Storm not feeling heat from Super 15 rival
By Guy Hand, 13 Nov 2009
- Tagged:
- Melbourne rugby union, Melbourne Storm, NRL, Rugby League, Super 15
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Melbourne Storm have dismissed the notion the city’s new Super 15 rugby union franchise is a threat to the NRL club.
The Storm would appear to have most to lose with the announcement of a Melbourne rugby union team starting in 2011 – with the prospect of a cross-code rival cannibalising their fan following.
But chief executive Brian Waldron said a Melbourne rugby union team would be good for both the region and the Storm, believing a new code in town will help spike Victorian interest in non-AFL sports.
The team, likely to be named the Rebels, will also play a more truncated season than the NRL – possibly just eight home matches over an 18-week period.
“We don’t see them as being a threat,” Waldron said.
“If anything, it will raise the profile of the alternative sports in this market, whether it’s the Victory (soccer), the Storm or the Rebels.
“They essentially only play for half a season compared to what we do.
“It’s good for the city. We’re very comfortable with their involvement and we wish them all the best.”
The Storm’s run of four successive NRL grand final appearances has built their profile to unprecedented levels and shown they boast a rusted-on supporter base of around 12,000.
The club hopes that will lift further with the move to a brand new purpose-built 31,000-capacity rectangular stadium early next year – a venue they will share with the new union team.
Waldron conceded existing Storm fans would probably have an interest in the Rebels, but was confident there would be no bleeding of fans from one code to the other.
“We’ve got 12 years’ history now, and a strong loyal base of people who follow us and we’ll continue to grow that,” Waldron said.
“There’ll be a crossover of people that are interested rather than the `choice of’. We would have thought anyone who has an interest in the Storm would also have an interest in the Rebels.
“But whatever that involvement is, I don’t think that will be an issue for us. We’ll continue to grow our base leading into the new stadium.”
© AAP 2012Recommend this story.
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- Melbourne rugby union, Melbourne Storm, NRL, Rugby League, Super 15
November 13th 2009 @ 10:03am
Matt S said | November 13th 2009 @ 10:03am | Report comment
I’d say that zero base is now turned into a base with a whole generation of supporters now accustomed to league and certainly one that will not fold at the arrival of union as Fitzsimmons’ would hope happens.
We’ve seen off the ARC Rebels, Wallabies no longer on primetime FTA in Victoria, and fox ratings not too good, so I say bring it on.
November 13th 2009 @ 10:07am
elle said | November 13th 2009 @ 10:07am | Report comment
They shouldn’t feel threatened. They’re still two completely different codes. Regardless of how much smaller vic is than sydney or queensland who have multiple teams, it’s still a great decision for australian rugby union.
November 13th 2009 @ 10:29am
keeper11 said | November 13th 2009 @ 10:29am | Report comment
Will be interesting which matches will generate the most interest…
versus other Australian teams that build a rivalry …ala Victory versus Sydney
or matches against the NZ teams….
November 13th 2009 @ 10:43am
oikee said | November 13th 2009 @ 10:43am | Report comment
Well i think the rugby union super 15 has dilited any real international comp. Why would i bother paying to see a Bledisloe or tri nations, when i see much the same in the local comp. As for rugby followers moving back to union, no worries, rugby league has grown a grass roots in Melbourne, so those players and parents and relations will continue to grow Storm support, and the fact they have the greatest player to ever lace up a rugby boot. Greg Inglis,
now come on, bring it on you unionites, you got someone who you think is better. Some STH African, or Frenchie, come on, show your ignorance. The gloves are off.
Fitzsimmons is typical of what union has ever stood for, he and most unionites would love to see the back of rugby league, well guess what, we are not going anywhere.
Enjoy your rugby.
November 13th 2009 @ 11:20am
AC said | November 13th 2009 @ 11:20am | Report comment
I think most people agree that we currently see too much of the Kiwis and South Africans. It would be better to hold these games every other year, or bring in the Argies and play each team once per year.
November 13th 2009 @ 11:31am
oikee said | November 13th 2009 @ 11:31am | Report comment
You love those argies AC.
