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I think the biggest challenge facing rugby league is what to do with all the money. This new found wealth will make or break rugby league.
It needs to be constructive, long term and good for the game.
This new TV deal will see increased free-to-air live coverage, which is what all codes need. NRL fans need to concentrate on their own patch and not be distracted by what other local sports do.
This deal is good financially and continues on the path of giving the game back to the NRL from the media owners. Foxtel need the NRL and fans need not be concerned about what other codes get or about the size of the pie left. The money is there.
I would like to see ANZ Stadium purchased. Firstly the leasehold and then freehold from the government in 2031 when the lease expires. Just raising the salary cap and grant to NRL clubs is not good for the long-term growth of the code.
While it is important that various players get rewarded and that rugby league keeps up with other sports in order to retain talent, money going to grassroots competitions, juniors and referee development (yeah, believe it or not) needs to be increased.
However, the most important area is infrastructure, such as admin blocks and grounds.
ANZ is the NRL ground that needs to be pristine. Seriously, I have seen ANZ Stadium resemble Brookvale Oval. This is wear and tear, but the ground is close to perfect and is strategically located on the train line.
It showcases at least two of the top rating TV programs in Australia every year at a minimum, the State Of Origin and NRL grand final. These games need to be World Wide Worthy. The NRL needs to not set itself a goal of beating the AFL, but reach high and look at global content.
They need to make ANZ Stadium a rugby league heaven. The money is there but we just need the will. Let’s strive to emulate the EPL and NFL not the AFL.
Part of the 2018 cash grab can filter down to the entertainment providers – the players – however it is important that some of this new found wealth is used with the future in mind.
These assets once purchased will help the NRL in times that may be leaner than they are now. I don’t believe the AFL does everything right but the decision of owning grounds is what will see them through any rough trots. The code needs to use some of this money in creating long-term wealth for our code.
ANZ should not be the last stadium the NRL owns. I think something in Queensland or an expansionary territory would be good as well but you have to start somewhere. ANZ is the obvious choice as it is large and it is in Sydney.
The NRL could dip its toe in to see how this works and it would not be a massive up front cost as it is a leasehold situation at the moment. The benefits of such moves to me are obvious, so now it’s time for the Roarers to give their thoughts.
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