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The results of the NRL Fans Survey were recently released, and it is vital the NRL closely consider the results so that changes can be made for the 2015 season.
The following five questions should be of the greatest importance to the NRL:
1. Is a day at the footy good value?
A staggering 69 per cent believe a day at the footy is not good value.
Poor crowds have plagued the NRL this season, with the Origin period being blamed for many poor turnouts. While the cost of a day at the footy is not the sole reason for poor crowds, it surely contributes.
For crowds to rise, costs must be addressed.
2. What is the most pressing issue confronting the Australian Rugby League Commission?
The leading response with 28 per cent of the votes was the image of the game, closely followed by the impact that Origin is having on clubs, with 25 per cent.
The NRL had a horrific year off the field, with incidents taking the shine off one of the closest seasons in recent history. The arrest and consequent sacking of Russell Packer, along with the sacking of Cronulla’s Todd Carney were two black eyes.
Unfortunately, the high-pressure environment that comes with being a professional athlete proves too much for certain individuals. While a few individuals may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, these individuals have the most significant effect on the game.
The education of players must be improved, while the punishments for offenders must be universally outlined so players are aware of consequences.
3. Who is winning the publicity war to attract players/crowds to their sport?
Answering this question had me torn. I follow all three codes and participate regularly in at least two.
With 42 per cent of the votes being won by the AFL and another 39 per cent by FFA, this left the NRL and ARU to battle it out for the remaining 19 per cent, which was split 14 per cent and 5 per cent respectively.
The publicity war is vital not only to attracting fans but ensuring the future of the game. The future of rugby league lies in talents such as Sione Mata’utia of the Newcastle Knights and Tepai Moeroa of the Parramatta Eels. These sorts of players are vital for the NRL in coming years.
If the NRL does not manage to increase their share of the publicity, children will begin to look to sports such as AFL and football. Immediate action is necessary, especially given football’s rapid growth.
4. Do you think the NRL match review committee provides consistent, predictable outcomes?
‘Sometimes’ was the answer 45 per cent gave, with 43 per cent voting ‘never’.
This exemplifies the uncertainty that has plagued many decisions this year. Not only is it a bad look for those making the decisions but it also detracts from the game holistically.
Changes need to be made.
A bunker has been recently considered by the NRL and for the fans’ sake, I hope changes are made for the start of the 2015 season.
5. Are you happy with the shoulder charge rule?
Unsurprisingly, 72 per cent of the fans voted no.
Growing up, I remember only a few things about the NRL. The first was Andrew Johns and the second was Sonny Bill Williams’ trademark shoulder charge.
While the shoulder charge poses dangers to the safety of players, scrapping it was the wrong decision.
If there is contact directly with the head, the player should be placed on report. If there is no contact with the head, no action needs to be taken.
Removing it from the game was radical and has taken away the thrill that fans get from big hits.
What do you think Roarers? Would love to hear your opinions about the above five questions and any others that take your fancy from the 2014 NRL Fans Survey.
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