How much would you pay to vote on the make-up of a Wallaby squad for a one-off People’s Choice game? I know I would happily part with $20 to see my favoured players in the positions I wanted them to play.
Imagine it. Every Australian rugby fan with a mobile phone could participate – just like Australian Idol. No more complaining about Deans’ selection choices. No more complaining about the use of the bench. It would be the chance of a lifetime to influence the game plan direct from your lounge room.
How would it work? Simple: if you wanted Cummins in the outside centre jersey, you would text “Cummins @ 13” to 1900 Wallabies at a cost of 55c per text.
If you wanted Adam Ashley-Cooper subbed at the 50 minute mark, you would text “AAC sub @ 13 @ 50 minute”.
How much money could this raise? Who could predict? However, if the figures for the Australian Idol final back in 2008 are anything to go by, quite a bit. During the 2008 final, Channel Ten reportedly generated up to $785,000 an hour from voters.
Obviously our viewer numbers are not in the same ball park as Australian Idol, but given the level of frustration out there among fans, and if multiple votes were allowed, the figure could come as quite a surprise.
Maybe they could even incorporate a ‘no’ vote, like “NO Mumm @ 4”. Imagine how much that would generate!
And what to do with the money raised? How about funding the expected shortfall for a rejuvenated ARC, or throw some money at club rugby?
Involving the fans equals invigorating the interest.
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.
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