November 13th 2009 @ 11:36am
AC said | November 13th 2009 @ 11:36am | Report comment
Those Argy women are something to behold mate…
But I’d hate to think that any designs I had on one of them would result in our offspring being a half “bum sniffer”!
November 13th 2009 @ 12:09pm
Bill said | November 13th 2009 @ 12:09pm | Report comment
AC – is this sentiment because we lose too often to NZ and SA?
I like to see the Wallabies play the best in the world and that happens to be the Boks and the ABs. Do agree though that playing the ABs 4 times a year is getting a bit ridiculous.
November 13th 2009 @ 12:24pm
MyGeneration said | November 13th 2009 @ 12:24pm | Report comment
The Bledisloe used to be the highlight of the year for many. As you say, expecting people’s interest to peak 4 times a year is a bit silly, especially when they tack one on in October, in Tokyo of all places. It’s good to grow the game, but it shouldn’t be for the Bledisloe, IMHO. It’d be like having another Melbourne Cup in March, in Jamaica.
November 13th 2009 @ 11:45am
katzilla said | November 13th 2009 @ 11:45am | Report comment
‘and the fact they have the greatest player to ever lace up a rugby boot. Greg Inglis, ‘
I almost laughed out my lunch, thanks Oikee, it was a good laugh. Or should i say thanks Phil Gould
Inglis isnt even the greatest player to lace on a RL boot let alone challenge those from other codes.
Just a touch ahead of yourself
November 13th 2009 @ 11:58am
oikee said | November 13th 2009 @ 11:58am | Report comment
Katzilla, obviously the man that desended from Godzilla, no disrespect intended, yes your post is good, but you did not leave me a name of anyone you think can shine his shoes.
Just keeping you on your toes, zilla.
November 13th 2009 @ 4:28pm
katzilla said | November 13th 2009 @ 4:28pm | Report comment
Andrew Johns for one, hell any of the ‘Immortals’ take your pick. He may get there one day but he aint there yet. I mean he doesn’t even have a kicking game yet, the occasional Bomb doesn’t count either.
From other codes? Well Jonah Lomu, i’m sure you know who he is, Faster then Inglis, about 20 kgs heavier then Inglis, side step and swerve. What Inglis did to Soward, Lomu did to 110kg props.
November 13th 2009 @ 5:47pm
oikee said | November 13th 2009 @ 5:47pm | Report comment
Good old Jonah, where would rugby union be without the great man. Ah the all-blacks, they built the round house off the back of this man.
Good call, you might have me on that one, i did love seeing him tear the opposition to pieces. Shame you have nobody to ride the skirt-tails on now, where is your talent, and dont give me goal kickers.
So you produced one name, one union name, who has talent with shear size,. Now give me talent, not the go-to man. Inglis set up 3 tries last game and scored 1. What else you got. ? Nora, even the poms have big Daddy’s son, but he would not even make the class on talent. Funny thing is, Inglis is only 22, we have 10 more years of his talent to revere. Anyhow, you did produce a name, will give you that. Cheers. Good call, finally, union bounced back. You still looking forward to the argie bargies?
November 13th 2009 @ 6:42pm
Bay35Pablo said | November 13th 2009 @ 6:42pm | Report comment
“now come on, bring it on you unionites, you got someone who you think is better”
Dan Carter.
November 13th 2009 @ 10:48am
craig said | November 13th 2009 @ 10:48am | Report comment
People, Rugby League is just a better game.
League took a game that was invented over a 130 years ago and changed it to suit modern times.
Union is a dinosaur.
They have too many players on the field too many rules and it’s too private school.
I know, I played union for 6 years at a private school. But only watch League.
I can’t wait for the Melbourne people who aren’t private school try hards to watch a game and see that there is a really big difference between Union and league.
YOU CAN’T POLISH A T-URD…
November 13th 2009 @ 10:53am
oikee said | November 13th 2009 @ 10:53am | Report comment
Yes you can, they are polishing 6 nation Turds as we speak, and the “give away free tickets box office” is doing a roaring trade. No dont underestimate poilished turds, they do have shine and are loved by many. Hopefully one day the pollish will wear off and we can sweep it under the carpet.
Come on, you want some of this, bring it on.
