'What a joke': Fans lash out after Reece Walsh and Broncos handed $100,000 from NRL
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.
Brisbane walked away with $100,000 for claiming the pre-season title for the second year running, but many are questioning why the prize money is so high. In contrast, the winners of the minor premiership only get $200,000 after 27 rounds, but the Broncos get half of that after just two trial games.
The $100,000 prize is believed to be a carrot for teams to play their biggest stars in the trial games, but it didn't really eventuate. While some big guns like Reece Walsh, James Tedesco and Kalyn Ponga did feature, others like Tom Trbojevic, Daly Cherry-Evans and Jarome Luai were kept on ice.
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."
The crowd reflected the ticket prices, with a sparse crowd watching the double header. Crowds were noticeably low for the three weeks of trial games, and many are calling for the $100,000 prize money to be changed to reflect the standing of the matches a bit more accurately.
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Even when teams fielded first-choice line-ups, they only lasted 60 minutes at best before the games turned into reserve grade standard. One person wrote on social media: "This is the most ridiculous idea ever introduced by the NRL. It's a waste of $100,000. Give 100 struggling clubs, $1000 each to stock their canteens."
Another wrote: "Think it's a bit stupid you get 100k for winning the pre season comp but only 200k for the minor premiers? Surely that needs to be more?"
$100k for a preseason Mickey Mouse competition, $200k for the NRL Minor Premiership makes sense
— Scott Williams (@JFHbiceps) February 22, 2025
Do it properly 25 players 4 quarters Round Robbin$250K to the winners Similar to Tooth Cup & Craven Mild Cup over 3-4 weeks teams eliminated play trials last team standing takes the money
— Alby T (@steele_sports) February 23, 2025
Gotta give clubs an incentive to lose their biggest stars before the season starts. Also, Minor Premiership should be $500k. @NRL can afford it.
— The Rookie Gold Prospector (@Hindle43985508) February 23, 2025
What a waste of time
— Scottie J - Man of Teal (@The_Man_Of_Teal) February 23, 2025
What a joke they made a "challenge" out of it. Bring on next weekend!
— DJN (@DJNMelbvic) February 23, 2025
This is a ridiculous format and trials are trials and not content for Kayo and Foxtel. Stupid!
— Hello/Goodbye (@helpmaniac) February 23, 2025
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