NRL Chief Peter V'landys Rejects 'Delusional' Claims of AFL Dominance in Sydney
Peter V'landys, the NRL boss, has criticized claims that the AFL is overtaking rugby league in Sydney following a stark contrast in crowd sizes at recent events. While 44,053 attended the SCG for the Swans' grand final spot, only 19,124 were at Allianz Stadium for the Sharks' match. V'landys termed the notion of AFL dominance as "delusional," emphasizing that NRL commands far greater viewership in New South Wales.
Peter V'landys, the NRL CEO, has strongly dismissed the notion that AFL is overshadowing rugby league in Sydney, following a significant disparity in attendance at recent matches. The contrasting crowd figures at SCG and Allianz Stadium have sparked discussions about the popularity of sports in the city.
Significant Attendance Figures Show Disparities
During a pivotal match, 44,053 fans filled the SCG to witness the Sydney Swans secure their place in the grand final with a decisive win over Port Adelaide. In contrast, only 19,124 spectators attended the nearby Allianz Stadium for the Sharks' victory against the Cowboys, revealing a stark difference in attendance. The SCG's capacity stands at 48,000, while Allianz Stadium can accommodate 45,500 fans, leading to concerns about the future of rugby league in the region.
Reactions from AFL Commentators
Mark Robinson, a prominent journalist and commentator for AFL, remarked on Fox Footy that the attendance figures reflected the growing presence of AFL in New South Wales. He predicted that AFL would eventually surpass rugby league in the state, stating that it serves as a reminder of the increasing footprint of AFL in Sydney.
V'landys Resents the Allegations
Directly responding to these assertions, V'landys characterized Robinson's comments as "delusional." In a recent interview on Channel 9, he asserted that the AFL does not pose a threat to rugby league. V'landys emphasized that all evidence shows rugby league maintains a stronger viewer base in New South Wales, citing that the AFL sometimes attracts only 23,000 viewers from Sydney compared to rugby league’s million-viewer figures. He reiterated that no data supports the claims of AFL's impending dominance.
National Viewership Data Highlights Competition
Despite V'landys' statements regarding local viewership, national numbers indicate a more favorable performance for AFL during the finals. The Geelong-Brisbane preliminary final on Saturday night recorded a national audience of 1,322,000, while the Sydney-Port Adelaide match reached 1,183,000. In contrast, the two NRL semi-finals gathered audiences of 845,000 and 821,000 respectively. This increasing national viewership for AFL raises questions about the overall popularity of both sports in Australia.
AFL Grand Final Anticipates High Viewership
Looking ahead, the AFL is preparing for a record TV audience for the upcoming grand final between Sydney and Brisbane. Fans are encouraged to tune into the Seven network and 7plus on Saturday to catch the action live and for free, signaling a strong interest in the event that may further influence public perceptions of the sport in the region.
