SEN’s Andrew Voss has urged the St George Illawarra Dragons to relocate their home match against the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs this Saturday night from Kogarah to Allianz Stadium to accommodate more fans.
The traditional rivals have had successful seasons both on and off the field in 2024, leading to a significant rise in attendance across various venues.
Following the Bulldogs’ tenth home win of the season on Sunday night, fans poured into the streets of Belmore, celebrating in scenes reminiscent of the 2004 Premiership celebrations.
This Saturday night’s matchup between the Dragons and the Bulldogs is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated encounters in recent memory. However, with Netsrata Jubilee Stadium’s capacity limited to 20,500 fans, Voss is concerned that the game could miss out on its full potential if it remains at the suburban venue.
“Dragons vs. Bulldogs is set up perfectly for Saturday night,” Voss said on SEN 1170 Breakfast. “As a rugby league enthusiast, I see this as a throwback to the 80s with the classic clash of red and white versus blue and white. It should be moved.”
He added, “I don’t know how it would work—whether compensation needs to be paid to the St George council or whatever—but it should be done. This game has the potential to be one of the season’s highlights. With the excitement following two big wins over the weekend, it’s worth arranging. If it takes 24-48 hours to get it done, then make it happen. Allianz Stadium should host the Dragons vs. Bulldogs on Saturday night.”
The Bulldogs have averaged 18,852 fans across their ten home games this year, while the Dragons have a median attendance of 15,479, almost guaranteeing a sell-out at Kogarah. Reflecting on these numbers, SEN’s Greg Alexander noted that the recent surge in crowd sizes over the past month supports the idea of relocating the game.
“I think the way the game is going and the recent sellouts, the crowds have been impressive,” Alexander said. “Selfishly, I’d also like to see it at Allianz.”
With the last four games between these two teams drawing crowds above 15,000 and the Bulldogs’ rising popularity and proximity to the venue, Kogarah is expected to reach capacity on Saturday night.
