Geoff Carr urges News Ltd to stick behind stricken NRL
By David Beniuk, 24 Apr 2010
- Tagged:
- Australian Rugby league, Geoff Carr, Melbourne Storm, Melbourne Storm Salary cap, News Ltd, NRL, Rugby League
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Melbourne Storm celebrating their teams win over the Manly Sea Eagles. AAP Image/Paul Miller
Australian Rugby League chief executive Geoff Carr is hopeful Melbourne Storm owners News Ltd will stick behind the disgraced NRL club, as the league’s co-owners continue negotiations on an independent commission.
The ARL and News, co-owners of the NRL since the Super League truce in 1998, are in ongoing talks about exiting the game and replacing its management structure with a commission.
Funding the loss-making Storm has been one of the major sticking points, with News demanding $30 million be made available over the next six years to ensure the club’s survival.
“News Ltd … are obviously not happy but they are a pretty big corporation, they know the importance of Melbourne, it’s their franchise,” Carr told Sky Sports radio.
“I would hope that they continue to stay strongly behind them as they have in the past.”
Carr said an NRL club in the AFL heartland of Melbourne was still vitally important for the game.
“Regardless of what’s happened yesterday, the Storm still is strategically a very important property for rugby league, we do need a presence in Melbourne,” he said.
“This certainly is going to take a while to think through but I think in the overall strategy in the game we need to be in Melbourne and we need to be strong in Melbourne.
“We’re just coming from a long way back now.
“It’s certainly going to be tough down there for them but rugby league has shown its resilience in the past.
“There’s going to be a lot of work needs to be done by a lot of people but hopefully when we’re talking this time next year the Storm have bounced back with a clean balance sheet and they’re starting to get their fans back because of the way that they play the game.”
© AAP 2013
April 24th 2010 @ 1:16pm
trent said | April 24th 2010 @ 1:16pm | Report comment
are News Ltd removing them selves from League piece by piece,it might be a good move they might have ddem that league has reached saturation point
April 24th 2010 @ 7:36pm
John said | April 24th 2010 @ 7:36pm | Report comment
Rugby League clubs are usually run by ex players who are dedicated to the game.
April 24th 2010 @ 8:57pm
Sammy22 said | April 24th 2010 @ 8:57pm | Report comment
Thanks Dogs et al for interesting insights
I am not a league guy at all but looking at the damage control business situation. On the basis that league want a presence in Melbourne wouldn’t it be best if the NRL stood up and said we cancel the license for the Storm and go to tender for a new team based in Melbourne. Do this in about 3-4 weeks after NRL uncover al sorts of interesting stuff.
Create new image, the best of the current state structure stays in place, lots of excitement in new team. Seem to work for the code when they named Superleague NRL
Just a thought
April 25th 2010 @ 10:04am
Dogs Of War said | April 25th 2010 @ 10:04am | Report comment
If they did that, I think it suggests that they gave up on the club. Supporters who have Storm merchandise would have that made redundant would also be angry, not to mention a new club would have to establish itself again with much of the same cloud that hovers over the Storm hanging of it.
The NRL really just needs to get behind the club in it’s hour of need, not put the boot in further, hopefully the NRL comes to it’s senses and allows the club to play for points once they are under the salary cap. 700K cut from the club, though it can’t just be pay cuts, some players must go. The NRL could edict that only 200K is acceptable as a pay cut, the rest must come from player attrition. There was a great suggestion that these players could be thrown onto the market paid for by Melbourne, with clubs bidding for there services (though abiding by the cap), and maybe that cash could go to charity or to junior teams in Melbourne as a goodwill gesture.
April 24th 2010 @ 9:10pm
Col the Bear said | April 24th 2010 @ 9:10pm | Report comment
Don’t worry Geoff Carr I think you’ll get your wish..I think you’ll find storm will survive..
