See the telltale sign that the Matildas have scored a huge win over the NRL in the battle of the footy codes

As the Matildas nearly ransacked Accor Stadium in Sydney on Monday night for a friendly against China, NRL fans took advantage of a telltale sign that their code is losing out in the battle for fans.

Nearly 77,000 supporters packed the ground as the Matildas defied the absence of star players Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord to record an encouraging 2-0 victory ahead of the Paris Games.

However, it’s a different story for the opening State of Origin match at the same venue on Wednesday evening, with revelations that Ticketek are now giving away tickets for the match in a desperate bid to fill Accor Stadium.

A code has been released to unlock two-for-one tickets on Australian bargain, coupon code and freebie platform Ozbargain.

Ny Breaking Australia has confirmed that this code will work on the Ticketek platform and give latecomers access to half-price tickets across categories.

By applying a code, footy fans can now access two-for-one tickets for the Origin opener, in a sign the match is struggling to sell out

The Matildas had no trouble attracting fans to the venue for their friendly against China on Monday evening (pictured)

Many footy fans have taken to social media to blame costs as the reason for slow Origin ticket sales.

While Matildas fans can get tickets for as little as $20 for the match against China, along with premium private suite tickets for $250, Origin fans are asked to spend at least $74 for the cheap seats or $64 with a concession card.

If you want the best view, diamond tickets cost a whopping $324 each, while those wanting to sit in the try zone to cheer on their Origin heroes will be asked to part ways with $230 per ticket.

“Whoever set the prizes for the men’s games needs a proper talking to,” one fan wrote on Reddit.

“Ticketek won’t get Origin,” another added.

Other footy fans pointed out that they can get a premium experience at home without the high price tag.

“Hmm, $320 for a ticket, or watch it for free at home on my 75′ big screen while it’s dry and warm. tough choice,” one person posted.

“Wanted to buy it but I don’t have $800 to spare to take the whole family so I’ll be watching at home,” another added.

“During a cost of living crisis, it’s hard for many people to afford the high prices they charge to go to the game… most people are overburdened these days,” another noted.

Nearly 80,000 football fans gathered at Accor Stadium to see their Matildas heroes one last time before the Paris Olympics

The Matildas have been drawing crowds since their massive massacre at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

While these reasons are valid in themselves, the same high prices didn’t stop Queenslanders from selling out game three at Suncorp Stadium within days.

‘It’s quite simple. NSW just doesn’t get Origin. They just don’t get it,” one Queensland fan reminded Blues supporters.

Others said New South Wales’ poor home state performance had also hurt sales over the past 15 years.

“I’m not paying hundreds of dollars to sit in the rain and watch Blues get pumped. Again,” one fan shouted.

Ozbargain has also provided a code for Origin II in Melbourne, where the match is struggling to fill the 100,000-seat MCG.

Some fans believe Queensland’s continued success in the Origin arena is partly to do with the decline in ticket sales

Suncorp Stadium is always packed with Queensland supporters and this year’s match sold out within days

The Accor Stadium has a capacity of 83,500, while the Suncorp Stadium has only 52,500 seats.

Some fans have pointed to those capacity differences as the reason behind the late ticket sales.

“Sydney’s stadium is about 60% bigger than Suncorp. And this is only two days before the game, so it’s just about getting rid of the last few seats,” one person said.

However, another fan has pointed out that the website Connected is also giving away free tickets to the Origin I at Accor Stadium.

People local to the Homebush area can pay an $80 subscription to the Connected platform and receive gift vouchers to events such as Origin, along with music and other events throughout the year.

‘It is worth it. I got free tickets to the Pandemonium rock concert (this alone was worth $175 or something), State of Origin, top tennis championships, footy and NRL, basketball games. All for an annual fee of $80,” one local resident posted.