The National Rugby League could soon be a a 20-team international competition. There are currently more bidding teams than available expansion slots in the foreseeable future.
The Bears have been fighting for readmission since the Northern Eagles fiasco saw the people of the Central Coast lose their only ever team, albeit one born out of a desperate haste.
Meanwhile Perth and Brisbane have also suffered with the demise of the Reds and Crushers respectively.
Currently though there’s a positive vibe in rugby league and the three hottest topics are broadcast deals, expansion and grassroots player pool growth. The truth is, however, that all three are irrevocably entangled.
With the list of bid teams growing – namely Papua New Guinea, Central Queensland, Brisbane Bombers, Western Corridor, Central Coast, WA Reds, Sage’s Perth, plus the potential of a New Zealand Rugby League-backed Wellington or Christchurch team.
The pressure is on the NRL to come up with some kind of long term strategy.
Eight cities into four spots does not work. However, there is an alternative.
Let’s extend the competition by one week, allowing each team to play 25 games over 27 to 28 weeks, from March to September. Every team maintains their current allotment of 12 home games.
However, of the extra 10 games a year, five would be considered Sharks home games and five would be considered Roosters home games.
These teams would be re-branded, but it would be a subtle change that would still maintain the original roots of the clubs.
Southern Sharks
– Based in New Zealand’s South Island
– Eight home games in Christchurch
– Seven home games in Sutherland (two out of the standard allotment plus the extra five)
– Two home games in Dunedin
– Their development areas would be Sutherland Shire and South Island
Eastern Roosters
– Based in Wellington and the North Island
– 10 home games in Wellington
– Seven home games at SFS (two out of the standard allotment plus the extra five)
– Plus an arrangement could be made for away games at SFS involving the Rabbitohs, Tigers and Dragons
– Their development areas would be eastern Sydney and the eastern half of North Island, i.e. Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki, Manawatu-Wanganui and Wellington
These clubs could keep revenue from memberships sold at SFS or Sutherland. All other ticket revenue could be divided amongst the other 18 clubs as compensation.
The Sharks and Roosters would benefit from being New Zealand teams based in Australia and could gain new members of expatriate Kiwis. This could increase the profile of both clubs dramatically – they would become international clubs.
There would be six New Zealand derby games a year, three games on local television each week involving a local club and at least one game a week played in New Zealand in a guaranteed unique timeslot.
All of this would boost the game’s grassroots, television and financial profile.
At this point it means there would still effectively be 16 clubs in the competition – meaning there are four more slots available to the other expansion sides, now that New Zealand has been covered.
Because Sydney would now have six full-time teams, but only three part-time teams, and because their teams would now be stronger there is no valid argument against the readmission of the Central Coast Bears.
They play all their home games except one outside of Sydney, but could boost away fan attendances with traditional North Sydney supporters attending games at Parramatta, Homebush, Leichardt, SFS, and Brookvale.
This would also assist Manly on the North Shore by reinvigorating the traditional rivalry and making rugby league the sporting focal point.
This would help heal an old wound, giving former fans their team back but finally acknowledging an area which has been trying to get a team since the late 1970s.
Perth would also gain a club, preferably the WA Reds to capitalise on existing branding.
This would also heal another wound, but would potentially be in a partnership with Tony Sage to ensure that both grassroots and financial sustainability are achieved.
This increases the game’s national appeal and introduces a new timeslot.
The remaining two slots should be given to Queensland teams but there may be an argument for PNG for the final spot. In the scenario where there are two new Queensland teams – a Brisbane side representing the Southern and Western suburbs and a Central Queensland side – there would now be 20 derby games a year.
Five teams could be placed out of the 10 games a week in order to boost TV interest in the Queensland market. There could likewise be a timeslot dedicated most weeks specifically to a Queensland derby game.
The timeline for all this remains to be determined. The most pressing locations are Perth, Central Coast, Brisbane and New Zealand. Central Queensland and a third New Zealand team could be developed later.
The specifics as to where and when would need to be structured in a logical manner but it could be accomplished over a 15-year timeline.
In the final analysis, though, there would be a 20 team competition – five Queensland teams, one West Australian team, one Victorian team, one Australian Capital Territory team, three regional New South Wales teams, St George Illawarra, six full-time Sydney teams, Auckland Warriors and the two New Zealand/Sydney sides (maintaining 60-80% of their current home game allotment, their mascots, their colours and their Sydney base).