April 24th 2010 @ 10:23pm
Gary said | April 24th 2010 @ 10:23pm | Report comment
Somre of you people have no idea especially oikee. Before Melbourne came into your league it was dying a rapid death. Now 10 plus years on you want them gone. They have changed your game and taken it to the next level something your state versus state could’nt do. Yeh go ahead smack them hard now but looking into the future the code will have serious repercussions. A new stadium with the intent of the strom playing at. Oh that gone what legal grounds exist to gain financial recognition from NRL would Victoria seek. Your game could suffer more. You move into Victoria and created this what you call NRL, well with Melbourne gone what you call the NRL is gone. You will have to rename your league once again costing money as it will not be National even though it isnt now. And about W.A. they will be watching this with interest nd don think they will also take the same approach as Melbourne. To succeed in an AFL state there must be success without success there is nothing. Look back at Rugby History the Rams and Oh where did that other team come from Oh thats right Western Australia. You’ve been there now you want to visit old times. I thought you were about moving on and advancing the game.
April 25th 2010 @ 12:16am
Realist said | April 25th 2010 @ 12:16am | Report comment
Gary,
The Super League war contributed to the demise of the Reds and Rams.
April 25th 2010 @ 10:07am
Dogs Of War said | April 25th 2010 @ 10:07am | Report comment
Seem you have been reading the Daily Terrorgraph too much. You also probably believe the GWS war as well. The DT has been saying League is dieing for a few years now, yet all indicators suggest otherwise. It’s just a few clubs in Sydney in trouble, though really it’s only Cronulla who the last rites are being read to. And Sydney needs a reduction of 2 clubs. The NRL needs some cash so they can offer some great incentives for teams to move out of Sydney, to market that needs a team.
April 25th 2010 @ 6:51am
Redb said | April 25th 2010 @ 6:51am | Report comment
I think the suggestion of government ownership is delusional. Hmmmm… Perhaps the Vic govt will suggest News Ltd billons should be enough to honour their contract.
April 25th 2010 @ 1:43pm
Col the Bear said | April 25th 2010 @ 1:43pm | Report comment
pretty sure melbourne are safe.. possibly something to do with the stadium just constructed for them. and the soccer.by the State govt..sometihing to do with compensation there otherwise?
I don’t have a problem with Melbourne, but not to be there at the Bears expense..thats what irks me..
As mentioned by Greg florimo in the sun herald today…CCBears rally organised for may 15th at gosford for the next NRL game between Roosters and Knights..to show them that we want our licence.. and it’s time to put us back in..2013 or sooner we’re ready to go anytime they say, even next week if need be
.. doesn’t matter just as long as we are given the nod soon..NRL could put us in next year and we’ll take some of these players over the cap from clubs..we’ll have a fresh slate.(r). 
might even stop Thurstan going to Union..become a red and black Bear instead..
April 26th 2010 @ 9:47am
Crosscoder said | April 26th 2010 @ 9:47am | Report comment
News Ltd have again reaffirmed the long term committment to the Storm.That would have been reinforced no doubt by the 23,900 who attended the game against the WarriorsThere is a new stadium a waiting,purpose built for rectangular sports and that includes rl.The Storm and no doubt the NRL have assured the Vic govt that rugby league will continue in that city,to help justify the huge expenditure.
On ABC radio yesterday there was an interview with the Vic Sport’s minister James Merlino(spelling?),and he also stated the NRL have assured the govt,of the code’s long term committment in that state.
Col the Bear.I agree with expansion it opens up more opportunities for players to earn big bikkies.Bears and Reds 2013,two new markets,two new income earning opportunities for rugby league players.
I think Thurston will go to French union,and I think Folau to the Rebels.Tthe sooner new TV contracts,new clubs are in place the sooner rugby league will get into pay back mode.The code has a dreadful habit of self destructing after a period ogf health.As a the late Professor Julius Sumner-Miller used to say”why is this so?.
April 26th 2010 @ 1:28pm
Dom ROmeo said | April 26th 2010 @ 1:28pm | Report comment
What i dont understand is why has the storm been losing reportedly 6 million per season when the melbourne victory in the a league is turning a minor profit.
