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No, I’m not suggesting the demise of any other football codes, just the coming together of rugby union and rugby league.
I have no doubt that at some point in the future, these two rugby codes will come together. Whether these two codes will merge in a roughly equal partnership with the ‘new’ rugby exhibiting characteristics of both codes, or as some suggest more likely, there is a hostile takeover of league by union, remains to be seen.
I’m not interested in getting into a hysterical frenzy over this, although no doubt some fans of each code will do so in any case.
I am fond of both union and league, with union being my greater love.
So I have no ulterior motive in suggesting this, other than a logical conclusion.
All the logical wisdom in my body says that at some point in the future, practical common sense, or rationalisation, or whatever you wish to call it, will decide the issue.
Whatever will be the trigger to bring the two rugby codes together, I don’t know, except that it will happen.
The first thing that both union and league fans need to accept is this – neither code is a fool-proof game. There is good and bad in both rugby codes at this point.
One possible trigger for change could be provided by broadcasters and sponsors who no longer find it economically viable to split their resources between two rugby codes.
The broadcasters and sponsors might unburden their concerns to both union and league, and ask them to seek common ground. If they fail to do so, the broadcasters and sponsors themselves would decide the fate of the two codes.
Another global financial crisis might accelerate the process.
A football World Cup in Australia might also provide an accelerant to the two rugby codes coming together.
Appreciating the potent power of world football, both union and league might realise they need to combine their resources if they wish to compete against the mighty reach of football.
Or the trigger could be something ridiculously simple we haven’t thought of as yet. But I have no doubt whatsoever that at some point in the future there will only be ‘rugby’.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.