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The NRL is one of the biggest sporting codes in Australia, but it is still predominately a blue collar supporter base. I believe it is time that the fans and NRL decide what kind of code we want.
The NRL is a sport that celebrates the that fact that it does not look to the NBA or NFL for ideas on how we govern the game, but instead encourages tribalism amongst fans and see the local junior and one club player as the ultimate goal.
But do we want a more American style of sport, where it is all entertainment and money?
The AFL made this decision a few years ago when they started to market itself as “Australia’s game”. They recognised that they would never be an international sport and began to focus solely on what they had – a huge membership base, great junior participation and a game played all over Australia.
Embracing their strengths and recognising the weaknesses of the game has allowed them to flourish and is allowing for it to target money into key areas.
I believe the NRL have to make a similar decision in regards to what sort of game they want. Do they want a game where loyalty to a junior base is the key? Or a game where poaching and players shifting through four teams during their career is the norm?
Rugby league is a blue collar sport – always has been and most likely always will be – but this does not have to be a negative thing.
Making membership for clubs a high priority by lowering prices or introducing better packages for supporters could create a sense of tribalism.
On the other hand, lowering ticket prices and making public transport more accessible could boost crowd numbers, which creates a better atmosphere; in my opinion this leads to a better product, which could lead to higher TV ratings.
Giving salary cap concessions to teams who develop players would encourage one club players, who become club legends, and are the ones who are loved most by supporters.
Nathan Hindmarsh and Anthony Minichiello are special to their fans because they have seen them grow up in the club and love the club as much as the fans – something which seems rare in today’s game.
More day games would also allow kids to fall in love with the game, which ensures that participation rates remain high and our supporter base is guaranteed.
These ideas have been put forward countless times and the NRL is unlikely to listen to them now, but I think deciding what direction we want our game to go is the first step.
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