Both teams are second best to AFL in melbourne, both teams have roughly the same average home crowds. The storm probably had significantly more sponsorship. What on earth are the people at the storm blowing all the money on???
April 26th 2010 @ 1:33pm
M1tch said | April 26th 2010 @ 1:33pm | Report comment
Storm made a profit last year – heaps of money goes into junior RL in victoria directly from news which they ‘give’ to the Storm
April 26th 2010 @ 3:04pm
Crosscoder said | April 26th 2010 @ 3:04pm | Report comment
That is the point,the Storm is but a part yes major part of the monies News is putting into grassroots rugby league in Victoria.ATM News is getting $8m pa from the NRL partnership as to their share of profits used in the repayments re the SL war.
According to a source (think it was Masters),with tax writeoffs the amount is more like $5m pa.They were expecting to reduce this to between $1-2m when they occupied the new stadium with addtional sponsors/crowds.Obviously the latest debacle has put the plans back a few years,hence the need for News to continue funding until the club is back on its feet.
The A league team has been averaging at least 8,000 more per game,with much less numbers of players to fund.It is therfore not comparing apples with apples.The NRL club has 25 player on its first grade contracted roster and the players no doubt would earn more overall.The advtg and marketing budget in a market which is unrugby leaguesish, is no doubt higher than the Victory.
If the club averaged the 23,900 they receievd on Sunday evening,that would be a sufficient boost to assist funding costs.
April 24th 2010 @ 3:15pm
Pete said | April 24th 2010 @ 3:15pm | Report comment
RL honest and transparent, you’re not serious are you? No sport is when money is involved. This was a stupid knee jerk reaction.
April 24th 2010 @ 4:07pm
Realist said | April 24th 2010 @ 4:07pm | Report comment
“The NRL isn’t going to drop off on Melbourne.”
I never said they were.
“Perth is a separate issue altogether.”
Didn’t I acknowledge that?.
April 24th 2010 @ 4:10pm
Dogs Of War said | April 24th 2010 @ 4:10pm | Report comment
I though your comments summed up the difficulties very well. Now I think that a 2nd Brisbane/South East Qld team is a better option than Perth when expansion is considered next, considering the financial impact of the Storms situation. The NRL can’t afford to prop up 2 clubs while they build there support up to the required levels, unless the NRL wins the lottery on the next TV rights.
April 24th 2010 @ 4:17pm
Pete said | April 24th 2010 @ 4:17pm | Report comment
I see, if ‘corruption’ occurs in other sports is systemic, in RL is just a few misguided individuals. Anyway, this has nothing to do with my original comment about the punishment being too harsh.
Take your point about players being paid in RU before professionalism. Through today’s eyes it isn’t a big deal. In 20 years or so time (when the salary cap is but a distant memory)RL fans will look back on the storm penalty and lament the damage it did to Victorian RL growth and wonder why the NRL did it.
I don’t advocate the issue being swept under the carpet, but rather dish out a penalty that takes a meaniful stand whithout destroying a critical part of the game’s growth.
April 24th 2010 @ 4:19pm
Dogs Of War said | April 24th 2010 @ 4:19pm | Report comment
Pete, don’t feed the trolls.
April 24th 2010 @ 4:26pm
oikee said | April 24th 2010 @ 4:26pm | Report comment
The only time rugby league ever expands into other states, should be if there governments pay for a team. Wont happen, so dont worry about it, and that means a new stadium and running the club.
Just those points i mentioned are causes for a team. Governments love events, league can provide a heap for them.
This is how rugby league should be run, in return, we guaratee them test matches, origins, and World cup games, plus double headers or other games. Like i said, once we have people in charge that know what they are doing, rugby league will thrive.
Look, rugby league is the only code that can provide a guarateed world cup every 8 years. We have so many strengths, but nobody has a clue how to use these to our advantage.
The WA government should be doing everything possible now to get a team. They could make a motsa outta rugby league.
