In a startling pricing decision that has raised eyebrows across the NRL, the Wests Tigers are charging fans more for the cheapest seats at their pre-season trial games than the league does for entry-level State of Origin tickets this year. The embattled club, coming off three consecutive wooden spoons, has set general admission adult prices at $42.60 for Friday night’s double-header at Leichhardt Oval featuring the Tigers, Penrith, Manly, and Parramatta.
For an actual grandstand seat, the Tigers are charging $62.60 per adult or a whopping $170.80 for a family of four. These prices are all before an additional $6 per transaction handling fee from ticketing provider Ticketek. By comparison, the cheapest seats for the blockbuster State of Origin Game III at Accor Stadium start at just $49 for an adult and $139 for a family.
Tigers Refuse to Comment on Controversial Pricing
When questioned by AAP about the high prices for a simple pre-season hit-out, especially in comparison to State of Origin, Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson bluntly responded with a terse “no comment.” Club sources indicated to AAP that the elevated prices were initially justified because Friday’s Leichhardt Oval event is a double-header. However, the star power on display calls that argument into question.
Penrith, the NRL’s defending premiers, are sending a reserve grade team as their top squad is currently in Las Vegas. Manly are similarly resting their biggest names like Tom Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans. The Tigers themselves are keeping prized recruit Jarome Luai on ice. Parramatta are also sending a weakened line-up.
Pricing Disconnect with Round 1 and Other Pre-Season Games
Making the Leichhardt prices even more perplexing is the fact that tickets are significantly cheaper for the Wests Tigers’ first actual premiership game in Round 1 against Newcastle at Campbelltown. The pre-season trial is also far more expensive than any other practice match taking place this weekend.
- Sold-out Redcliffe double-header: Cheapest adult seat $30
- Games in Melbourne and Central Coast: Cheapest adult seat $30
- Mudgee Charity Shield: Cheapest adult hill ticket $28, grandstand from $40
The Tigers’ $42.60 general admission and $62.60 grandstand prices stick out like a sore thumb in comparison. It’s a bold strategy for a club that has struggled mightily on the field in recent years and is desperately trying to reconnect with a frustrated fanbase. Charging above-market prices for a glorified scrimmage with few stars is a tough sell.
With the Wests Tigers already under immense pressure to start reversing their fortunes under a new coach in 2025, this ticket pricing controversy is an unwanted distraction on the eve of the season. The club brass may be hoping a free-flowing attacking display on Friday night makes fans forget the hit to their wallet. But for now, it has only intensified the spotlight on the besieged joint venture.
