Welcome to our column, The Debate, where the Mercury sport team discuss the big issues in Illawarra, national and international sport. This week CAMERON MEE and JOSH BARTLETT discuss the possibility of fans returning to rugby league stadiums in July.
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Mee: It's remarkable isn't it Josh? We're not even back on the field yet and Peter V'landys has already turned to his next challenge. Given the way he's led the NRL throughout the coronavirus crisis, we really shouldn't be surprised, but still, the brazenness does come as a bit of a shock.
How do you feel about V'landys' push to have some fans, adhering to social distancing requirements, in attendance at NRL games later this season?
Bartlett: If there's one thing you can describe Peter V'Landys as, it's ambitious. We haven't even kicked off round three yet and he's talking about crowds returning. The idea seems unlikely in this current environment but, say a month ago, did anyone expect the NRL return by May 28?
It would certainly help pump extra money into the game, if done properly. But what is "properly"? Is it a case of families sitting together with a 2m gap to the nearest fan? Or do you make it mandatory to leave at least one seat vacant between all fans? And, I guess the biggest question for me, who gets the privilege of sitting in the crowds? What do you think, Cameron. Should it be the members and sponsors who get first priority?
Mee: Given many members have not received refunds for their packages this year, it's only fair they have first crack at tickets when crowds are allowed. That would negate the benefits of ticket revenue for the clubs, but it would be a good way to reward the game's most loyal fans.
On the big picture though, if we have a limit on crowd numbers, is it even really worth it? Let's say ANZ Stadium is only allowed 7500 fans inside the stadium, spread out across two metre intervals. Given the size of the venue, it will basically feel empty. There won't be any atmosphere for those at the ground or watching on TV and I fear the novelty of watching the game inside a near-empty stadium will very quickly wear off when fans realise what a chore it is to actually attend.
I say this as someone who believes it is always better to watch a game at the ground rather than on TV, no matter the circumstances. But I also know what Sydney rugby league fans are like and worry a staggered approach could actually diminish the likelihood of big crowds once all restrictions are lifted. Do you think some fans are better than no fans or should the NRL wait until all restrictions are lifted before they allow crowds to return?
Bartlett: I must admit, watching round two of the NRL with no crowds felt truly bizarre at first. But once you adapt, it's interesting and you learn new things. Eg. How much the players talk on the field. And as a footy fan and sports writer, I'm just excited to see the NRL back this week. I think it would be great to see crowds back, albeit with social distancing, but we've got to go about it the right way. If not, footy will be back in hibernation soon. If they can start with small crowds by July 1, there's room to slowly grow the crowds later in the year.
This brings me to another point. I've heard the AFL has floated the idea of simulating crowd noises when the game returns with no crowds next month. Do you like this idea for the NRL? Would it add some atmosphere to a match, or is it just obviously fake?
Mee: It's an interesting one, Fox Sports played music during replays after tries in round two to cover for the lack of crowds which really bugged me. I would definitely prefer simulated crowd noises to that music they used, but I don't think it's necessary. I love watching football, so it doesn't really matter to me whether we have crowd noise or not.
In saying that, if it's something that helps the casual fan remain engaged during matches, I'm all for it. It's so important that the NRL uses the next two weeks, and the rest of the season, to try and attract new supporters to the game while they have a bit of clear air before the AFL resumes. With that in mind, I encourage creative thinking and hopefully a bit of fake crowd noise will boost the viewing experience for those new to the game. What else would you like to see the TV networks try to make a crowd-less football match a better viewing spectacle?
Bartlett: I agree that creative thinking should be encouraged. Maybe the commentators could do some trivia questions with each other during breaks in play? ABC Grandstand tried that last year and I found it really engaging. One idea I wouldn't replicate is what that South Korean football club did - filling the stands with sex dolls. However, I did like what they did in the NBL grand finals, when the stands were filled with cutouts of famous characters (such as Timon from The Lion King and Cartman from South Park).
Either way, Cameron, it's just nice to be chatting about footy again. Speaking of which, the Dragons will re-start their campaign against the Warriors this Saturday. Their record stands at 0-2, but the Warriors have had one hell of a journey to get here. Should the Red V start as favourites?
Mee: I think so, the Warriors have endured a torrid injury run and it's not easy living away from home for so long. If the Dragons play at their best, they should come away with the two points, but we've already seen them let slip two games they had no right to lose before the season was suspended.
Given everything the Warriors have been through, they'll be desperate to start their revamped campaign with a victory, so it's going to be a tough, physical affair. How confident are you this match will kickstart a winning run for Paul McGregor's side?
Bartlett: One of the most interesting points about the Warriors have been getting a couple of injury replacements. The likes of former NRL stars Paul Gallen and Luke Lewis have been thrown up as possibilities, but I'm not sure how seriously. I agree, the Warriors have given up so much to be here and will be keen to have a red-hot crack.
For me, it's a must-win game for the Dragons with matches against Cronulla and the Roosters on the horizon. St George Illawarra certainly showed promising signs in their opening two games before throwing away half-time leads.
They just couldn't ice those matches, so again the focus will be on their halves. If Corey Norman and Ben Hunt can step up and fill that void, the Dragons will be every chance of winning at Central Coast Stadium on Saturday.
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