April 24th 2010 @ 4:30pm
Dogs Of War said | April 24th 2010 @ 4:30pm | Report comment
This event hopefully is the catalyst for the IC moving up the list of things that must be done. There really hasn’t been much talk on the subject since the start of the season, but really their should be plenty now, it would take the focus off Melbourne, and put the focus on the future of the game.
April 24th 2010 @ 4:32pm
oikee said | April 24th 2010 @ 4:32pm | Report comment
I added abit to the end Dogs, mate, we have the best opportunites for any code in this country, we just need 8 people, who know what they are doing(ic) in a room, think like me, and run off 100 ideas on how to profit and make money from rugby league. Can be done, its a goldmine actually.
If you have ideas, put them on here. They get read and passed on if they seem half good.
April 24th 2010 @ 4:39pm
Dogs Of War said | April 24th 2010 @ 4:39pm | Report comment
I would have Gus Gould and Steve Mortimer as the League reps on the panel. With the rest made up of Hard Nosed businessmen (hopefully some with some sort of league background).
April 24th 2010 @ 5:34pm
Realist said | April 24th 2010 @ 5:34pm | Report comment
“Now I think that a 2nd Brisbane/South East Qld team is a better option than Perth when expansion is considered next, considering the financial impact of the Storms situation.”
Logan needs a team of its own. Rugby league is the main game in Logan, but it’s on the AFL’s radar and has a large Polynesian population that loves rugby union. The Brisbane Lions are trying to worm their way into Logan by building a clubhouse in Springwood and, the Government is spending $4.5 million on a clubhouse and ground for the local rugby union club. An NRL team in Logan will help rugby league retain its status as the city’s number one sport. The other good thing about admitting a Logan-based team into the NRL is it’ll convert some rugby union juniors and Australian rules football juniors to rugby league. Logan is going rapidly too, so it makes sense to give it a team of its own.
April 24th 2010 @ 4:42pm
oikee said | April 24th 2010 @ 4:42pm | Report comment
Rubbish hey, it wont sound like rubbish when it gets annouced by the new board. I am not saying to forget about other states, dont get me wrong, but for them to have a rugby league team, it should be government owned, that way you have no ex AFL ceos destroying your code, or rugby league ceo’s, who dont have a clue what they are doing.
If the storm is to survive, the governm,ent should buy the club, If not, let it fold and move on. Time is awasting .
April 24th 2010 @ 5:37pm
Realist said | April 24th 2010 @ 5:37pm | Report comment
“for them to have a rugby league team, it should be government owned, that way you have no ex AFL ceos destroying your code, or rugby league ceo’s, who dont have a clue what they are doing.”
I agree.
April 24th 2010 @ 6:10pm
Rob of Wollongong said | April 24th 2010 @ 6:10pm | Report comment
oikee give me one example in Australia of a situation where a government owns a team competing in a sporting competition?
I can’t think of any at all. If you are referring to government investment in sports than what do you think the Vic government has just done in building a new stadium for the storm and soccer. That was the trade off for all those origins and tests that have been played in Melbourne. The Vic government is behind rugby leagues push into Vic. Not sure about some of your statements that are flying around at present. Governments are not in the business of running sporting teams, they are in the business of running governments. If this is your view on any furture expansion than there will be none. Simple as that.
I for one can’t wait for the IC to get up. It will improve efficiencies within the NRL by removing duplication. Don’t for one second think that the people running the NRL are incompetent. David Gallop is a very smart man. He is doing a great job and will continue do do so under an IC. It is just that he operates in a difficult environment with the issue of a tv rights holder and an old administration running the game. Talk about hard work. He should be given a medal for what he has to deal with.
April 24th 2010 @ 5:43pm
Dogs Of War said | April 24th 2010 @ 5:43pm | Report comment
As long as it’s not the NSW Labor party running it. That said, government ownership of a sports team would be silly. Governments aren’t know for there efficiency.
April 24th 2010 @ 7:37pm
Realist said | April 24th 2010 @ 7:37pm | Report comment
Maybe so, but it would be harder for the media and rival codes to bullly a Government-owned rugby league team.