It’s always gratifying when a sport that you love embraces modernity and gets with the times, ushering in a new era based on a recognition that stagnation is death, and that progress is vital for any game to thrive.
For example, rugby union commendably went professional back in the 1990s, allowing the game to grow and become a greater spectacle for all, while also providing players with the security they needed to stay in the game long-term.
Likewise, cricket accepted that the future was here by introducing one-day cricket, then coloured clothing, then Twenty20 cricket. Most recently it has allowed technology to be used that ensures that umpiring decisions are as correct as possible, unless India don’t like it.
And, of course, the very advent of the “unless India doesn’t like it” rule of international cricket administration indicates the sport’s commitment to welcoming the modern age.
Rugby league, of course, has always been in the vanguard of progressiveness. The leagues came up with the idea of poaching other codes’ players long before rugby and AFL got on board.
It invented the idea of a sad, laughable Gold Coast franchise back in the 80s, the model of which the A-League has followed to the letter.
And it is rugby league that has always been pro-active in ensuring the games themselves remained exciting and relevant. It was rugby league that, recognising that scrums involved an unacceptable level of unpredictability in the game, turned them into uncontested jokes for the sake of the fans.
Likewise with rules on striking in the play-the-ball and stripping the ball, rugby league administrators have worked tirelessly to eliminate messy contested-ball situations from the sport so that spectators are never made to feel uncomfortable by unexpected events.
Not content to rest on its laurels, it was the NRL that recognised how much fans loathe draws, and that what they prefer is for games to be decided by field goal shootouts. They therefore introduced the marvelous golden-point system.
Nobody could ever accuse rugby league of failing to stay ahead of the pack when it comes to innovation, and it looks like that’s a trend that’s unlikely to stop any time soon, with the news that the NRL is looking for ways to increase stoppages in rugby league games in order to maximise advertising revenue.
I am sure I speak for all of league fandom when I say I could not be more excited about this development.
Not only will the advertising revenue allow players to be paid much, much more – putting paid to the problems of impoverished NRL stars, and stopping the constant raids on league ranks by cashed-up rival codes looking to replicate the spectacular success stories of Karmichael Hunt and Wendell Sailor – but it will introduce a lovely rhythm to the average NRL match.
With more breaks, the viewer will have more time to relax, more time to reflect, more opportunities to duck into the next room for a biscuit.
The relentless pace and action of a rugby league game will no more cause ulcers and shortness of breath; we can always be secure in the knowledge that no matter how frantic and non-stop things are right now, within a minute or two there will be a corporate-mandated rest period and we can all have a bit of R and R.
Won’t that be a relief?
How many times during a State of Origin match have we all said, “Goodness, this is exciting, but I wish they’d slow it all down a bit, I don’t think my old ticker can take it?”
How many times have we bemoaned the mad rush to take penalty kicks and conversions? “Slow down!” we cry. “This isn’t a race, take your time, your haste is most unseemly!”
Wouldn’t it be a relief, to be able to kick back and read some of your book while waiting for a line dropout to be taken? That’s the whole trouble with modern sport: it allows so little time for indulging one’s hobbies during play.
As for fans at the ground (assuming fans still go to the ground to watch rugby league?) – their experience will be the most thrilling of all, waiting for the signal that the commercial break is over so that play can start again, counting down to the end of the ad.
Perhaps the ads themselves can be played on the big screen during the breaks, finally introducing a real living-room atmosphere to the sometimes sterile and detached experience of live sport.
This is what I like to call a win-win-win-win situation. Sport lovers have been crying out for years for more commercialism within the on-field action, and leave it to the NRL to deliver. As always, rugby league is the pioneer.
The only way it could possibly be more satisfying for the fans is if it were specified that 50% of all ads must be for bookmakers.
Then we’d finally have truly realised the dream of JJ Giltinan.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
turbowed You can do that in 30 seconds? LOL Agree you last line.
The Greatest Game Of All
Guest
Nah just expecting to get more than the AFL.
Blazza
Guest
I really don't see anything wrong with it, a quick 20 sec spot when the balls dead does no hard and it makes more money for the game. There is no way the NRL get close to what the AFL got if we don't put in more ads, its that simple.
gleeso
Guest
I'd be fine with playing quarters, more (short) adds. To be honest, I'd prefer to watch and add then a scrum. Bring on the money, lets beat AFL to death with it.
ManInBlack
Guest
Had a nice giggle on a Friday afternoon. Thanks for a good article. Great self deprecating humour from an NRL fan - good to see. Seriously on the topic though - the issue around 'breaks'for me is more around how that time is 'accounted' for. Because, with existing 'dead time' after a try - there is generally an opportunity - just as the AFL has 'dead time' after a goal is kicked. However, to make it work, it needs to be a designated time frame - especially for live to air games on FTA. Thus, the AFL scenario saw fans get frustrated that a player could be penalised for 'wasting time' and yet, if the ball was returned to the centre of the ground for the restart too quickly after a goal - the central umpire might stand there for 5 seconds or so waiting for the flashing light to stop so that play could resume. Who really was wasting time?? Obviously too - the important factor then is that the game clock is stopped so that the ACTUAL game time isn't eroded. Currently, RL does not manage it's time very rigorously - esp compared to US sports but also compared to the AFL.
