Broncos Sell Out Stadium, Re-Sign Stars
by
Thursday May 29, 2003

The Brisbane Broncos go into Sunday's return to Lang Park full of optimism after it was revealed today that the 48000 available tickets for the match have all but been sold, and that the Broncos had successfully re-signed young forwards Brad Meyers, Dane Carlaw and Corey Parker.

Less than 1000 tickets remain available from Ticketek for Sunday's blockbuster against Newcastle, with the last batch of season tickets delivered today.  Suncorp-Metway Stadium has a capacity of 52,500 people, but after discussions with stadium management, the Broncos decided to hold back 4500 tickets from sale as a contingency for any problems that may eventuate.

"It was agreed it would be prudent to not sell the stadium for this, the debut match," Brisbane Broncos managing director, Bruno Cullen told the official Broncos web site.

"By holding back 4,500 seats we are allowing for teething problems in general and any hiccups with the seating arrangements. Just as importantly however, it gives everyone - fans and staff alike - some breathing space in what is an untried venue," Cullen said.  He asked fans to be patient on the stadium's first use, and club officials also advised fans to get to the ground well before the 3:00pm kick off time. With gates opening at an unprecedented 9am, there is no excuse for missing the action.

Parking is banned within a 1.5km radius of the ground, with 5-minute parking restrictions in place and well signed along Milton Rd and Coronation Drive. However, to compensate for the inability of patrons to drive, all pre-paid ticket holders will receive free public transport on presentation of their ticket.

The stadium has an undeniably intimidating aura about it, and is sure to have an impact on players when they run out on Sunday.  The final tickets are expected to be snapped up on Friday, and already Ticketek's web site prevents anything more than single ticket purchases. It will be the first time since the Round 18 game against Balmain in 1990 that the Broncos have sold out a regular season club game at home.

With the 48000 crowd guaranteed to lift the Broncos to the top of the NRL's average home crowd figures after understandably low attendances at the final four ANZ Stadium fixtures, the Broncos received another bonus with three key forwards signing on for long term contracts.

Dane Carlaw and Brad Meyers, who both represented Queensland and Australia in 2001, today signed on for four more seasons, while rising star Corey Parker signed for another two. Mr Cullen was extremely happy that the three showed faith in the club, and that the players represent the future. However, he is still very aware that the club faces an uphill battle to retain their squad with a large group of players off contract this year.

"These guys joined the club from school and it is obvious they want the Broncos to be their club for the remainder of their careers. I have no doubt that their signatures will send a positive message to the other players coming off contract."

Carlaw, 23, said that playing in front of 48000 people at Lang Park was a daunting prospect. "It's a fear of failure, you know. If you don't turn up to play, you will probably get smashed," Carlaw told Adam Daff of The Australian.

Coach Wayne Bennett has tried to play down the emotion and occasion with his players, but it will be impossible in the face of huge publicity and expectation. The parallels with the first Broncos game at Lang Park in 1988 are phenomenal, but the big difference between then and now is that there will be a full house.  Back in 1988, little over 17000 people, or half the capacity, witnessed the Broncos' 44-10 annihilation of defending premiers Manly. On that day, the 15 Broncos, some of the game's elite combined with raw rookies, was under enormous pressure from the Rugby League world, and particularly the fish bowl that is Brisbane, and they didn't let anybody down.

This new crop of Broncos face a similar challenge.