NRL Clash Between Parramatta, Wests Expected To Draw More Than 40,000 Fans

The "Easter resurrection" of National Rugby League crowds in Sydney was "set to continue" with Monday's "blockbuster between the Parramatta Eels and Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium on track to post 40,000-plus fans," according to Sam Alexander of the Sydney DAILY TELEGRAPH. Following a "slow start to the season, in which crowd numbers have dropped by a worrying 15 per cent, the NRL has hit back this Easter long weekend through some exciting fixtures to have fans reeling." The Bulldogs' "thrilling one-point win over the Rabbitohs on Good Friday attracted the biggest Sydney crowd of the season with 43,255 turning up to ANZ Stadium." With both the Eels and Tigers in "red hot form having won their past three games," Parramatta CEO Scott Seward is hoping that the Easter Monday crowd can "surpass Friday's bumper attendance." Seward: "It's great to see the Parramatta Eels members and fans getting behind the team and turning out in huge numbers" (DAILY TELEGRAPH, 4/21).