November 13th 2009 @ 11:47am
King of the Gorganites said | November 13th 2009 @ 11:47am | Report comment
please elaborate on this free ticket talk
November 13th 2009 @ 11:50am
King of the Gorganites said | November 13th 2009 @ 11:50am | Report comment
the 80K in dublin and milan werent given away.
when was the last time the kangawhoos had a crowd of 60K plus?
samoa will play infront of 70K plus this weekend.
November 13th 2009 @ 11:51am
Pete said | November 13th 2009 @ 11:51am | Report comment
“sweeping [t*urds] under the carpet”? That’s a nice image. What is it with League and defecation. I though Nate Myles was a once off. Then I remebered Julian O’Neil at Souths.
November 13th 2009 @ 12:05pm
oikee said | November 13th 2009 @ 12:05pm | Report comment
If you talk it, they will come, hello my fellow unionites, been waiting for you to crawl outta the wood-work. No you are right, your game is clean, free from any turd or depositry that has fallen benearth its carpets.
We all bow to you the way you hide your dirty laundrey. If you want it clean, with all the muck simply washed away, follow these breatheren to the promised land, ? Wherever that may be !!!. We even have a service that cleans your money.
Somewhere behind hidden doors, called the I.R.B… ,,, hhehe
November 13th 2009 @ 12:09pm
Pete said | November 13th 2009 @ 12:09pm | Report comment
Oikee, I’m actually a League fan (as well as a Union). I’ve followed the Eels all my life… just couldn’t help myself after reading the sweeping under the carpet comment
November 13th 2009 @ 12:22pm
oikee said | November 13th 2009 @ 12:22pm | Report comment
No worries Pete my little EEls Oikster, will take you under my wing and clear your thoughts of playing in heaven, your time is now my son.
Enjoy your 80 thousand crowds at the mighty eels my good fellow, so it shall be written, so it shall be done.
Soory mate, you have to pay for that ticket, no freebies in rugby league, we have a game to sell, not a half baked onion.
November 13th 2009 @ 10:57am
Lee said | November 13th 2009 @ 10:57am | Report comment
Explains why despite League taking”a game that was invented over a 130 years ago and changed it to suit modern times.”, union is still more popular in the rest of the world, even with League having such a head start in “professionalism” and the obvious advante of being simple to understand.
I don’t mind league at all and will happily watch a big game, but am getting sick of the preposterous arguement that League is bigger than Rugby.
November 13th 2009 @ 11:06am
oikee said | November 13th 2009 @ 11:06am | Report comment
Well if your sick of it Lee, go read a book or something, nobody is holding you down here. Look you were doing well until you said league is bigger than Union argument, its the other way around, Union bigger than league, and is always started by union bloggers, who have no confidience in their product. And rugby league has been around for 100 years, yes, but never got the support of big corparate backers, they are all sniffing around union with their private school influience, Look it happens from the top, the Media, Rugby Union, (UK) the T/V stations , rugby union, the money from private sector, rugby union, now give league that support you would have had a better indication.
The game gets that support in OZ, and look where it is today. Same applies to AFL, and they only had 1 city to support the game, rugby Union has had every opputunity to grow their game, soon as they look like getting bigger, whats the 1st thing outta their mouths, Rugby league will suffer. Yeah right.
November 13th 2009 @ 11:12am
craig said | November 13th 2009 @ 11:12am | Report comment
Union is a much bigger game around the world.
But that doesn’t mean it’s a better game to watch.
It’s a different story in Australia.
Test cricket would have never been invented if we had 20/20 or one day games first.
League is the 20/20 version on Union.
November 13th 2009 @ 11:24am
AC said | November 13th 2009 @ 11:24am | Report comment
Yep, it doesn’t mean it’s a better game to watch. But does it mean it’s a better game to play?
November 13th 2009 @ 11:30am
MyGeneration said | November 13th 2009 @ 11:30am | Report comment
I used to enjoy playing both, AC
November 13th 2009 @ 11:35am
AC said | November 13th 2009 @ 11:35am | Report comment
Heaps do MyGen.
So what is it with playing numbers overseas then? Ignorance? Or just wanting to be part of something bigger?
