By PETER JESSUP
The size of the crowd at tonight's Warriors-Bulldogs game will have some bearing on whether the Sydney club renews its contract with the management of Wellington's Cake Tin.
Indications are that the fans will number around 15,000, well down on the heady 27,724 who saw the first game between
the two sides at the new venue in 2001, which finished in a 24-24 draw. That was an NRL record for the season.
In 2002, 24,252 watched a 28-20 win to the Dogs, but the crowd slipped to around 15,000 for the Dogs' win there last year and to 13,500 for the Warriors' loss to the Raiders last season.
But the late start (8.30pm) to suit Australian television will not help.
The Dogs have carried out far fewer community and media appearances, with the club smarting from sexual assault and drug allegations against players.
In the past they sent representatives a week in advance and the team have arrived well ahead of the game. This time they flew in on Wednesday, the continuing issues in Australia prompting the late departure. The Bulldogs' contract with the Westpac Stadium expires after this game.
They did well financially out of the first two games. The third broke even, as tonight's clash promises to be.
The host club has to pay airfares and accommodation for all NRL officials, plus some television costs, which is believed to be as much as A$100,000.
Both teams trained at the venue yesterday, with neither side reporting any injury problems.
The Bulldogs were on the field in the morning, then some players went to the movies and others to 10-pin bowling.
There was speculation this week that five-eighth Braith Anasta was shifting to rugby, but the word from the camp was he had had an approach but wasn't serious.
He has one year left on his contract anyway.
The rumours flying around Willie Mason and rugby have not gathered any substance.
Football manager Bradley Clyde said the club wanted to continue an association in New Zealand and the Wellington Rugby League, regardless of the renewing or scrapping of the stadium deal.
"We would be mad not to, there's so much talent running around here."
In Auckland, the club is renewing its link with former Mt Albert coach John Ackland, using him as a talent scout.
The Warriors have in the past preferred to sleep in their own beds ahead of games in Wellington, flying down on game day.
That preparation has failed to produce a win, so there is a change this time, the team flying yesterday evening and going straight to the venue for a training run.
* Visit nzherald.co.nz throughout the weekend for Warriors updates.
Warriors draw and results - 2004 NRL
Other NRL fixtures and points table
By PETER JESSUP
The size of the crowd at tonight's Warriors-Bulldogs game will have some bearing on whether the Sydney club renews its contract with the management of Wellington's Cake Tin.
Indications are that the fans will number around 15,000, well down on the heady 27,724 who saw the first game between
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