The only way retiree Sandy Hammond will be able to watch her favourite NRL team in person this week will be outside a fence at an open training session.

The 69-year-old has missed just two Cowboys home games in Townsville in the past two years and is hoping to make the trip south to watch the team face the Cronulla Sharks in the qualifying semi-final in Sydney tomorrow night.

But she added that the rise in flight prices from the north Queensland city had dashed her hopes of cheering on her team from the crowd.

“We are forgotten…Townsville is forgotten.”

The surge in demand for tickets has seen prices for flights from Townsville to Sydney range from around $600 to almost $1,500.

Return flights to Sydney typically start at just over $300.

“It’s just heartbreaking and the boys need our support down there,” Mrs Hammond said.

More support for regional fans

Qantas is one of three airlines offering routes to Sydney from Townsville.

Fans say extra flights launched to meet demand have done little to ease the financial burden.

Ms Hammond said it was another example of north Queensland being neglected and she wanted to see more done to ensure fans could attend matches outside Townsville.

“I would like the NRL to talk to the airlines and do something for the people of the region,” she said.

Ms Hammond said taking her grandchildren to a State of Origin match was on her bucket list and that she had been putting aside a budget to make that dream a reality.

“The airlines are not doing us any favours, it is very, very disappointing,” she said.

This will be the ninth semifinal match in the nearly 30-year history of the club in which the Cowboys will compete.

The much-anticipated clash will have a significant economic impact on the city of Townsville, where the club is based, and fans are expected to flock to pubs and clubs to watch the match.

“I get goosebumps just thinking about it,” Ms Hammond said.

“The crowd carries them to the finish line.”

Supply and demand game

Liam Giudes, a travel agent with Gallivanter Travel in Townsville, said the price increases for flights were a result of supply and demand.

“(Airlines) always start with the cheapest seats … but those cheaper tickets always sell out,” he said.

Mr Giudes said that although only premium tickets were now available, passengers could connect to regular flights from Brisbane to Sydney.

“It’s just a matter of increased demand, people obviously want to support the Cowboys,” he said.

A booking error meant the team was unable to travel to the match via commercial flight and had to use a charter flight.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has said that while it is not illegal to raise prices during periods of high demand, airlines must be clear about their actions and not mislead consumers.

The company said it can only intervene where airlines collude or make misleading statements.

The semi-final match will start tomorrow evening at 7:50pm at the Allianz Stadium.