Comments on: Politicians using rugby league as a pawn

By: mushi

mushi — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:01:13 +0000

It is not a crime in to make money on your investment, many believe it may actually be the whole point.

By: danwighton

danwighton — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:20:49 +0000

I think the issue is not so much related to party politics as it relates to John Howard’s standing within the game.

Rugby league, more so than any other sport in Australia, is synonymous with the working class – Howard does not represent this at all. I think thats where the majority of the objection comes from.

Having said that, maybe the appointment is a positive move that will result in people being less willing to stereotype league as a ‘working class game’….but this is unlikely.

I agree with CrossCoder – JH is a very divisive character and the game doesnt need that right now.

By: danwighton

danwighton — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:16:46 +0000

Haha thats hilarious.

You’ll convert 50% of the population in no time.

By: Crosscoder

Crosscoder — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:53:39 +0000

The last people you want involved in heading a NRL commission are former PMs no matter how qualified of either persuasion.Approx 1/2 of the rl fan base will be upset,the other half thrilled.No more division plaaaaese.The Sl war did enough of that.
There are plenty of qualified/ eminent people out there, who have either have a strong or passing interest in the game.One example is the bouncing, effervescent former governor of the Reservge Bank:Bernie Fraser.
Even look within the code.Todd Greenburg is one example of what can be done with a club,imagine his input in a power position within the control of the game.
Of course you could be really daring,and poach John O’Neill >he could do with a little entertainment right now.

By: John Ryan

John Ryan — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 04:46:42 +0000

Owing to the defamation laws I will refrain from commenting on Mr Love

By: Tom Alexander.

Tom Alexander. — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 01:55:08 +0000

It could be worse, they could’ve asked Mark Latham to chair. Now that would throw a cat amongst the pigeons. Atleast with News Limited Rugby League has access and exposure to the worlds media that it never had before. If people think that the ARL under Colin Love are any better, they should’ve read the SMH article highlighting the 2 million dollar worth of payments he made to both himself and his daughter via his legal firm while also collecting directors fees in what was supposed to be effectively an honourary role. A complete outrage that has never been adressed. And he seriously wants the chairmanship (to go with the other 3) of this new body. Rugby League in Australia have some issues around accountability amongst other things, that seriously need addressing in the coming months.

By: macavity

macavity — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:46:19 +0000

if ms ellis is reading, according to my wife this is the difference:

league:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GIchwvJ-aNk/SXpOJNAK7ZI/AAAAAAAAFNU/lXOW6n1A6ug/s400/Australian+Matt+Cooper+Gods+of+football.JPG

union:
http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/ffximage/2007/09/02/dunning.jpg

By: macavity

macavity — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:43:01 +0000

to what “investment” in the game from News Ltd do you refer?

they pizzed hundreds of millions away attempting a hostile takeover, nearly broke the game, set it back 2 decades and took what they wanted (broadcast rights) for a pittance…. and are now skimming 8mil a year from the meagre profits the game makes in order to pay for their “investment”.

there was never any “investment” in league. There was an investment in establishing foxtel (which is all superleague was ever about) – which the game is now paying to them. talk about double dipping – i wish someone would pay me for my efforts setting up a pay tv money printing machine.

i cant believe anyone still buys this myth that News Ltd made an “investment” in league.

By: Robbo

Robbo — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 23:07:52 +0000

If you are Searle who are you honestly going to take more seriously – John Howard or Anthony Albanese? In my opinion a minister putting pressure on an organisation not to appoint someone is borderline corruption.

By: Pippinu

Pippinu — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 22:16:15 +0000

It’s merely a follow up on macavity’s observation.

No need to analyse the comment too deeply!!

Ms Ellis is no different to the majority of Southerners on that score.

By: Dogs Of War

Dogs Of War — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 22:08:45 +0000

What? Kate Ellis? Who famously didn’t know that their were 2 Rugby’s being played in Australia.

By: Pippinu

Pippinu — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:57:04 +0000

Failing that – what about our Sports Minister.

She’s of the right political hue – she’s brainy – and she is an absolute spunk!!

By: Pippinu

Pippinu — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:56:06 +0000

By: Dogs Of War

Dogs Of War — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:37:16 +0000

Mushi, I have to ask you when you say you don’t object to News Ltd involvement in the game. Do you not think we get ripped off in the market due to the conflict of interest they possess?

As for the article, politicians are always going to be a bit divisive. I thought Howard would be a great choice, but if it is going to cause these sorts of problems, then we are better off going a different direction. Really we just need to get this thing up and running ASAP.

By: macavity

macavity — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:31:27 +0000

vote 1: Jen Hawkins.

Howard is divisive – Hawkins will unite the nation.

By: Mick from Giralang

Mick from Giralang — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:25:27 +0000

Mushi: I don’t think the door is closed on Howard just yet. A lot of this was simply Albanese wanting to take a pot shot at a former foe. Like you, I was no fan of Howard the politican but I can appreciate the organisational skills, contacts and downright ruthlessness he would bring to the table.

But more importantly, your suggestion of Jennifer Hawkins is brilliant (based of course only on her footballing brain. She was after all a Newcastle Knights cheerleader!!!)