NRL expansion – who’s leading the charge?
Roar Guru
By M1tch, 26 Oct 2009 M1tch is a Roar Guru
- Tagged:
- Central Coast Bears, NRL, NRL expansion, Rugby League, Western Reds
199 Have your say
2009 is the year of the Ox in the Chinese calender, world wide 2009 is the year of astronomy, but in Australian sport 2009 has really been the year for expansion.
The AFL, Rugby Union and Soccer, have all announced their expansion plans of where, when and why. But sadly the NRL once again has been very quiet on this topic.
Are we waiting for the independent commission? Will it be only then when the administrators give us fans some indication where the game will be heading?
Whether it’s the case of not, I’ve been intrigued by the past 12 months and what the Central Coast Bears have done very quietly.
In a time where two current NRL clubs don’t have a major sponsor, the Bears announced a major sponsor, have got the corporate support, have the junior talent and seem to have the general consensus of not only local support but support of rugby league fans in general. But what do we hear from the NRL? Hang on I can hear…crickets chirping, that’s it.
So we have the Bears as the most likely new team to be admitted to the NRL. Now who or where is second in line?
If you had asked me a year ago I would have without a doubt said the Western Reds, the team from Perth back in the Super League days. But sadly it has been quiet from the West of late, other than in 2010 the Reds will be a SG Ball (under 18′s) team and not the Bundy team that we saw in 2009.
In parallel to that, the big mover has been a Central Queensland side, in which the last few months has a army of support from the Government, major sponsors, local business and the fans of the Central Queensland region.
So when the NRL finally announces the next expansion team/s, I wouldn’t be surprised if its the two Central teams that will be joining the competition.
Which is a great thing for the heartlands of the game, but does nothing for growing the game nationally.
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danwighton said | October 26th 2009 @ 6:58am | Report comment
I was a bears fan and would love to see them back in any form, but I really think Perth is the next place.
Union has taken off reasonably well over there, and they already have a purpose built stadium.
After all this talk of too many clubs in sydney, it seems a little shortsighted to throw one in the central coast.
M1tch said | October 26th 2009 @ 8:54am | Report comment
Yeh I think Perth is vital, their SG Ball plans is a good move, but again though its been quiet from officals over there.
Force support has dropped off, so its perfect for League to get back over there.
Billo said | October 26th 2009 @ 7:14am | Report comment
The NRL doesn’t seem to have much of a plan about anything.
The Central Coast and Perth are clear targets for expansion, but the NRL needs to ensure it can give Perth adequate backing to become successful in a difficult environment. Are they capable of that?
Redb said | October 26th 2009 @ 9:52am | Report comment
Billo,
The NRL has relied heavily on News Ltd to fund expansion: Melb Storm, Broncos, Cowboys, the Titans have done well (after several attempts on the GC ) without the big brother. I suspect future plans for expansion will depend on the next TV rights deal to fund them in a world without News Ltd.
Redb
Dogs Of War said | October 26th 2009 @ 10:11am | Report comment
Are you kidding RedB? Before News Ltd came in and started the war, the ARL had just admitted (1995), the Perth Reds, Auckland Warriors and North Queensland Warriors.
I believe all those teams would have been fine, but due to the War, player salaries escalated to a point that caused so much damage to the game it’s not funny. The top players in the game now, get salaries which were the same as what the best players in the war years recieved.
You AFL types just don’t understand the effect the war had on Rugby League, and we are only just back to where we were in 1995.
You are right about one thing though, future plans for expansion depends on the TV rights as the first objective of the game should be to make sure their is enough money to fund any sort of expansion.
Redb said | October 26th 2009 @ 10:22am | Report comment
Dogs,
I was talking in the present. If you want to kick someone about Superleague find a cat.
you forget I’ve followed RL since the early 1990s and barracked for the Balmain Tigers, I have a pretty good idea about what happened.
But reality is reality, News Ltd brings big dollars to the table. Melb Storm were not created by the ARL nor was the Broncos. In the Broncos case I’m sure they have done well, but Melb Storm has been bleeding millions for 10 years, only a major corporation could withstand such losses.
In the case of Melbourne, it is very likely that rugby union would have stolen the march had it not been for the Storm and News Ltd. Back to 1995? dont think so.
