LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The Panthers have found themselves in a bit of a pickle, with star players including Tom Trbojevic and Jarome Luai missing from Friday night's pre-season clash against Manly.
The absence of these key players, along with others from various teams, has raised eyebrows and added to the frustration of fans, especially considering the $100,000 prize up for grabs in the Pre-Season Challenge.
With Cleary's premiership-winning Panthers gearing up to face Cronulla in Las Vegas, it's no surprise they're not playing in the pre-season games.
However, the discrepancy in prize money between the minor premiership and pre-season winners has left many scratching their heads.
The scheduling of the pre-season games, combined with the challenges of player availability and travel, has presented clear issues for the NRL.
While the prize money aims to entice top players to participate, it seems that the current setup is not quite hitting the mark.
Wests Tigers fans have also voiced their displeasure over ticket prices, which range from $42 to $92 for adults and start at $29 for kids/juniors.
The steep costs, especially in the current economic climate, have left many supporters feeling frustrated, particularly with the absence of key players in the double-header.
Overall, the Panthers' situation and the ongoing fan frustrations highlight the need for a reevaluation of pre-season arrangements and ticket pricing in the NRL.
It's a reminder that even in the world of Rugby League, balancing competition, fan experience, and financial considerations is a tricky game.