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There has been plenty of discussion about rugby league expansion, and what the new TV deal can potentially bring to the league.
I thought I’d add my two cents worth by putting together a blueprint for rugby league to grow the game nationally and internationally, and provide even more product for TV packaging and revenue.
Sure, there will need to be some fine tuning, but people paid plenty can surely manage that.
So here goes …
Starting in 2013:
NRL 21 Teams:
• All current teams, plus
o Perth,
o Central coast
o Second Brisbane
o Second New Zealand based team
o Central Queensland
o No Adelaide, unless Sydney team relocates
This equates to a 20 round home/away season. Play every team once (full home away not possible, but we don’t have that now either), including one bye for every team.
Features/benefits of this draw are:
• Game in Brisbane every weekend to counter and challenge AFL’s Lions market, and no free weekends for the non-committed/casual AFL spectator.
• Double header in Sydney every weekend – doesn’t have to be a Sydney derby, just two high quality matches at ANZ/SFS/Sydney cricket ground every Sunday
• Game in New Zealand every weekend.
• Game in regional Queensland every weekend – Townsville or Rocky – which gives hardcores the option of a game a week.
• Shore up Melbourne and grow West Australia.
• 200 game season for TV purposes, National representation, no free/casual weekends for AFL to white-ant traditional markets.
Four week final series (no preference for any final system. Not critical, just whatever is fairest given the fairer season proper in this proposal).
State of Origin and Internationals
Three game Stand alone State of Origin Series.
• Curtain raisers QLD Cup residents Vs NSW Cup residents
• Toyota cup State of Origin
Three game international series: Australia Vs New Zealand in Brisbane, Sydney, Auckland. (Saturday night/Sunday afternoons)
No NRL on any of these weekends – clubs take opportunity for regional development work.
On same weekend as State of Origin and Australia Vs New Zealand series, home and away Pacific Nations Internationals, releasing all NRL Polynesians and Papuans to play for their country.
Total of six weekends of representative rugby league.
Benefits:
• NRL clubs not affected by rep commitments – fairer season for all teams.
• Internationals given pinnacle status – with all players available.
• Polynesians and Papuans in NRL/ESL have incentive to remain loyal to their origins, and develop RL in those countries with a serious international tournament/season.
• NRL presence in regions promoting the game.
I’m sure there are a few minor technical problems in there somewhere, but nothing that can’t be tweaked by experts.
Thoughts?
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