Revealed: The huge cash windfall NRL is set to reap from Bulldogs top-two finish
That is the staggering amount of money the game's governing body could miss out on if Canberra and Melbourne remain first and second on the ladder.
When it comes to the finals, the NRL – not the clubs – collects the gate takings and money earned from hospitality. Clubs receive a small percentage from finals fixtures, but the main advantage is merchandise sales and the chance to play a big game in front of their own fans.
Canberra's GIO Stadium holds a maximum 26,000 fans, while Melbourne's AAMI Park can accommodate 29,500.
The Bulldogs, however, are averaging more than 35,000 for home games this season and would likely attract 60,000 to 70,000 supporters should they finish in the top two and host a qualifying final at Accor Stadium.
The Bulldogs broke the regular-season record when 65,305 fans watched the 32-0 Good Friday win over South Sydney, before 59,878 took in their King's Birthday weekend win over Parramatta.
Based on the $50 average cost of a finals ticket, the difference of 40,000 fans is worth $2 million to the NRL for one final match, and $4 million for two.
Bulldogs chief executive Aaron Warburton was certainly prepared to dream big.
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