Stadium fan-friendly: Cutmore

 By JACK AMI

PAPUA New Guinea Rugby Football League chief executive officer Bob Cutmore said it was a sight to see an estimated 15,000 fans witness the PNG Hunters and Penrith Panthers trial match at the new National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Saturday.

Cutmore commanded the capacity crowd for their attendance at the NFS as a record making event in the first game and test event on the redeveloped former Lloyd Robson Oval.

“I think it is amazing that so many people turned up in the evening to support our boys who played well under lights,” Cutmore said.

“This is a great atmosphere and I intend to see more of these crowds (numbers) during the Hunters Queensland Cup matches.”

Cutmore was pleased with the behaviour of the spectators, who at enjoyed good standard of football and saw one NRL star in Jamie Soward – ply his craft.

The PNGRFL boss said fans of the Hunters and rugby league in general needed to take ownership of the venue as it was of world class standard and they needed to support their team in the spirit of the game.

Cutmore said the inner fence allowed fans to get as close to the action as possible but they in turn needed to respect the rules of the venue.

At the Lloyd Robson Oval the a two-metre provided a barrier between the spectators and the field of play but at the NFS the height of the fence was a standard 1.2m giving fans a closer expereince than was possible at the same venue two years ago.

He said the onus was now on the fans to enjoy the privilege.