My point, News Ltd have provided the backing required to expand, the NRL as a comp must now rely on TV rights dollars to fund future expansion teams and until this occurs they cant announce expansion plans despite having a map somewhere with dots all over it.
Redb
Dogs Of War said | October 26th 2009 @ 7:53pm | Report comment
But RedB, you come across as someone who was disenchanted with the game due to the war, and joined the AFL brigade which didn’t have the same issues off the field.
The Broncos were admiitted by the then NSWRL.
News Ltd only did what they wanted, in creating Melbourne they killed many other teams including Perth (you could also say they killed South Qld Crushers, and to a lesser extent Adelaide, but then again Adelaide was always a News Ltd creation at any rate).
So News Ltd providing the backing to expand is a furphy, they killed teams in order to get a team into the market it wanted. They may have big dollars, but they only spend it to get what they want. In 1995 it was Pay TV rights they wanted, and they spent heaps to create their own League when the NSWRL/ARL wouldn’t come to the party. Your kidding if you think that News Ltd involvement in the game has been anything but bad for the game as a whole.
The only thing you are right about is that it all comes down to the next TV contract whether new teams are admitted to grow the pie. This why the independent commission is a necessity.
Redb said | October 27th 2009 @ 7:22am | Report comment
Dogs,
Nope been following the Dons since about 1968.
Starting watching league as well circa 1991-1992. Fave player was Paul Sironen – needed him against the Kiwis.
I dislike News Ltd and the bastard creation Melb Storm – they went about it totally the wrong way with the wrong attitude towards Melbourne. So you could say I drifted from League due to News Ltd/ Superleague, plus the merger of Wests with Balmain. Still watch SOO and some tests, the odd NRL game with West Tigers – really rate Benji Marshall.
The irony of News LTd involvement sticking with Melb Storm and the addition of Brian Waldron who straighened out their culture and communtity engagement is that News Ltd have given League a foothold in Melbourne. Now it could have been Perth if they (ARL/News) stuck with the Reds.
News Ltd helped out NTh QLD and look where they are now. Great team, marketing, community engagment and a vast fan footprint.
So back to my original comment, The NRL will have to wait until News Ltd exits (unlikely to bankroll any more teams) and see what dollars they get from the next TV rights before announcing expansion plans.
IMO next two teams: Central Coast (Nth Syd Bears) and Perth. Run with a heartland/feel good team and an expansion team.
Redb
oikee said | November 12th 2009 @ 3:04pm | Report comment
News limited owes rugby league and they know it, if it was not for news rugby league would be the number 1 code. They are pulling out because the game is starting to show growth redb. As for your no expansion until they can support growth, good call. If we expand, expect it to work.
PeteB said | October 26th 2009 @ 10:42am | Report comment
No, not at all. Both the Cowboys and the Broncos were formed prior to New Ltd’s involvement in the game (as were other expansion sides such as Auckland) – and while they continue to own a controlling share in the Broncos they no longer hold any interest in the Cowboys (which they acquired in 1999).
Melbourne Storm, of course, is the only NRL expansion side for which News is responsible – and currently the club’s losses are covered indirectly by the NRL Partnership anyway (through the mandatory annual payments made to News, some of which covers the club’s losses, that were part of the Partnership agreement) so the money to guarantee the survival of the Storm will still be there after the withdrawal of News.
While News’ involvement helped created Melbourne Storm on the other hand they also killed off Perth, South Queensland and the Gold Coast side that existed prior to the war.
IMO – Without the millstone of News around it’s neck and the involvement of an independent commission the NRL will actually be more able to pursue expansion.
M1tch said | October 26th 2009 @ 10:54am | Report comment
Only because it was after the Super League and ARL lost over 500 mil, before that, Rugby League was expanding with 4 teams in 1995!
No doubt the tv rights will make expansion much easier
Redb said | October 26th 2009 @ 10:58am | Report comment
They may expanded with 4 teams in 1995, but how many would have survived until now is the question?
M1tch said | October 26th 2009 @ 11:02am | Report comment
That is a question nobody can answer, 2 are still going now, no doubt the Reds would have gotton support the the ARL and the Crushers…well they were a disaster all round.
