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Joined April 2014
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Early on in season 2014, the National Rugby League has achieved substantial parity of playing talent among clubs. I have been following rugby league…
The NRL leaves itself open to criticism of disloyalty with players committing to new clubs before the expiration of current contracts. This feeling of…
Hi Epiquin,
Appreciate your opinion, but we will have to “agree to disagree”. I think Origin would be even bigger on Sunday night, the night of the week when there are most people watching TV. During Origin the NRL becomes flat because of the absence of the stars – the clubs have enough trouble attracting fans with all the best players available – it is no wonder the crowds and the quality of games drop during Origin period.
I will explain in more detail in an upcoming article – look forward to your thoughts.
Cheers.
Bernie
Parity is priceless for league lovers
Hi Peeko,
The draw is difficult.
I would like to see 22 rounds instead of 24 to reduce workload on our players and have stand-alone State of origin weekends.
With 2 conferences of 8 teams each, teams could play in their own conference against other 7 teams on home and away basis (7 games * 2 = 14 games) then play other 8 teams from other conference once = 8 games for a total of 22 games.
I had previously suggested having a Sydney Conference and a Regional Conference but that would be just to arrange the draw as we would still one competition table, not separate conference competition tables, as proposed recently by Phil Rothfield.
Cheers.
Bernie
Parity is priceless for league lovers
Hi Ctar,
Very perceptive comment. I remember stating to someone that 2005 was the year when the traditional powerhouse clubs (Broncos, Raiders, Bulldogs, Roosters, Manly) were having “down” years, resulting in a very unlikely Grand Final of Cowboys Vs. Tigers – was an entertaining GF though.
Cheers.
Bernie
Parity is priceless for league lovers
Hi Chris,
It is great to see the Eels being very competitive – it is great for our game in the heartland of Western Sydney.
Take it easy on my Roosters this weekend !
Cheers.
Bernie
Parity is priceless for league lovers
Hi Boz,
State of Origin should be played on stand-alone weekends – it is simply a dilution of the NRL competition not to have our best players playing club football in as many games as possible. I will explain in detail in an upcoming article. Cheers. Bernie
Parity is priceless for league lovers
Hi Mushi – the Salary Cap is about both of these objectives. Cheers. Bernie
Parity is priceless for league lovers
I see your point but is always the problem when TV companies pay big bucks for sports content – they want the higher rating teams in the higher rating markets and that is usually the traditional Sydney teams. Maybe we should look at a system whereby teams are guaranteed a minimum number of FTA games and then they can sell to their sponsors on this basis. Cheers. Bernie
Parity is priceless for league lovers
Hi Don,
Good insight re perspective of the broadcaster, Channel 9. The objectives of Channel 9 are, justifiably, ratings and if they can get a residual benefit over the Thursday & Friday nights after a Wednesday night Origin game, then that makes sense for Channel 9 – good point.
However – the strategic objectives of the game have, for a long time, been subjugated to the wishes of the broadcaster. There are too many net benefits for the game to moving Origin to Sunday night – is it means getting a little less TV money, so be it.
I will elaborate in an upcoming article.
Thanks again Don.
Cheers.
Bernie
Parity is priceless for league lovers