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Rugby League’s memberships have grown amazingly (by NRL standards) over the past three years. Incredibly, it took the Centenary celebration for Rugby League administrators to realize this.
Now, yes, the numbers below do not compare to the AFL numbers, which are themselves incredible. But we are talking about Rugby League clubs only in the last few seasons taking memberships seriously.
All is not rosy, though.
Some clubs need to have a long, hard look at themselves and ask why their fans aren’t wanting to be involved in their club.
Brisbane Broncos
They are a interesting case: average crowds are over 30,000, yet memberships are at the 14-15,000 mark. Perhaps just a perfect example of Rugby League fans’ attitude to buying memberships.
Canberra Raiders
Ordinary numbers the last few seasons, but the fans have jumped on board with the Green Machine. Up to just 9,000 members from 6,000 in 2010.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
A club with a huge supporter base and lofty ambitions for a couple of years. Todd Greenburg said after only a few months in the top job that the goal for the Bulldogs was to have 10,000 members by 2010. While some laughed, the club turned its image around and reached the goal last year. It is currently at 13,500 for 2011.
Cronulla Sharks
Probably the smallest supporter base out of all the NRL teams, and it shows with the numbers. However, that is with an ordinary team and no results over the past few years. Well done to Sharks fans, though: up to 6,500 members in 2011.
Gold Coast Titans
Another example of the culture issue, the Titans have connected with their fans up and down the coast and northern New South Wales, but could only attract 5,400 members in 2010. Perhaps having the Suns in town helped the Titans crack 8,000 this year. They were also helped by cheaper options.
Manly Sea Eagles
Despite being a team that not many have tipped to do much in 2011, fans see something big-time at Manly. Numbers have grown from 5,112 in 2010 to just over 9,000 this year.
Melbourne Storm
The Salary cap scandal showed who was with, or against, the Storm in 2010. Memberships grew to over 10,000. Despite the team losing premierships, losing players, the Rebels coming to town, the Storm fans are back in 2011. Only just shy of 9,000 so far.
Newcastle Knights
A team that could have the biggest numbers in the next few years if Nathan Tinkler has anything to say about it. The Knights’ memberships have never reflected the support the team has. Just over 9,200 for 2011 so far. Expect to explode to over 15,000
at least if Tinkler takes over.
North Queensland Cowboys
Should have 15,000 members at least, but three years of horrible seasons has affected the Cowboys’ numbers. Under 8,000 so far after over 9,000 in 2011.
Parramatta Eels
A sea of blue and yellow at the 2009 Grand Final showed Parramatta are still one of the most popular teams. Signed up over 11,000 members for 2010, and despite a terrible year, and terrible signings in the off-season, the Eels are just about to reach 2010’s numbers.
Penrith Panthers
A team you would think should have huge numbers, with a big junior base, but they are a side who have continually struggled to get members. Only 4,500 in 2010, but a good year on the field has helped them get to just over 6,000. But after their start, I don’t expect that number to grow anymore.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
One of the teams to really get behind memberships over the past few years, despite playing out at Homebush. Memberships fell just shy of 20,000 for 2011. Expect them to reach the milestone this week. A team that should have 30,000 within five years.
St George Illawarra Dragons
Arguably the biggest club in Rugby League nationwide. Two support bases which each should yield 15,000, at the very least. They are just behind Souths for the race to 20,000, and are up from 15,345 in 2010.
Sydney Roosters
Fair-weather fans without a doubt. A grand final appearance in 2010 has shot memberships up to 9,500 from 6,000.
Warriors
Support of a nation. Currently at 8,500, but were disappointing in 2010 with only 4,800. They should have 20,000 members.
Wests Tigers
A team that is up from 2010, but they are a long way behind where they should be. 8,700 so far, up from 6,500. But with two passionate support bases, this is a club that should have 20,000 at the minimum.
The numbers so far for 2011
Total Memberships: 169,465
Total Memberships for 2010: 142 859
2011 so far club by club
Broncos 14,638
Raiders 9,009
Bulldogs 13,584
Sharks 6,515
Titans 8,025
Sea Eagles 9,065
Storm 8,775
Knights 9,220
Cowboys 7,620
Eels 11,110
Panthers 6,132
Bunnies 19,845
Dragons 19,055
Roosters 9,582
Warriors 8,578
Tigers 8,712
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