NRL fans are once again questioning why the winner of the pre-season challenge (the Brisbane Broncos) were handed $100,000 compared to the $200,000 that the minor premiers get at the end of the regular season. The Broncos just pipped the Dragons for the $100,000 prize after recording a 50-12 win over the Titans and a 30-14 win over the Bulldogs.
The Dragons beat the Roosters 26-8 before thrashing Souths in the Charity Shield 46-26. The Broncos and Dragons both finished on 29 points in the pre-season challenge – which rewards tries and offloads – but Michael Maguire’s side won due to points difference.
Insane ticket prices add to NRL pre-season controversy
The situation was made worse by some absurd ticket prices for the double header at Leichhardt Oval last Friday night. Officials charged exorbitant prices because there were two matches (Manly v Penrith and Wests Tigers v Parramatta), but the Panthers fielded a reserve grade side because their NRL squad had already headed to Las Vegas.
The Tigers had touted it as the first time fans would see Luai in his new colours, but he didn’t play due to a niggling injury. Speaking on SEN radio on Monday morning, leading commentator Andrew Voss labelled the ticket prices “ridiculous”.
The Tigers set the adult general admission price at $42.60, while an actual seat (not on the grass hill) set fans back $62.60 for an adult or $170.80 for a family of four. All prices are before an additional $6 handling fee per transaction from ticket provider Ticketek.
By comparison, the cheapest seat for State of Origin III at Accor Stadium this year is set at $49 for an adult and $139 for a family. Asked last week about seats being on the same price level as State of Origin tickets, Tigers CEO Shane Richardson responded to AAP with: “No comment.”