AndyRoo said | October 26th 2009 @ 11:12am | Report comment
Even the Crushers had potential.
Paul J said | October 26th 2009 @ 7:17am | Report comment
Before the NRL starts the long and expensive task of joining the other 3 codes in AFL dominated Perth the NRL will need to bring saturation to the RL heartland first. The AFL only looked to expand once they had saturated their backyard first and RL should do the same. It’s just good business.
RL will one day go to Perth and probably Adelaide too but they haven’t yet given CC or Qld their teams yet. Once the independent commission comes into play and RL gets cashed up after the next TV rights deal we can look to have up to 20 or more teams but it will be CC and 1 or 2 Qld teams and then they can go to a 2nd NZ team or Perth or Adelaide.
danwighton said | October 26th 2009 @ 7:32pm | Report comment
But who says the next TV deal will get the NRL ‘cashed up’, especially if they have only got coverage on the eastern seaboard.
Brett McKay said | October 26th 2009 @ 7:36am | Report comment
The only thing that will hold back a Central Qld bid is a suitable ground (the Central Comets Qld Cup ground holds less than 5000), but apart from that, there is a lot of public and corporate support already. I posted some time back that on a recent trip up to Rockhampton, I was blown away how much local media the movement is getting: print, TV, radio, at least something every day for the 10 days I was up there.
The CQ rugby league supporters are halfway between Brisbane and Townsville (give or take) and are crying out for their own team. Check out http://www.cqnrlbid.com.au/ for their latest..
Paul J said | October 26th 2009 @ 7:42am | Report comment
Well said Brett.
Don’t forget that when a new team starts in Qld the Gov builds a statium. If the Titans and GC AFL sides get a new stadium Central Qld and the Sunshine Coast would get one once their bid is successful.
Brett McKay said | October 26th 2009 @ 9:24am | Report comment
quite true Paul, and that’s the obvious assumption the CQ bid would appear to be working under..
Firestarter Bob said | October 26th 2009 @ 7:48am | Report comment
You haven’t stated a case for why the NRL should or must expand. Just because the other codes are doing it, so what?
M1tch said | October 26th 2009 @ 9:00am | Report comment
Growing crowds, growing tv ratings, despite all the dire predictions the game is booming.
Firstly though Id like to see a regular round of NRL outside the heartlands and have games in Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, Wellington.
Lets see if their is support out there. Sadly tv coverage would be easy way to start but our FTA broadcaster wont allow that!
If we expanded to the Centrals..we are giving heartlands of the game their own team..
If we goto Perth we are planning for the future..also if the AFL can why cant we
Dogs Of War said | October 26th 2009 @ 9:08am | Report comment
I have said this before. The NRL needs to take 1 game off every team, underwrite the game (so guaranteed money for the club), and use it to take the game to markets that don’t get them currently.
Around State Of Origin time, interest in the game is at a high, yet crowds are down usually because it’s the coldest time of year.
Games in places like Perth, Adelaide, Darwin and Wellington would be perfect at these times. 3-4 games in Perth, 2-3 Games in Adelaide etc each year, is what is needed to increase exposure and interest in the game. Not to mention it encourages new locations to investigate putting a bid together to have a team in those cities if the interest is their. I am sure State Govt’s would be more than willing to help underwrite the games as well (So the NRL doesn’t bear all the brunt).
So many easy solutions to some of the current woe’s of the NRL.
M1tch said | October 26th 2009 @ 9:19am | Report comment
We need to follow what England does with their magic weekend.
Although not all games at 1 ground.
Fri 730: @ Darwin
Fri 730: @ Wellington
Sat 530 @ Adelaide
Sat 730 @ Adelaide (double header)
Sat 730 @ Hobart – What the hell lets go for it
Sun 2pm @ Perth
Sun 4pm @ Perth (double header)
Sun 4pm @ PNG/pacific islands
Dogs Of War said | October 26th 2009 @ 9:33am | Report comment
I don’t know about having it all on the one weekend. You still want to have at least 1 game in Sydney each week (especially given how many teams we have in Sydney).
