Fans took to Twitter following the release of the 2014 NRL draw on Wednesday to express excitement and frustration over their team’s fortunes next season.
The free-to-air and pay TV schedules were a hot topic, and while many expressed frustration over the Broncos' start of 10 straight Friday night games, there was plenty of enthusiasm for the return of Saturday afternoon footy.
@NRL Why are the Broncos getting 10 Friday Night games in a row to start the season? #NRLDraw #Unfair
— Dean Rosolen (@PalZer0) December 4, 2013
What an amazing #NRLDraw !! Saturday Arvo games, yay! Bring on Season 2014 #proudtobeabulldog @NRL_Bulldogs
— Stephanie (@stephhassa) December 4, 2013
Many fans were also beginning to make travel plans to some of the more exotic away games.
Great to see NRL in Perth again this year and best of all, the mighty @MelbourneStorm , I'll be there for sure. @NRL #NRLDraw #gametime
— Dave Foreman (@80Foreman) December 4, 2013
Raiders have a game in Darwin hey? Sounds like a good excuse to go for a visit... #NRLDraw
— Craig D. (@sherriffear) December 4, 2013
Three Sunday afternoon games at Leichhardt also proved a winner.
@Wests_Tigers very good draw we got 3 games at leichhardt #commonsense now to buy my membership eventually #gothetiges #nrldraw #hearusroar
— Scottie Travers (@KingTigerman) December 4, 2013
And plenty of fans began eyeing off some of the big clashes they were looking forward to attending:
Thanks @NRL and @nthqldcowboys home game vs storm on my birthday. A win would make it all the better #NRLdraw
— Tracey Sandbek (@TraceySandbek) December 4, 2013
Checking out the #NRLdraw. Hope to get to the always epic clash in round two between @brisbanebroncos and @nthqldcowboys! @NQCSStampede
— Westy (@WestyQld2) December 4, 2013
And in some cases missing out on:
Very sad my @SSFCRABBITOHS won't be playing a game in Melbourne next season :-( @NRL #NRLDraw
— Rachel (@Rachbaron13) December 4, 2013
While Canberra fans in particular didn’t get everything on their Christmas wish list:
@RaidersCanberra Why so few home games when weather is warmer in Canberra? #NRLDraw
— Mark Power (@markpower78) December 4, 2013
Tough start #Canberra Raiders get ONE home game in first five rounds #NRLDraw http://t.co/agVoIvEn51 by @Tuxy81 via @canberratimes
— Grant Newton (@GrantNewton2) December 4, 2013
Great to see it only takes till Round 14 before the @RaidersCanberra get a Friday night televised game. Seems nothing has changed #NRLDraw
— The Starting Block (@thestartingbloc) December 4, 2013
Some also expressed the bittersweet sentiment that despite today’s excitement, there is still a long wait until the start of the season.
All this talk about the #NRLDraw makes me realise that the #NRL is still months away :'(
— Caitlin Clewes (@cclew3) December 4, 2013