If rugby league administrators continue to do our thinking for us, then our games’ demise is not a matter of ‘if’, but ‘when’. And the clock is ticking.
The NRL bureaucrats are sanitising the game to such an extent that they are denying fans the very components that make it a unique spectacle, and in doing so continue to alienate them.
The NRL boardroom would have you believe that an altercation is viewed by the public as thuggery and not passion flaring, that an accidental high shot is viewed as assault and not unfortunate timing.
Rubbish.
Rather than admit neglect at the grassroots for the decline in junior participation, it suits them to blame the aggressive nature of the game.
The NRL doesn’t truly believe mums and dads wont allow their children to participate in a game that represents the slightest risk of injury or confrontation. It’s just not true. Well, not in the real world. But political correctness is a safer place to hide.
It is universally agreed that the thuggery elements of yesteryear needed to be addressed, and they were much before the current administrations tenure. But they have swung the pendulum too far.
The game is now governed by individuals who are more concerned with being seen to be market savvy and righteous than appealing to and nurturing its existing fan base.
The game is now over-scrutinised and refereed, which dramatically detracts from the spectacle. The players are on tenterhooks, in fear of making a slight miscalculation which may lead to a sentence worthy of a third DUI offense.
All this equates to a passionless version of what was once a great game, excuse me, product.
Mr Gallop and company should forget about market surveys and survey the players and fans, and forget about expansion plans until they can effectively protect and develop our game at the grassroots level.
Rugby league is, by its very nature, an aggressive contact sport that requires guts, passion and strength of character to play. Believe it or not, there are still people who view guts passion and strength of character as qualities they would like to see in their children.
Thanks for your concern Mr Gallop but most of us also have the intelligence to determine for ourselves what qualifies as thuggish or criminal behavior.
I keep hearing lately that the crowds are down because league is such a wonderful game to watch on TV. More convenient spin.
As well as going to watch the skill and athleticism of their team, spectators want real characters to cheer or jeer, and collisions and confrontations to witness.
These were elements that use to create the buzz at any ground, a buzz that has sadly been silenced by the big grey cloud hanging over the players’ heads and the referees’ whistle.
While the NRL are busy making excuses, the other codes are successfully infiltrating traditional rugby league schools and communities. Soon they will be circling like vultures waiting to consume the last of the NRL’s offerings.
The NRL need to demonstrate pride in the toughness and skill that is required to play rugby league. It is nothing to be ashamed of, or hide, or even worse still, change.
They need to give the game back to the fans while they still can.
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