As for the double headers, better to spread the games over a few weeks during the Origin period, as I don’t think the crowds will be all that much bigger with 2 games compared to one. The game should be trying to create a presence, and double headers just suggest a quick grab and run for the dollar.
You also have to look at what locations offer stadium wise. PNG doesn’t have one up to any standard that;s worth playing a game at. Let them build that first. Darwin is in a similar position currently, though Graham Park is to be increased to 15K which just gives it a pass mark for a game. I am sure the State Govt would be prepared to outlay a few more dollars to increase the ground size to 20K if they were guaranteed 3-4 games a year. Hobart doesn’t have a suitable venue (Ovals just suck for Rugby League).
Wellington has to be a day game due to an issue with how many games are allowed to be played at night plus how cold it gets during the middle of winter, not really the weather for being out late in the day. Really I think 3-4 games a year between Wellington and Canterbury(NZ) would help take the game to the population in NZ, and increase interest in the code.
M1tch said | October 26th 2009 @ 9:39am | Report comment
true..
i think that could be done as well
Looking at non drawing games and take them on the road, it will help all concerned.
Paul J said | October 26th 2009 @ 8:02am | Report comment
Standing still in such a competitive market place is basically going backwards.
If RL was treading water or going backwards then expansion would be risky but RL is going very well. Crowds, TV audineces, memberships etc are up. And in the Central Coast and Central Qld you have 2 bids that are very well backed and supported. The Titans have been wonderful to the game and the game will continue to grow with the right expansion.
Robbo said | October 26th 2009 @ 8:16am | Report comment
“The AFL, Rugby Union and Soccer, have all announced their expansion plans of where, when and why. But sadly the NRL once again has been very quiet on this topic. ”
At least the NRL have actually handled expansion quite well. The Titans are the gold standard of how to handle an expansion team. Meanwhile the Western Force, Gold Coast United and North Queensland Fury are all hemorrhaging money.
M1tch said | October 26th 2009 @ 9:02am | Report comment
Market research is vital too..
I doubt the A-League did much on the Gold Coast or throughout North Queensland to see if support was there. All they listened too was Clive Palmer say how much money he would spend.
Force have struggled due to the ground, playing a sport like League, Union and Soccer on a oval is suicide.
Robbo said | October 26th 2009 @ 8:33am | Report comment
Central Queensland will never get a team. The thing about professional teams is they actually require a population to sustain them. The largest city in Central Queensland in Rockhampton – population 76,000. Central Queensland as a whole contains 190,000 – many of them 100′s of km’s from Rockhampton. This is simply not enough people to sustain a professional team. As well as the Bears (who seem to be a certainty) the NRL would do well sticking an extra team in/around Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast if it wants to consolidate the base. As far as expansion elsewhere Perth/Adelaide are both good options and recorded quite reasonable crowds when they existed.
James said | October 26th 2009 @ 10:36am | Report comment
I suppose the NRL would be happy with 10-15k crowds and in that instance…it could work. I don’t think the NRL cares too much about crowds anyway. Darwin, with a pop of over 120k sounds perfect for an AFL team, but I can’t see the AFL acting untill they get to over 200k….
M1tch said | October 26th 2009 @ 6:23pm | Report comment
NRL cares about crowds, but its not be all and end all.
James said | October 26th 2009 @ 9:09pm | Report comment
Absolutely correct post about Central QLD, which is why the AFL should also not entertain a 19 or 20 team up there, or even in far north queensland…the climate would be unberable for AFL athletes anyways.
Owen the Bear said | October 26th 2009 @ 8:38am | Report comment
Expansion in Rugby League will boost the game’s popularity. Area’s that need clubs include the Central Coast, Sunshine Coast, Central QLD, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, Pacific Islands, PNG and Wellington (NZ). However, which areas can sustain a club – e.g. juniors, finanicial backing, stadium, community backing.
Central Coast by far can and will be a solid club.
Others have question marks but Sunshine Coast (no stadium) and Central QLD (no stadium) would be the next logical choices.
Perth has few juniors and the costs of travelling will be a burden. Would need sponsorship to cover the costs.
So, come around 2013, I see the Central Coast Bears in but the second team will be between Sunshine Coast, Central QLD, Wellington (NZ) and Perth.