And all this can come into place with just one extra week in the season. Viable, don’t you think?
jason e
Guest
States United Rugby League. S.U.R.L. 14 Team comp using the best players from other state leagues.1 Melbourne Storm,2 Melbourne Rhinos,3 Melbourne United,4 Perth Thunder,5 West Coast Giants,6 Fremantle Falcons,7 Adelaide Panthers,8 Adelaide Saints,9 Adelaide City,10 Canberra Raiders,11 Canberra Cannons,12 Darwin WildDogs,13 Darwin Razorbacks,14 Port Moresby Vipers, States United Origin League, S.U.O.L. 5 Teams 1 VIC Rangers,2 WA Blackswans,3 SA Allstars,4 ACT Capitals,5 NT Rockers. International team picked from them, against USA, Russia, Lebanon, Italy, South Africa, Canada, Scotland, Ireland, PNG A,(2nd strongest PNG team), Wales, France, Jamaica, Fiji,Tonga, Samoa, New Zealand A
jason e
Guest
16 team national RL competition. 1.N.Q.L.D Cowboys,2 Sunshine Coast Eagles,3 Brisbane Broncos,4 Gold Coast Titans,5 Newcastle Knights,6 Central Coast Sharks,7 North Sydney Bears, 8 Sydney City Jets,9 West Sydney United ,10 Southern Dragons,11 Illawarra Steelers,12 Canberra Raiders,13 Melbourne Storm,14 Perth Thunder,15 Adelaide Panthers,16 Auckland Warriors ,12,13,14,15,1 States United Allstars State of Origin side,2 QLD Maroons,3 NSW Blues,4 Aboriginal DreamTeam,5 North NZ Chiefs,6 South NZ Silverbacks ,7 Pacific United Islanders,8 The World Crusaders. 8 team State of Origin competition.
grimm
Guest
What a serious load of crap. Really?? Southern sharks and Eastern roosters??? I'm seriously lost for words on how bad that idea is. I don't support roosters or sharks but you can't get rid of them. Here's a thought do the north shore a favour and bring back the bears, they are a foundation team so they have the right to be there. Bring in a Perth team another Brisbane team and a Wellington team! Job done! We all know the NRL can afford it. You must have had a few when you came up with your plans.
Dan
Guest
All sounds good Except If it is national rugby league then where is the Adelaide and Tasmanian teams? I think making the game more widely followed starts with tv coverage I support Manly but have only seen one or two games this season because the tv rights are all wrong and nowhere worse than here in Adelaide And before you say anything no I don't want foxtell Go sea eagles
The Cattery
Roar Guru
I would like to put my support behind this radical proposal, as they say: nothing ventured, nothing gained.
john bouwman
Guest
great idea and with the new NRL TV deal the club grants will be their salary cap So i would look at expanding on your idea Hows this The bulldogs to the south island of NZ then they can partner with the crusaders and be the Canterbury Bulldogs ( sounds cool ) Souths to Adelaide Southern Rabbitos Roosters to central QLD 20 teams , wages guaranteed , NZ expanded which will only add to the international competitiveness of NZ All we have to do know is convince the Sydney centric supporters that it is not only in the best interest of the Game but that it is also in the best interest of their clubs to not only preserve their history and games in Sydney But to grow into new territory
matt goss
Guest
i live in brisbane.no one cares about any qld teams.perth and central coast bears should be next.nrl have to listern to the fans polls.thats reds and bears.qld a two teams state.cowboys and broncos.theirs no money up here. crushers,seagull,chargers and now titains all went belly-up.three basketball national team,a-league team( united).brisbane roar went belly-uptwo days before the grand-final.brisbane bears(base on coast).gone!rugby national team.all these clubs are dead.what are these qld team going to do.borrow more money from state gov.like titains have.now30 millions in debt.sick of these sth east qld borrow money.the only why these clubs borrow money from qld gov.because they dont have any backing from local rugby league supporters.bring in perth and central coast.and 2018 bring in two more teams.but reds and bears are way ahead of the other bids.rumours in qld. 3 new clubs will be joining.perh.central coast bears and qld team.but wait for this.their will be a 18 teams comp.doesnt make sense!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Agree
Guest
Rockhampton - barely fill Browne Park when Cowboys and Broncos play! Idea for a stadium at a Rockhampton School!!!! Never happen folks.
