NRL: League fans support play-off plans

League fans are adamant that any NRL play-off at Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium will not be a problem if it takes place on the same night the Rugby world Cup kicks off. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Comments from a former Auckland transport leader that an NRL official is "bone-headed" have been slammed by league fans.

Former Auckland Regional Council chairman Mike Lee made the comment after the NRL football operations director Nathan McGuirk would not change the date of a potential Warriors home playoff game, just because it would clash with the September 9 opening match of the Rugby World Cup.

The scheduling was "pretty dumb," Lee said, "because if they could schedule it on a subsequent night they would surely draw a bigger crowd to Mt Smart, and hopefully they can show some flexibility".

The New Zealand Herald has been flooded with comments criticising Lee for the comments.

"Mike Lee quite possibly is the only "bone-head" here," Rochelle Johnson wrote. "He makes it sound like the NRL have just scheduled their 4 vs 5 play-off match. This would have been scheduled some time at the end of 2010. It is the same play-off schedule, on the same weekend, that the NRL have had in place for YEARS. Changing it means upsetting other teams that have played 24 rounds, to get their ranking in the top 8. I don't think I'm the only one who thinks Mike Lee's comments are ridiculous."

"There are plenty of rate-payers in the Auckland area who have no interest in the Rugby World Cup, but we're not complaining."

John also agreed Lee was the "bone head".

"If Auckland can't hold some 90,000 people in one evening then something is seriouly wrong with the Auckland Council. How does the "bonehead" intend to promote Auckland as a venue if we can't hold 90,000 people - get on with the job you are paid for & stop moaning."

Prem said it was a "dumb comment" and the clash would be an opportunity to test Auckland's transport system.

"[The] Warriors haven't made it yet and if they do will be a buzz for Auckland, what a weekend that will. Perhaps a good chance to look at fixing transport problem in Auckland."

Rod Treadaway said the possible clash had been known for some time and felt league was getting a raw deal.

"Does [Lee] think there is only one sport worthy of transport support? Other countries can cope with more than one sport being played same day, why can't Auckland? Rugby is not God and the sooner people realise it the better."

John Wetere agreed Lee sounded "anti-league".

"Why don't we use this as a platform show to the world that we're known for our No.8 can do attitude?" he asked.

"Maori Warrior" said the city should be proud to ("hopefully") host both events in the one city.

"I'm a rugby fan to the end, but I'm proud the Warriors are doing this well in the NRL. I hope we do host both events and do it well. Would be good for both codes."

Meanwhile Auckland mayor Len Brown was confident the city could handle the two events.

"September 9 is going to be a great night. The RWC opening night party on the waterfront including the most impressive fireworks display ever seen here. The ABs versus Tonga in the opening game at Eden Park. And fingers crossed, a great NRL home semi at Mount Smart. This will be Auckland at its best and I know all of the agencies involved are working hard to ensure the night goes well. I've always said Auckland needs to be an events capital. This is proof we can be."

One opinion was commonly held in all the correspondence: "Go the Warriors!"

- HERALD ONLINE