November 13th 2009 @ 12:01pm
MyGeneration said | November 13th 2009 @ 12:01pm | Report comment
AC – history? economics? there’s a whole range of factors that are raked over ad nauseum on this site. Why do billions play soccer? I used to play that as well, but I simply never took to it (sure I couldn’t kick for nuts, but I was a pretty handy goalkeeper, or so I tell myself), and you’ll never convince me it is the best game in the world.
You can quote numbers all you like, they will never convince me that one game is better than another. On the field, when the ball is play, I really couldn’t care whether I was playing League or Union (though sometimes the ref might have to remind me which one I was playing). I just had eyes for the ball. Just because League has more players in Australia doesn’t mean it is a better game to play, but only in Australia; any more than Union is a better game to play than Soccer, but only if you live in New Zealand or Wales. If you get my drift.
November 13th 2009 @ 12:06pm
AC said | November 13th 2009 @ 12:06pm | Report comment
MyGen — hear hear bro!
November 13th 2009 @ 11:21am
oikee said | November 13th 2009 @ 11:21am | Report comment
I have never said league is bigger, in oz, yes. Care factor=zero. The nrl is building the best rugby league comp to ever hit our screans, playing rugby league in other parts of the World, ? if it grows good, if it dont, ok. The best thing is i can see, go watch, the best athletes that play the game right here on my doorstep, and not have to pay a motza for the privalige.
With the game being shown world-wide, will increase player wages and allow us to keep talent. Playing in Japan or Wales or Milan is no good to me, i want to see the game played here, on my doorstep. Rugby union is fast becoming a europe game, all the talent is headed that way. Why would i follow a half baked comp. Rugby league and AFL are the 2 true aussie games, even though 1 is foriegn. At least its rules were developed by aussies.
November 13th 2009 @ 11:41am
silver said | November 13th 2009 @ 11:41am | Report comment
Oikee
Oh Oikee so now you’re tagging with AFL. C’mon bro what happen to the little passionate league supporter I’ve come to know. Are you already defeated, KO in the 2nd round like a David Tua vs. Shane Cameron fight.
Are you going to watch the Azzurri featuring a former son in Craig Gower this weekend?
November 13th 2009 @ 12:21pm
Pippinu said | November 13th 2009 @ 12:21pm | Report comment
heh, heh – Oikee will occasionally have a kind word to say about the AFL if it suits him!!
November 13th 2009 @ 12:24pm
oikee said | November 13th 2009 @ 12:24pm | Report comment
Mate, come on, i love AFL, its the game i will follow if rugby league ever dies. Safe for now Pip.
November 13th 2009 @ 12:27pm
Pippinu said | November 13th 2009 @ 12:27pm | Report comment
Maayte – your love knows no bounds – you’re a humanitarian!!
November 13th 2009 @ 12:28pm
BigAl said | November 13th 2009 @ 12:28pm | Report comment
Depends which Oikee you’re talking about .
– I get the distinct feeling there are several Oikee ‘personalities’ out there !
November 13th 2009 @ 2:56pm
oikee said | November 13th 2009 @ 2:56pm | Report comment
Big AL, your a genious, and you probably would have went through life never knowing if the oikster did not let you know. Yes i have 4 personalities, one for each code. So far rugby league and AFL are winning, so the other 2 are in bed you might say, trying to get out, but not much their to keep them awake. Good work my son, Einstein will have the pleasure of your company one day, cheers.
November 13th 2009 @ 11:50am
katzilla said | November 13th 2009 @ 11:50am | Report comment
Its very smart of Waldron to look at ti in a positive light.
Highly improbable but a double match at the new stadium where the Storm play the Warriors and the Victoria Error play one of the NZ S15 sides will be a sellout. Every Kiwi in Melbourne (easily enough to fill the MCG) will come out for that double dutch. Split the proceeds down the middle or by by proportion to how many VBs are consumed to how many Crownies are consumed.
November 13th 2009 @ 12:25pm
Pippinu said | November 13th 2009 @ 12:25pm | Report comment
Splitting proceeds by the colour of the beer sold? interesting concept – presumably the rugby toffs are drinking the Crowns??
