sport apart from crowd attendance. Therefore you can only say

It's yet to register with Dave that AFL fans are more dedicated and passionate about attending their sport ...

That clear enough for ya?

I'd agree with unbiased Xman, he'd be half a cool bloke but alas he dont exist.

ps Xman, you're an idiot.

[Xman]

League is far more tv friendly sport, thats half the issue with the lower crowds.

It's yet to register with Dave that AFL fans are more dedicated and passionate about their sport and their club than NRL fans

And your bias is clear within your wording here Xman. You have no evidence about passion and dedication to either sport apart from crowd attendance. Therefore you can only say

It's yet to register with Dave that AFL fans are more dedicated and passionate about attending their sport ...

That clear enough for ya?

I'd agree with unbiased Xman, he'd be half a cool bloke but alas he dont exist.

ps Xman, you're an idiot.

How hard is it to flick on the tv and watch a match? It takes little commitment or passion. How does it benefit the club or the game? Sure, indirectly through tv rights, but you can watch other games on tv and still attend your own teams games. AFL fans attend games because it shows support for their team and also benefits them financially. How can a team see you are supporting their performance through the TV? NRL fans, in general, seem perfectly happy to stay at home in their comfortable lounge and pay no money for their interest in the game. No wonder the NRL is near broke.

[King-Eliagh]

There is improvement occurring in nrl crowd attnedances over the past years. While nrl fans arent always at the ground, this doesnt in the slightest mean there is less passion. Compared to marngrook, the sport is ready made for television, which has a counter effect imo. And being the truthful, factual, unbiased character I am we should add to this the fact that the AFL has done great work in fostering support and memberships for their clubs for decades.

Xman to suggest that nrl fans are not passionate or dedicated to their sport is complete bollocks. And you sir are an ignorant, one eyed bigot.

Run along now.

[Beaussie]

League is far more tv friendly sport, thats half the issue with the lower crowds.

Here we go... but, but, but...

It's yet to register with Dave that AFL fans are more dedicated and passionate about their sport and their club than NRL fans

And your bias is clear within your wording here Xman. You have no evidence about passion and dedication to either sport apart from crowd attendance.

I present Exhibit A.

Round 1 and KE told us all how much he was looking forward to attending Parramatta vs Brisbane. The game comes around and KE decides it's too cold and wet to get out and support his club.

Passion and dedication in the NRL is non existent for the majority of so called fans.

[Xman]

There is improvement occurring in nrl crowd attnedances over the past years. While nrl fans arent always at the ground, this doesnt in the slightest mean there is less passion. Compared to marngrook, the sport is ready made for television, which has a counter effect imo. And being the truthful, factual, unbiased character I am we should add to this the fact that the AFL has done great work in fostering support and memberships for their clubs for decades.

Xman to suggest that nrl fans are not passionate or dedicated to their sport is complete bollocks. And you sir are an ignorant, one eyed bigot.

Run along now.

Memberships as well. The level is disgraceful for some NRL teams. People don't love their RL enough to support them financially. Where is the passion?

Your "made for tv" argument is funny because if true it essentially shows how much more popular the AFL is overall. If the majority of NRL supporters sit at home they are bolstering the TV ratings because on any given day they can watch game after game and be counted multiple times as a viewer. Where as AFL fans can really only attend 1 game in that time because it takes at least 5 - 6 hours with travel included. Yet which supporter benefits their club or the game?

Really, if the AFL win the 5 city ratings so easily, yet NRL fans stay home to watch their game on TV, and AFL fans attend because they love the game, this shows the fan base for the AFL is so much bigger! =D>

[Raiderdave]

Here's an example why NRl crowds are so crap. A member on LU posted this comment in the Crowds thread: " Roosters will be lucky to get 10k with the weather. I was thinking about going but then stepped out on to curlewis street and thought...can't pass up a day like this! Beach burrito, north Bondi and beach road await."

So when it rains they don't go because of the weather, and when it's fine they don't go because of the weather.

Oh dear, lol

Doesn't get any more pathetic than that.

Did you see the crowd at the SFS today for the Roosters game? Awful, their so called fans are too busy eating burritos down at Bondi and what few Panthers fans there are, obviously thought a trip into the city was too much... too far.

12,700 for a Sydney v Sydney NRL game on a fine afternoon is about as Embarrasing as it gets!!

But according to Raider AFL fans go to games because they think they may miss out! or maybe because they don't have a life!

It's yet to register with Dave that AFL fans are more dedicated and passionate about their sport and their club than NRL fans. this is the reason why the AFL crowds and membership numbers are over double the NRLs, despite the heartland populations being of a similar size.

2002 if this was a rnd 2 game between these 2
5000
NRL crowds continuing their growth .. wonderful stuff

when you have one small club loacted over 50K's away from another small club .... on a warm bright sunny day that people have rarely seen all summer...
10ks from some of the worlds best beaches
I wouldn't blame anyone to opt out of this one
again.. Sydneysiders are not clingy pathetic melbournians ....

nearly 13K is a fine crowd .. well done Roosters =D> =D> =D>

[Xman]

But but....
12k for two Sydney RL teams is worse than A league supporter levels!

Shameful! Imagine if the AFL in Sydney got that for one team let alone the swans v giants! You'd be having a party! No amount of excuse making will justify this in RL heartland!

[Raiderdave]

But but....
12k for two Sydney RL teams is worse than A league supporter levels!

Shameful! Imagine if the AFL in Sydney got that for one team let alone the swans v giants! You'd be having a party! No amount of excuse making will justify this in RL heartland!

they won't get that many for one team in a year or two .. hell the midgits may struggle to get that many to games.............. this year


a pretty tidy turnout considering
bigger then most expected for these teams ....
well done Chooks fans .........