IN 2011, Central West Rugby Union (CWRU) originally planned to charge players and spectators $15 on the gate of finals games, but back-flipped on the decision after being met with widespread criticism.

One week into the 2015 Blowes Clothing Cup finals - with the GrainCorp Cup Northern and Southern division over, and one week from finishing respectively - the criticism is flowing fast and freely again.

Unlike 2011, CWRU won’t back down on the decision this time and CEO Peter Veenstra provided some answers for the disgruntled yesterday, in terms of how the prices are set the way they are, and where the money goes.

“All the [gate takings during finals] go to Central West,” Veenstra said.

“It’s one of the few times during the year Central West actually makes revenue, outside affiliation fees at the start of the season and some sponsorship.

“It goes towards running the competition, and the representative teams.

“It has been this price now for a while, I think this is the third season all the finals have been $15 on the gate.

“I think there are just more financial concerns for people now, and that’s why they are raising the issue.”

He went on to explain why, as some have questioned, players aren’t afforded the luxury of being exempt from finals gate charges. 

Veenstra said in the past CWRU had used player cards, or tickets, to ensure the players free entry.

But, the luxury was “abused” and thus, eliminated.

“They were handed around to every man and his dog to use,” Veenstra said.

“Clubs could take it upon themselves to pay for players but that is their decision.”

Veenstra attended the GrainCorp Cup Southern division preliminary final in West Wyalong, and the Blowes Clothing Cup elimination semi-final in Dubbo last Saturday and Sunday respectively, and despite admitting the crowd at the latter was small, he said he doesn’t think the gate price had anything to do with it.

“Honestly it was a little disappointing, but the elimination semi-final is never particularly well attended,” he explained.

“I don’t think [the gate price] will affect the crowd size. In fact, when we lifted the price the crowds actually increased slightly a couple of years ago.

“So we’re not losing people ... we’re actually charging less than other regions. I’m taking about places like Newcastle-Hunter, Illawarra and Central Coast here, they all charge $20 for finals.”