Poor crowds bely cracker weekend of NRL finals footy

September 11, 2017 1:13 pm.by Michael Maguire

NRL Twitter recap
THE first week of finals footy was a bona fide belter.

Just don’t bother asking Sydney Roosters fans how Friday night’s game was, as the turnout at Allianz Stadium was most disappointing.

The handful that made the effort were treated to a 24-22 victory as Latrell Mitchell and the Chooks took full advantage of an ordinary Brisbane Broncos display.

That defeat has put the Broncos on a collision course with the premiership favourites, Melbourne Storm.

Broncos fans realising they'll most likely be on the same side of the draw as Melbourne…#NRLFinals #NRLRoostersBroncos pic.twitter.com/3hEvvqRUGp

— Sportsbet.com.au (@sportsbetcomau) September 8, 2017

"It's not fair to compare him to someone else… But it's a clone of Greg Inglis." – Joey on Latrell Mitchell. #NRLRoostersBroncos #9WWOS pic.twitter.com/PvkLt8f7Ee

— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) September 8, 2017

Are the Roosters the worst supported team in the NRL? Huge game and still no one can be bothered to turn up. #NRLRoostersBroncos

— Travis Meyn (@travismeyn) September 8, 2017

Absolutely pathethic from the Roosters fans in that they couldn't sell out the ground. #NRLRoostersBroncos #NRLFinals

— Toddy O (@toddyor73) September 8, 2017

For just a moment, it looked as though Brisbane had dodged a bullet by losing to Sydney.

The Parramatta Eels were on track for a massive upset when they took a 10-4 lead into the main break at AAMI Park.

A few favourable refereeing decisions and some signature Storm magic later, Melbourne had reeled in the deficit and booked a place in the preliminary finals.

On balance, it was an entirely appropriate way to celebrate Cameron Smith’s record-breaking 356th game of NRL footy.

Melbourne are a good team but if this isn't proof the refs will be by their side this finals series I don't know what is #NRLStormEels pic.twitter.com/uiJERYbxvo

— J.R. (@dragons2194) September 9, 2017

What did we just watch!

Unbelievable!#NRLFinals #NRL pic.twitter.com/GuKLEA4qh2

— NRL (@NRL) September 9, 2017

What, you didn't think #RandomSouthsGuy was going to miss #CAM356 did you?#NRLStormEels
#NRLFinals pic.twitter.com/1EbA9Dv7Sz

— Sportsbet.com.au (@sportsbetcomau) September 9, 2017

Penrith fans must be marvelling at what a difference a week can make.

Having lost to Manly Warringah in round 26, the Panthers had the last laugh on Saturday night when they knocked out the Sea Eagles.

The NRL Bunker took centre stage once more with a number of dubious decisions, while the lack of bums on seats drew the ire of many a viewer.

You've just seen why fans refuse to go to NRL games. I feel sick. I don't even like @SeaEagles #NRLManlyPanthers

— BUZZ ROTHFIELD (@BuzzRothfield) September 9, 2017

Nothing visible here to overturn the controversial on-field decision.

Manly had their chances.#NRLManlyPanthers pic.twitter.com/kIsblwR3Im

— Jason Oliver (@JasonNRL) September 9, 2017

Darcy Lussick gives away a penalty, Nathan Peats at home like…#NRLFinals #NRLManlyPanthers pic.twitter.com/GKN2SK4KfX

— Sportsbet.com.au (@sportsbetcomau) September 9, 2017

It was very much a case of best until last as plucky North Queensland took on the reigning premiers on Sunday.

Missing Johnathan Thurston and a raft of first-team stars, the Cowboys only scraped into the top eight after St George Illawarra’s shock loss to Canterbury Bankstown last week.

Paul Green’s men proved most worthy of the slot, however, fighting from eight points down twice to snatch a one-point victory in extra time.

Again, punters could not help but notice the empty stands.

No point going on about crowds, I'm now convinced the @NRL doesn't care as long as they keep getting the TV $$$ #NRLSharksCowboys #NRLFinals

— Billy McGee (@billymcgee93) September 10, 2017

Love the energy of NRL finals footy. #NRLSharksCowboys pic.twitter.com/blpT4OL1XT

— Michael Beveridge (@mickyb273) September 10, 2017

Looks like another 49 year wait for the Sharks… #NRLSharksCowboys #NRLFinals pic.twitter.com/5eASuSEGN2

— Sportsbet.com.au (@sportsbetcomau) September 10, 2017

That leaves us with two fascinating matchups for the semi finals.

The Cowboys will come south again to take on the Eels, with the winner progressing to a prelim date with Sydney.

On the other side of the draw, the Panthers will trek north to play the Broncos for the right to face Melbourne.