Fan Frustration Grows Over Expensive Pre-Season Ticket Prices
Anger over high ticket prices is expected to rise following the release of team lineups for the upcoming pre-season games.
The Penrith Panthers have opted to field a second-string squad for Friday night’s clash against Manly, while Sea Eagles star Tom Trbojevic and Wests Tigers marquee signing Jarome Luai are among several big names missing from the Leichhardt Oval double-header. The Tigers face Parramatta Eels in the second match at their home ground, but the number of high-profile absentees has reignited debate over the cost of tickets and the $100,000 prize for the club that wins the NRL Pre-Season Challenge.
Prize Money Raises Eyebrows Amid Player Absences
Penrith’s four-time premiership-winning coach Ivan Cleary is prioritizing the club’s Las Vegas season opener against Cronulla, making the decision to rest key players expected. However, it raises questions given the significant prize money on offer.
For comparison, the NRL minor premiers only receive $200,000 for finishing top of the table after an entire season, making the $100,000 reward for just two pre-season matches seem excessive.
Adding to the complexity, many big-name stars regularly miss pre-season games due to the NRL All Stars match and the logistics of teams traveling to Las Vegas for round one. League officials are clearly attempting to maximize broadcast revenue by structuring the pre-season like a regular NRL round, but their financial incentives to encourage top players to participate aren’t working.
Tigers Fans Outraged Over Ticket Costs
The ticket pricing issue is nothing new, as Wests Tigers fans were vocal about their frustration when prices were first revealed last year. On social media, supporters expressed outrage over ticket costs, with adult tickets ranging from $42 to $92, and junior tickets (ages 5-15) starting at $29—slightly less for club members.
For a family of four, the cheapest tickets cost $114, while premium seats go as high as $257—all for a pre-season double-header.
Although the price covers two matches, many fans believe it’s too expensive for pre-season football, especially during a cost-of-living crisis. Now, with so many star players missing, supporters are justified in feeling short-changed.
Top Players Rested Ahead of NRL Season
When tickets initially went on sale, Tigers officials promoted the match against the Eels as a chance for fans to see Benji Marshall’s new-look squad in action. However, Jarome Luai, the club’s biggest signing, is not playing, nor is co-captain Api Koroisau. While new recruits Jack Bird, Royce Hunt, and Terrell May will feature, the absence of veteran prop David Klemmer has raised questions about his future at the club.
Manly coach Anthony Seibold has also decided to rest many of his top players, with Tom and Jake Trbojevic, Luke Brooks, Haumole Olakau’atu, and captain Daly Cherry-Evans all sitting out against Penrith’s second-string team. However, Reuben Garrick, Tolu Koula, and Lehi Hopoate provide some NRL experience for the Sea Eagles, while new recruits Jazz Tevaga, Siosiua Taukeiaho, Michael Chee Kam, and Chris Patolo will also take the field.
Meanwhile, Parramatta Eels coach Jason Ryles has named a stronger lineup for Friday night’s second match, with star signing Zac Lomax making his club debut at centre. Other key players including J’maine Hopgood, Ryan Matterson, Luca Moretti, Matt Doorey, and Sean Russell will also feature. However, Ryles has chosen to rest his two biggest stars, Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown, ahead of their round one clash with the Melbourne Storm.
With marquee players missing and ticket prices soaring, fans are left questioning whether pre-season matches are worth the cost, especially when many of the league’s biggest names won’t be on the field.