November 13th 2009 @ 12:28pm
MyGeneration said | November 13th 2009 @ 12:28pm | Report comment
I thought they were drinking Asahi these days!
November 13th 2009 @ 1:01pm
Redb said | November 13th 2009 @ 1:01pm | Report comment
Asahi – shite!
Fat Yak please. First tried this brew at the Spotted Cow Hotel in Toowoomba – a fine rugby orientated pub. You can now get it at the Transport Bar in Fed Square.
Redb
November 13th 2009 @ 1:35pm
Justin said | November 13th 2009 @ 1:35pm | Report comment
Fat Yak is Fosters poorer version of Alpha Pale Ale, an outstanding brew. But I can understand people getting on board something that doesnt smell of 2 cent coins and taste of ashtray Red, good job on getting on board the better beer bandwagon!
November 13th 2009 @ 1:51pm
Redb said | November 13th 2009 @ 1:51pm | Report comment
I dont profess to be a beer snob, I dont mind most, but enjoyed Fat Yak and probably lean to the pale ales these days.
November 13th 2009 @ 1:54pm
MyGeneration said | November 13th 2009 @ 1:54pm | Report comment
I’ll stick with the Coopers Pale.
November 13th 2009 @ 3:00pm
oikee said | November 13th 2009 @ 3:00pm | Report comment
Spotted bloody cow, sinse when did you deside to hang with the rednecks Redb. Strewth, now i know why their are 4 posts going up on all the feilds up here, Redb was in town selling posts.
Now i know why i never stopped at the spotted cow, thought i smelt something fishy. Or was it onions.
November 13th 2009 @ 1:10pm
AC said | November 13th 2009 @ 1:10pm | Report comment
Dunno about Melbourne, but Perth (Subi) is also a Carlton sponsored venue. Last time I went there they only served Carlton mid!! Hope the new Melbourne stadium will serve proper strength beer!
November 13th 2009 @ 2:28pm
John Ryan said | November 13th 2009 @ 2:28pm | Report comment
The way things are going with alcohol sponsorship,and alcohol in general I would make the most of it while you can,it will end up like smoking, advertising banned and more and more restrictions being placed on it
November 13th 2009 @ 3:56pm
oikee said | November 13th 2009 @ 3:56pm | Report comment
Like to see them ban Gambling, another rugby league investment. While we are at it, why dont we ban whale watching, or is rugby league feeding off the dead carcuss of union a spectator sport now.
November 13th 2009 @ 4:01pm
Working Class Rugger said | November 13th 2009 @ 4:01pm | Report comment
John Ryan
I have noticed that now the do gooder’s of this world have effectively won their war on smoking thye have turned their attention toward the Alcohol industry.
November 13th 2009 @ 4:06pm
Firestarter Bob said | November 13th 2009 @ 4:06pm | Report comment
First smoking, now alcohol, next gambling, then fast cars, then fried food, then people wasting their lives watching sport.
Surprised they just don’t by-pass all of the above by banning all male sport.
November 13th 2009 @ 12:15pm
oikee said | November 13th 2009 @ 12:15pm | Report comment
Like your touch Zilla, i being a VB man would only have to pay half then.
Cheers,.
You up their above the oikster, yes you Silver, Craid Gower has retired to Italy.
Yes him SBW and Gasnier, all retired, and Mason is about to annouce his retirement also, hes moving to Japan i heard. 
Mate, come on, you can buy as many as you like, be my quest, but dont try to make we watch retired players plying their trade overseas. It becomes arfully painful. Look at the Big Dell, a broken man until the family took him back in, now he can retire in peace. With the loving knowleadge, the family gave him their blessing.
November 13th 2009 @ 12:32pm
oikee said | November 13th 2009 @ 12:32pm | Report comment
Just popping out for a cold one, will be back shortly to deal with any posts from above, no above, the dead people.
Will be happy to mash any onions when i get back, feel free to throw all the crap you like at rugby league while i am gone, its a small challenge, something the family has done for 100 years, and we still have a laugh about it today. Well the challenge is meek, it is the meek who inherent the earth, no union guys will be running the damm thing.
