7th Tackle: Big blow for clubs in Friday twilight fixture

It doesn't take a crystal ball to predict what will be one of this season's biggest gripes - awful crowds for the new 6pm Friday night timeslot, particularly for Sydney fixtures.

Longer working hours and gridlocked traffic are certain to keep fans away - and that's even before the mercury starts to plunge.

Making matters worse for clubs is the fact the cash-strapped NRL has taken all compensation packages off the table.

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Clubs used to receive $40,000 for hosting Monday night games - but that's now gone.

Canterbury are the first to experience the pain, with a crowd of between 12,000 and 16,000 predicted for tomorrow night's clash against the Storm at Belmore.

The NRL has tried to schedule more 6pm games in New Zealand to take advantage of the two hour time difference - five of the first 17 will be played across the Tasman.

Apart from the Warriors - all clubs have been told to expect no more than two games each.

Surprisingly, perennial draw darlings Brisbane Broncos have received none thus far.