LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a surprising turn of events, Roosters captain James Tedesco has shown support for the NRL and Cronulla Sharks amidst the debate about whether PointsBet Stadium is suitable to host a finals game.
The Sharks and Roosters are set to face off in an elimination final between the sixth and seventh-placed teams.
While some fans have suggested moving the game to a larger venue like Allianz Stadium or CommBank Stadium, Tedesco recognizes the advantage the Sharks have gained from finishing higher and believes the game should remain at PointsBet Stadium.
The NRL allows clubs to choose where to host their first-week finals match, and the use of suburban grounds has made a comeback in 2019 due to the redevelopment of major stadiums in Sydney.
This decision has caused frustration for fans, with the reduced capacity of 13,500 at PointsBet Stadium leaving thousands unable to attend the game.
However, the demand for tickets has been high, with almost all seated tickets selling out within an hour of the members' pre-sale.
Despite the controversy surrounding the venue choice, the Sharks and Roosters have a strong fan base, boasting a combined average crowd of 36,000 this year.
With 34,000 club members between them, it is expected that the match will sell out quickly when tickets go on sale to the general public.
Tedesco's surprising support for the Sharks and the NRL highlights the complexities of venue selection in the finals series.
While fans may be disappointed by the limited capacity at PointsBet Stadium, the advantage gained by the home team cannot be ignored.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the NRL will reconsider their decision or if the game will proceed as planned at PointsBet Stadium.