NRL costing concern for Group Three ahead of trial in Port Macquarie

As of 4pm on Wednesday, 2300 tickets had been sold with the grandstand allocation sold out although general admission tickets are still available.

Chairman Wayne Bridge said at least 1000 more tickets need to be sold for the match to cover the group's $70,000 outlay to stage the game.

"So far we've covered about $45,000,'' Mr Bridge said earlier this week.

"So fingers crossed we'll get good weather and we'll get bums on seats.''

Mr Bridge said most of the grandstand seating has been sold.

He confirmed the group isn't receiving any financial assistance from the Bulldogs or the NRL.

"It's a Bulldogs home game and originally it was going to be played at Coffs Harbour,'' Mr Bridge explained.

"However, that stadium is out because of an Elton John concert being held there this week so it was decided to shift the game to Port.''

The announcement was made in November and Mr Bridge said the group originally understood there would be some costs involved.

However, he said it wasn't revealed Group Three would have to cover all accommodation costs and meals for the two NRL clubs along with the NRL-appointed referees.

Mr Bridge confirmed there had been no financial assistance from the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.

He said he's disappointed the NRL hasn't helped financially to at least ensure the group doesn't lose money.

"We were hoping to get $20,000 from them,'' he said.

However, Mr Bridge claimed the NRL considers the game a commercial venture.

"I know the NRL is covering all the costs of the Parramatta-Penrith game being played in Bega as part of the bushfire relief. But this region was also hit hard by the bushfires,'' he said.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council group manager Liesa Davies confirmed council was approached to provide financial support for the trial.

"However, at the time the request was received, the major events budget for the current financial year was fully committed," she said.

"It is great that the trial match is taking place in Port Macquarie and support is being provided through venue preparation activities.

"Council has sponsored 26 major events this financial year and would welcome a sponsorship proposal for events similar to the NRL trial in the future."

Mr Bridge said the group's plan is to split any profits from the game between the 18 senior and junior clubs in the area.

A crowd of 3000 would cover costs and provide the group with a small profit.

Mr Bridge agreed this figure is attainable although he added the weather would be a factor. Two junior representative games will precede the NRL trial.

The program will start at 1pm with the NRL trial underway from 4.30pm.

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