Jaredsbro
Roar Guru
But you guys were in the top 4 quite recently. Top two even. Perhaps that wasn't in the last three years (can't remember for sure) but it was well within the last generation of players. What happened that you ended up in such a precarious position. For a time Sharks footy was about good tight defense and it was paying off for you big time in terms of finals exposure.
Jaredsbro
Roar Guru
I actually think this is a very novel and because of that very good idea when it comes to managing/expanding the game beyond just treading water...in order to do that, the Sharks prob need to move. So in a sense it's either Perth or somewhere in NZ. But anyways I think some club needs to take the plunge and do a South Melbourne...that's how the VFL/AFL got the upper hand of its expansion inertia.
code 13
Roar Guru
You better add it to your "I Hate Rugby League And Can't Stop Trolling About It" bookmark folder
code 13
Roar Guru
Oh you mean my comments where I say 5 Qld teams instead of a PNG team?
Queensland's game is rugby league
Guest
The Sharks have a good future in front of them. It would be good if the ARLC made the bold move to invest money into Endeavour and build it up.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
QGIRL.You are correct the area is indeed growing.A new suburb north of Wanda (435 lots) is being developed.High density housing units,townhouses and villas are cropping up everywhere.And a new suburb near Menai with a huge population is being planned. The notion that some people have, that Shark's supporters are confined to the Shire is aso a furphy.They are spread over sydney,nth coast and even Qld.That means merchandise sales,attendance at away games,but some people can't see their elbow past theit armpits.
Queensland's game is rugby league
Guest
Un upgrade of the Sharks' stadium would probably lead to better attendances. I think the Sutherland Shire needs a team of its own. Canterbury-Bankstown has been quite successful over the last few years. The other clubs should look at their model and couple it.
Queensland's game is rugby league
Guest
I don't know why everyone deathrides the Sharks. I actually think the Sutherland Shire needs a team of its own. THe area is going to grow over the next 50 years. It produces juniors.My only gripe with the Sharks is I cannot understand why they call themselves Cronulla-Sutherland. They should just change their name to Sutherland Sharks. If Penrith can get its stuff together then it has the potential to be a huge club. I just cannot see it happening. Their fans just aren't loyal enough.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Now there's a prognostication to bookmark for future review.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Wasn't directing them at the article but at your comments, which are also grounds for discussion. So no. Feet shall remain firmly on the soap box.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
code13. I am not going ot ramble on with the he says,he says routine.But to simply state regardless of the crowds and you arguing with me over the weather,and give me some nouse ,as I spend my winters down at shark Park.. Let us put it another way most Sharks supporters remember the miserable weather ,more than the sunny days or calm nights,so without the adequate cover that many of the other clubs possess,crowds are affected. There is the ET stand with about 1,500 under cover and t'he southern stand with about the sam number. The plain facts are whether you me or Molly Magee likes it or not,the crowds for the sharks over the years good or bad,are hardly a yawning gap from many of the heartland clubs over the years.18,000 last night in calm clear conditons ,when children with a paying adult let in for free, was appalling.The very poor crowds at Penrtih and parra are indicative of wet nights in this city. 2005 16,000 plus average,indicative of support at time latent in an area.I rest my case The gap between the Shark's crowd and the other sydney clubs is not that large.You continue to ignore that fact.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
code13.The grant from the NRL is not the only revenue source for the football team.They have a fair array of sponsors big and small,and a major one to be announced some time this week.Building crowds this year by being relatively successful will provide revenue streams,that other clubs also depend. So again you are wrong by suggesting the Sharks would not have other revenue streams. The club ATM is operating admin wise on a fairly small budget,and will not be reliant on the league's club,because the club does not have the money to provide such funds. We do not know what the impact on revenue will be re poker macjhine taxes in the near future,so other clubs will be feeling the pinch,as Manly is doing now and even the Panthers with many clubs but a huge debt to service. Should the development not be approved,then difficult decisions will be made,but part relocation "aint "one of them.But let's crossthat bridge when or if it happens. Because we are going to look silly if the development whether it be scaled back or not,get's the DOP go ahead.