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Constant talk of mergers, relocation or dissolving teams from Sydney has plagued the NRL since before the Super League war. But does the NRL really have too many teams in Sydney?
Sydney is a city of 4.7 million people. Compare this to Melbourne, which has 10 AFL teams and a population of just over 4 million.
Is it really just that we the fans are so desperate for expansion or a competitive advantage we would be willing to cut or relocate some of the most historic clubs in Australian sport?
All Sydney NRL clubs are steeped in history and tradition, even if it has possibly been diluted with mergers. If the NRL were to relocate for example the Bulldogs to Brisbane, they run a real risk of losing the majority of Doggies fans and not really gaining any new fans in their new location.
Growing the game is important but that does not mean Sydney teams should be sacrificed in the process.
Some fans on this very site have mentioned possible mergers, such as the Eels and Bulldogs creating the Parramatta Bulldogs, or the Roosters and Rabbitohs becoming the Sydney Rabbitohs or South Sydney Roosters. This is not the way forward; all four of these clubs carry a great history and tradition and large supporter bases.
Merging any of these clubs not only removes a great rivalry but also a great deal of history. The NRL would risk losing a huge slice of each team’s supporter base.
Why do fans of rugby league believe there are too many teams in Sydney but the AFL does not seem to have this issue?
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