NRL: Salary scandal no problem for Storm fans

The Storm have recorded the highest percentage increase in average crowds among the 16 NRL clubs. Photo / Getty Images

The Melbourne Storm's average crowds are up 60 per cent this season, despite the NRL club playing for no points.

The Storm, whose competition points for the 2010 season were stripped as part of the the club's penalty for serious salary cap breaches, have recorded the highest percentage increase in average crowds among the 16 NRL clubs.

With only four home games so far this season, Melbourne have been helped to an average crowd of around 21,000 by playing three games at Etihad Stadium and one as part of the opening weekend of the new AAMI Park.

Both have much larger capacities than the Storm's old "graveyard", Olympic Park.

Parramatta's average home crowds have increased by 50 per cent and Canberra's by 34 per cent.

Monday Night Football attendances have increased by 20 per cent, boosted by the largest ever crowd since the concept was introduced, 30,120 for the Easter Monday clash between South Sydney and Canterbury.

Overall, crowds for NRL games have increased by 4.2 per cent.

The news hasn't been as good for the game's television ratings, with only Sydney recording an increase, of just two per cent.

Brisbane ratings are down 12 per cent, regional ratings down nine per cent and Fox Sports ratings down 12 per cent.

The NRL argues the figures reflect drops all-round on free-to-air TV following the introduction of multi-channels and changes to how the information is gathered.

Club memberships were up 21 per cent by mid-April with Parramatta leading the way, increasing theirs by 98 per cent.

The Warriors are the worst performers with a drop of 29 per cent, while the Storm's dropped eight per cent.

An NRL survey has found fans' satisfaction with the health of the game has increased from a score of 6.5 last year to 7.1 in 2010.

Satisfaction with off-field behaviour has reached its highest score yet at 6.7.

Sponsorship has generated an extra $3 million in revenue.

"It's a measure of the game's underlying strength and of the excitement rugby league generates among fans week in and week out, NRL chief executive David Gallop said in a statement.

"From time to time there are always going to be issues to deal with but it's clear that the fans are finding the (competition) more enthralling with every year.

"The speed, skill and power that are a feature of every match are unique as is the unpredictability of the competition itself."

- AAP pm