Pete75
Guest
I have just the game for you! NFL!!!!! Jesus oikee!
Bec
Guest
Canberra people may not wear NRL jerseys but they definitely do wear NRL polo shirts, t-shirts and caps............just not of the Raiders ;-)
Jaceman
Guest
In the attachment to the story, Masters claims that Gyngell noticed spaces for ad breaks. Advertising execs have been saying for years that NRL needed more breaks to maximise opportunities for advertisers during live games. Hopefully they do it for late delayed friday game and Sunday arvo game as well because 30 secs is too short an ad break to lose anyone but the 3 minute ad breaks for delayed games enables people to flick and go elsewhere both in a TV and do other things sense. Kerry packer loved cricket because it was a day of 30 second ad breaks between overs hence we moved to 6 ball overs to get more in...
p.Tah
Guest
"Why can’t they just extend the Half-time break for an extra 2-5 minutes ? " they can but they won't get the revenue they want. Ads at the start of a break and the end of a break cost the most. They are most watched. That is often why the channels put their own ad promoting an upcoming show at the end of the break. It’s one of the most watched slots. The ads in the middle of the slot costs less (on a dramatically sliding scale) because people aren’t paying attention. Networks want more mini breaks because it’s not long enough time for people to start doing something else. They want you engaged whilst the ad is playing. TV shows never use to have ads in the middle of the program. Just at the start and end. Then they started an ‘intermission’, a break in the middle of the show, to increase revenue. Then they put ads in between the start and the intermission, then they found another spot and then they started shortening the length of shows to allow for more ad breaks... now we watch PayTV, the internet or DVDs for our TV shows... It’s a slippery slope the NRL has to negotiate. They need to balance the need for revenue with the attention of the fans. Ben’s article takes the concept to the extreme but there is an element of truth in it. Increasing the number of ads is a lazy way to gain revenue by the TV networks. They need to find a more creative less intrusive way to sell to us. If I knew how to do that I’d be very rich :)
Jaceman
Guest
Coast is on SBS but I know what you mean...
Kuruki
Roar Guru
I heard Lockyer backing this idea saying it was something the game needed to adopt. Everything he done in his career every bit of respect i had for him as a player for what he achieved, it all went flying out the window with one statement. He has sold his soul to the corporate devil already.
Sluggers
Guest
I understand the broadcasters need to make money on their investment in the game.. But as a viewer I dislike cutting away from the game whilst the clock is ticking. Why can't they just extend the Half-time break for an extra 2-5 minutes ? They could stop the game clock after a try, the kicker then has 90 seconds to complete his kick - no reason why they can't have an ad between the awarding of the try and the shot attempt at goal. Clock goes back on the moment he takes his shot at goal. Teams don't take 40 seconds for drops out; they have up to 40 seconds. If they take 40 seconds they incur a penalty, I can't recall the last time this occurred. They normally take about 25-35 seconds, nothing more irritating as a viewing then coming back and missing tackles one or two. I agree with your jersey reflecting walking billboards, it an ordinary look.
ac
Guest
Will the clock be stopped during these times ,. For example a try is scored and it takes two minutes to then go for a conversion and the adds are on - will it not be countered. if that does happen then at least we will have more playing time overall.
p.Tah
Guest
Business 201 is don't upset the customer ;)
turbodewd
Guest
Well now during the game u can take a piss break or grab a drink or do whatever in that 30s break without losing any footy OR record the game and start watching it 10min after kickoff and skip the ads. Do u want the NRL to get money or not? The players dont play for free!
p.Tah
Guest
They will see no difference now but not for long. It's called "ad creep". Start off with just one 30 second ad. Next season they extend it to a 30 second and a 15 second ad. In a few seasons the stoppages will be noticable. I can't watch NRL (or any sport) on FTA TV. Thankfully i have Fox.
Sluggers
Guest
I thought I paid Foxtel so that I would not have to put up with Ads, yet I am forever watching Ads on Foxtel.. I don't get it... Now Free to Air are complaining that they need more Ads to increase their revenue. Give me a break; don't play around with the Product you fools. Channel Nine have held the NRL with distain. The fact it's 2012 and I can’t watch all games live shows out inept the NRL are. Other States are demanding Channel 9 show NRL games at a reasonable time – for the fans of the game. pull your finger out Gallop. I hope Ch. 7 & 10 combine and knock over Ch. 9. As a League fan I just want to watch my games live, is that much to ask for ?
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
Well said, completely agree. If you want the game to grow, you need to generate more revenue. It's business 101.
oikee
Guest
:) i knew it was the wrong Fowel.
turbodewd
Guest
They arent really putting in any stoppages at all. They are merely exploiting existing breaks in play, eg dropouts. Most teams take up to 40s to kick them...under the proposoal the live TV will get a 30s add break in there. People at the game will see no difference, just an enforced 30s delay. Anyone against these ideas which bring money to the NRL needs their head read. Do they want NRL clubs to remain broke?! Seriously, if you want a billion dollar TV deal u must make minor sacrifices otherwise kiss the NRL goodbye and watch AFL lift its dominance further and utterly crush RL. And maybe after this we can fix NRL jerseys which are disgustingly covered in colored sponsor patches and look horrific. I can certainly say noone in Canberra wears NRL jerseys - rare as hens teeth!