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Ngo leads charge against club fee FOOTY fans won't have to shell out their money just for NRL blockbusters this
season. Jim Beam Cup clubs will continue charging
spectators including ratepayers to watch their games, despite Fairfield Council
owning the grounds. The Cabramatta Two Blues charge $5 for its home
matches at Cabramatta Sportsground while Mounties also charge a fee for
admission into Cook and Mt Pritchard ovals. Mayor Nick Lalich has confirmed that the clubs
are permitted to charge a fee, which is then injected into the NSW Rugby League,
but ratepayers and councillor Thang Ngo are still angry. Under a leasing agreement, the clubs can charge
a fee in exchange for maintaining the grounds. "Everyone's happy with the arrangement
because council doesn't have to pay for the upkeep of the grounds the only ones
who aren't happy are the ... ratepayers," Cr Ngo said. Mayor Nick Lalich said the NSW Rugby League
determined the amount charged for admission. Two Blues general manager Larry Collins said:
"The club's doing nothing wrong. Most clubs do (charge a fee) within the
Jim Beam Cup." Mr Collins said the club charged spectators last
year school children and Cabramatta Rugby League Club members entered free. But "We're ratepayers," he said. "We
should be entitled to watch a footy game (for free)." A 21-year lease has been signed for Cabramatta
Sportsground, Mt Pritchard Oval is under contract until 2032 and Mounties signed
a 50-year lease in June 1982. Mounties had not responded to a request for
comment before the Fairfield Advance's deadline. |