“It’s too bloody expensive” – New Zealand veteran slams World Cup ticket prices
Photo credit: Allan McKenzie / www.photosport.nz
Veteran New Zealand forward Jared Waerea-Hargreaves says ticket prices are too high for the World Cup.
The 33-year-old Sydney Roosters prop, who will make his first appearance of the tournament against Ireland at Headingley on Friday after completing a three-match ban carried over from the NRL season, was asked about disappointing attendances for the group games.
“To be honest I think it’s too bloody expensive,” he told PA. “From what I’m hearing, the tickets are £75, they’re too expensive.
“General admission is £20, £30, £40 to come and watch some pool games, the community needed to be supported financially.
“You want to see full crowds and see what the atmosphere is really about, especially over here, it’s definitely one of a kind. The last couple of weeks have been a bit disappointing.”
Tuesday night’s Group D match between Papua New Guinea and Cook Island attracted a crowd of 6,273 at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington.
Back in action
Waerea-Hargreaves admitted he feared his suspension, imposed for a dangerous tackle during the Roosters’ defeat by South Sydney in the elimination semi-final in September, would cost him a World Cup place.
But he was able to count New Zealand’s warm-up match versus Leeds towards the ban and, after sitting out the group games against Lebanon and Jamaica, he can now look forward to getting his tournament under way against Ireland.
“It’s been quite frustrating,” he said. “You come away and all you want to do is play but I’m happy now I’m in the mix again.
“I need to get out and play as long and as hard as I can and hopefully that leads me into selection the following week.
“We’ve spoken about momentum going into the quarter-finals so we want to be playing our best footy this Friday against Ireland.”
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