Standing behind the fence at an open training session is the only way pensioner Sandy Hammond will be able to watch her favourite NRL team in person this week.
The 69-year-old has only missed two Cowboys home games in Townsville over the past two years and hoped to travel south to watch them take on the Cronulla Sharks in a sudden elimination semi-final in Sydney tomorrow night.
But she said a price hike in flights from the north Queensland city had grounded her hopes of cheering on her team from the crowd.
“The price is just exorbitant,” Ms Hammond said.
“We’re forgotten … Townsville’s forgotten.”
A rush in demand for seats has seen return airfares from Townsville to Sydney ranging from around $600 to almost $1,500.
Return flights to Sydney typically begin at just over $300.
Sandy Hammond has missed only two Cowboys games in the past two NRL seasons. (ABC North Qld: Cameron Simmons)
“It’s just heartbreaking, and the boys need our support down there,” Ms Hammond said.
More support for regional fans
Qantas is one of three airlines to operate routes to Sydney from Townsville.
Fans said extra flights added to accommodate demand had done little to ease the financial burden.
Ms Hammond said it was another example of north Queensland being neglected and she wanted more to be done to ensure fans could attend games outside of Townsville.
“I’d like to see the NRL talk to the airlines and do something for regional people,” she said.
Cowboys players interact with North Queensland fans after beating Newcastle Knights in Townsville. (ABC North Qld: Chloe Chomicki)
Ms Hammond said taking her grandchildren to a State of Origin match was on her bucket list and she had been budgeting to complete the dream.
“The airlines don’t do us any favours, it’s very, very disappointing,” she said.
The match marks the ninth time the Cowboys will have competed in a semi-final in the club’s nearly 30-year history.
The highly-anticipated clash is set to generate significant economic impact in the club’s home city of Townsville, with fans expected to descend on pubs and clubs to watch the game.
Fans are expected to descend on pubs and clubs in Townsville to watch the Cowboys take on the Sharks. (ABC North Qld: Cameron Simmons)
“I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about it,” Ms Hammond said.
“The crowd gets them across the line.”
A game of supply and demand
Travel agent at Gallivanter Travel in Townsville, Liam Giudes, said flight price increases came down to supply and demand.
“[Airlines] always start with the cheapest … but those cheaper seats always sell out,” he said.
Mr Giudes said while only premium tickets remained available, there were regular flights from Brisbane to Sydney that passengers could connect to.
“It’s just a factor of higher demand here, obviously people are wanting to get behind the Cowboys,” he said.
A booking error meant the team itself was unable to travel to the match on a commercial flight and will have to charter instead.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said while increasing prices during periods of high demand was not illegal, airlines must be clear and not mislead consumers.
It said it could only step in when airlines were colluding together or if they gave misleading statements.
The semi-final match kicks off at 7.50pm tomorrow night at Allianz Stadium.