The Brisbane boss may disagree but Wayne Bennett says he has no problem with the Broncos missing out on a Sunday game in the NRL season's final six rounds.
After consultation with broadcasters, the NRL opted to again give TV ratings winners Brisbane prime time evening spots when they unveiled rounds 21-26 this week.
Disappointed Broncos CEO Paul White said he expected a members backlash after missing out on a Sunday home game for another year.
All but one of their final six games are on a Thursday or Friday night - a round 22 away clash with Gold Coast on a Saturday afternoon.
Broncos coach Bennett said he could understand White's frustration but admitted broadcasters had a right to be consulted in the draw.
"Your best football is Sunday arvo, no doubt about that - it's still a tradition of the game," Bennett said.
"It's probably what we were all brought up on.
"But we can't have it both ways.
"I appreciate Paul's point of view on it but TV is paying all the money."
White said Brisbane families were being denied a chance to get to games without scheduled Sunday matches.
"Am I disappointed we are under-represented in Sunday afternoon football? Yes I am," White said this week.
"It just gives us a bit of diversity in our scheduling and gives families the chance to come to the game.
"Members are obviously going to be disappointed."
But asked if younger fans were missing out with no Sunday games, Bennett said: "I don't know (but) if you want to watch football, you'll watch it (on TV)."
Brisbane were one of 10 teams to avoid the dreaded five-day turnaround from round 21-26.
It takes the season's total of five-day turnarounds to 25, down from 43 last year, according to the NRL.
Their regular run of prime time games in the last six rounds ensures Brisbane will be fresh for an expected finals campaign.
Asked about the importance of avoiding a five day turnaround, Bennett said: "I don't worry about five day turnarounds any more.
"It's rarely what we do, and if we are starting to make excuses and carry on about it it won't help the players' mindset.
"I have two or three players here who have played after two days after Origin.
"No one is giving them any sympathy or pity."
Share
