DERBY TO PULL BIGGEST CROWD SINCE MARCH
FOR the first time since rugby league’s COVID-19 resumption in late-May, an NRL crowd is expected to hit the 10,000 limit capacity.
Tonight’s traditional eastern suburbs battle between South Sydney and Sydney Roosters is tracking toward 10,000 – a crowd figure not reached since preCOVID-19 in mid-March.
All NRL matches have been played under biosecurity protocols which state stadiums must be 25 per cent capacity or up to 10,000 fans.
No attendance has reached that 10,000 figure since the NRL’s return due to infection rate fears among supporters.
More than 8000 tickets had been redeemed by Souths fans as of midnight on Wednesday.
While reluctant to predict a final crowd figure during a pandemic, Souths officials are confident the figure will nudge 10,000 by kick-off.
“We are on track to hit capacity for the first time postCOVID,” said South Sydney CEO, Blake Solly.
“I reckon this will be the biggest post-COVID crowd of the season. We will be pushing 10,000. Whether we get there, I’m not sure, but, certainly the excitement, redemption rate and sales have been far and away the busiest of the year.
“Hopefully this is a sign of people’s increased confidence to get out and go to a game coming into the finals and also a sign of the rivalry between the two clubs.
“Members of all clubs have been extraordinary in their loyalty and passion in a really difficult year. Hopefully, with the increased crowd numbers, and falling infections, they are being rewarded by being able to watch games live.”
The Roosters sit third in the NRL competition table, Souths back in seventh. Victory would seal a home final for the Roosters, while a win would give Souths the chance to host a home final too.
“It is one of the great rivalries in world sport,” Solly said.
“I’m sure that is driving a lot of the enthusiasm to get out and watch as well. We are two clubs that love this game and look forward to it every year and so did our members.”