Panthers chief government Brian Fletcher has discovered an unlikely ally after slamming the NRL for scheduling the Broncos’ preliminary last at their residence floor.
Fletcher referred to as for the governing physique to shift all remaining finals to impartial grounds, claiming Kevin Walters’ outfit achieve an unfair benefit by taking part in at Suncorp Stadium.
Meanwhile, the minor premiers face off in opposition to the Storm at Accor Stadium, a 41km drive down the M4 motorway away from their residence floor.
Watch each sport of The 2023 NRL Telstra Finals Series earlier than the Grand Final Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo Sports. Join now and begin streaming immediately >
Broncos nice Darren Lockyer, who can be a membership director, surprisingly agreed with Fletcher’s feedback.
“Yes, I mean there’s no doubt the Broncos get an advantage playing at Suncorp … It is a huge advantage,” Lockyer mentioned on WWOS.
“We look at what Suncorp does for a Queensland team and I’ve got no doubt the performance they had against the Storm, the Broncos, a lot of credit would go to the atmosphere in the crowd.
“I think there’s a legitimate argument there.
“It is a commercial decision. When the finals start the NRL takes over and effectively you’ve got 50,000 at Suncorp as opposed to (25,000 at BlueBlue Stadium)… It’s not the Broncos’ fault.
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
‘They’ve been so good without him’ | 01:24
MORE NRL NEWS
‘ABSOLUTELY ZERO IMPACT’: Legend goes berserk after Tigers’ controversial call
‘RIVAL CLUBS WOULD BE QUEUED UP’: Broncos’ bumper $5 million deal revealed
BULA RE-SIGNS: Star rookie’s staggering $2.7m rise as Tigers make massive move
“It’s a commercial decision that the NRL’s made. They think they can fit more bums on seats at Accor Stadium.”
League legend Wally Lewis additionally echoed Lockyer’s opinion, pointing to Brisbane’s win over the Storm within the first week of finals.
“I agree with Locky — the crowd played an enormous role in that last game. I haven’t seen Melbourne blown away like that for a long, long time,” Lewis mentioned.
“But I just didn’t give them any hope at the start of the week.
“That didn’t change throughout the course of the game, that was a wonderful performance from the Broncos, that’s as well as I’ve seen them play for at least 12 moths.”
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