November 13th 2009 @ 12:39pm
silver said | November 13th 2009 @ 12:39pm | Report comment
Oikee while you’re gone finally learn to count to 6 and on the last tackle we’ll put the big boot into league. You will bow down to the master one way or another.
Cheers
November 13th 2009 @ 12:48pm
King of the Gorganites said | November 13th 2009 @ 12:48pm | Report comment
still havent explained the free ticket allegations.
November 13th 2009 @ 3:06pm
oikee said | November 13th 2009 @ 3:06pm | Report comment
Tell you what kingy, you explain the Dummies in the crowd at that union game in Paris, (and not the real dummies, the Hand made ones) and i will explain the free tickets to union clubs around europe.
November 13th 2009 @ 1:52pm
Republican said | November 13th 2009 @ 1:52pm | Report comment
A concession of up to ten O/S players for this Melbourne based generic outfit indicates that not only is Oz Unions depth paper thin, that any tribal element this new franchise hopes to attract is rather fraught, since this team is likely to resemble the United Nations of Union.
November 13th 2009 @ 2:02pm
King of the Gorganites said | November 13th 2009 @ 2:02pm | Report comment
hopefully it does resemble the united nations of Union. that would be great. it would show what RU has over RL- an international presence. bring the argies over here. we need them. it would add alot of spice. even if we had 10 foreigners in the Vic club, that would still give 20 more professional spots then we currently have.
lets use the fact that RU is massive internationally compared with RL.
November 13th 2009 @ 2:52pm
Redb said | November 13th 2009 @ 2:52pm | Report comment
you dont think Melbourne Victory already achieves that? it’s nothing special or new to the Melbourne sporting scene.
November 13th 2009 @ 3:23pm
oikee said | November 13th 2009 @ 3:23pm | Report comment
Bring the argies over, bring the argies over, hahha, man your lame , the AFL public give league hell because we have no local players, but you want to bring the argies over. Your not got a clue do you Kingy, your game is over internationalised, thats whats killing the game. I jumped on your union site last year and told your mob this, ?
Think they listened to the Oikster, nah. One thing you will learn my unionite freind, when the oikster makes a statement, it normally comes true. Get this through your head, the soccer world cup in Sth Africa will only high-light the country for what it is, a basketcase waiting to happen. Sit back old son, see if the oiksters remarks dont fall true.
We dont want the argies over here, get that into your thick head, we will of course accommondate their women , but only for AC., hes got a special interest with my sisters over their.
November 13th 2009 @ 2:07pm
Working Class Rugger said | November 13th 2009 @ 2:07pm | Report comment
Republican
Do you enjoy being a broken record in terms of negativity and prejudice toward Rugby. Obviously you do. As for the foriegn player’s. I wouldn’t be so sure they won’t help. My sister hates Rugby (all sport really) but will gladly watch Argentina matches involving Juan Martin Hernandez. Who will be off contract with the Durban based Sharks after next seasons S14. So they could actually add to the marketing push.
November 13th 2009 @ 3:13pm
oikee said | November 13th 2009 @ 3:13pm | Report comment
And is why i cant explain why they did not give the franshise to Sth Africa, repub. Lets face the facts here, Sth Africa as i mentioned and is their for all to see, a basketcase. So poaching players by all codes is only going to do the country a service.
I think that this is what got Melbourne over the line, Time will tell, but the oikster is genuinely right. Any how, your post is pretty spot on, and i wont have a bar of a Melbourne franshise that can not even promote aussies.
Talk about taking 2 steps back to make 1 step forward, hate to say this, but your O’Neil character(chap) is a goose, he was a goose 10 year ago when he sprouted union would eat off the carcuss of league. Now we are eating off the carcuss of union, not just eating, we are gourging, making gluttons of ourselves, and loving every minute of it, as my mate Kramer would say.
November 14th 2009 @ 1:58pm
The Link said | November 14th 2009 @ 1:58pm | Report comment
Saying that Rugby Union is bigger than Rugby League internationally isn’t saying much at all really.
Both are dwarfed by Football and probably 10 other sports.
November 14th 2009 @ 2:36pm
TommyM said | November 14th 2009 @ 2:36pm | Report comment
10? Darts, snooker, drinking, farting?