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Three reasons why Country Footy is better than the Big Time
By Martin English | May 26, 2008
borrowing from Derek Semmler’s similar post about Five Reasons why Minor League Baseball is better than the Pros…
A week ago Wendell Sailor made his Rugby League return from a 2 year ban for drug abuse. Quite sensibly his new employers (The Saint George Dragons) wanted him to have some game time at a lower level. This meant the Dell was playing just down the road from my house, for the Shellharbour Marlins against the Erina Eagles. It was the first game of Country Rugby League I’d seen in several years – Yes, the Jim Beam Cup is predominantly city teams, but the game was at Ron Costello Oval, Shellharbour… (see the video for an idea of what the ground looks like).
1. Cost
We parked on the street and walked in. $8 for me and free for my 10 year old son. Not only are the ticket prices cheaper, but the parking is much cheaper and may even be free depending on the team or venue.
Of course, if Rachel had come along (8 yr old), she might have wanted to leave at half time (It was cold and the Marlins were down by 22 points…). It’s a lot easier leaving early when the game costs less to get to in the first place.
2. Passion for the Game
Yes, the professional players have a passion for the game, but it’s disappointing to hear them complain about not getting paid enough, when they are living the dream of so many of their supporters. At the Jim Beam Cup level, there’s a good mix of ex NRL players and young up and comers, so you’re watching guys, both young and old, that may still have the dream of the big payday but also have a real passion for playing the sport they love.
3. Close to the Action
Cameron stood behind the goal posts – off the field of play, but behind the goalposts – after every try in the second half and had his go at catching the ball from the conversion, along with all the other kids. We managed this by standing down the end Wendell was attacking in the first half (the marlins were held scoreless in the first half), then getting up and walking to the other end of the field at half time. Try doing that at the MCG or ANZ Stadium.
As for being close to the action, look how close I got after the game (Cameron got to shake the man’s hand). We are standing in the middle of the playing field. The bright light in Wendell’s face (on the left) is TV lights. Both Wendell and the other players were very accommodating with the public’s demands on them. Again, try doing that at the MCG or ANZ Stadium without copping a $5000 fine.
So. Whatever your winter sport, get out and take a look at the lower grades. After all, you may be able to say, “I knew he was going to be the best that day I saw him play against ….”.
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