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Memo the NRL, NRL clubs, ARL and News Limited: relax. Take a valium and have a lie down. The last thing rugby league needs is another Super League-style war.
You would think that nobody wanted the independent commission to oversee the game, that every party involved is trying to sabotage it before it even gets off the ground, because that’s the way it seems.
It’s been delay after delay, problem after problem with the setting up of the new governing body, as rugby league resembles a kindergarten playground where whiny kids fight over a prized toy.
Rugby league may be in a stronger position now than in 1998, when News Limited and the ARL formed the NRL, but its not in a insurmountable position. It’s not flush with endless cash, endowed with massive TV rights or breaking records at every turn.
It’s in a healthy state, and is growing, for sure. But if it’s going to take the next step and match the AFL, then it needs to stop squabbling amongst itself and get the commission going.
The stance taken by the NRL clubs at the moment is wrong.
I understand it, they are all hurting and need money to stop going under, but it is enabling the establishment of the commission which will enable them to become more profitable and financially secure.
All the infighting (from all parties, not just the clubs) is not only damaging the sport in the eyes of broadcasters, sponsors and fans, it is also delaying real progress.
Threatening a Super-style split is a low tactic. Do they not remember how bad the fallout from Super League was 15-16 years ago? The axing of North Sydney and the omission of Souths for two years? The end of St George, Illawarra Steelers, Balmain Tigers and Western Suburbs as individual entities? The closure of clubs on the Gold Coast, in South Queensland, Adelaide, Perth and the Hunter?
The alienation of thousands of supporters – some who have sworn off the game for good – huge amounts of money wasted, good people turned away and a free kick given to the AFL, rugby union, football and every other sport.
Continually shooting yourself in the foot is something that rugby league seems to do well on a regular basis. But please can we end the squabbling and get our house in order? It’s not much to ask. Rugby league fans are waiting.
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