State of Origin will remain on Wednesday nights and the ARL Commission (ARLC) has backed rugby league’s retention of a stand-alone representative weekend.
The Commission met in Melbourne on Thursday when they confirmed ongoing support for the highly criticised City-Country series and the mid-season Test between Australia and New Zealand.
There will be a further concentration of byes around Origin time to minimise the impact on NRL clubs, while the ARL committed to taking additional measures to help NSW and Queensland players with their recovery from the gruelling matches.
“The success of the State of Origin series in its current format speaks for itself over a number of years,” said ARLC chief executive David Gallop.
“Today’s Commission meeting examined a detailed analysis of recovery times and the effect of the Origin series on the overall season structure.
“The flow-on effects of stand-alone Origins across the entire year are such that they are not a practical alternative but the addition of a representative weekend, which worked well in 2012, and of further adjustments to the byes will address a number of issues that have been raised in the past.”
While locking in Wednesday night Origin games, the Commission also opened the door to playing Thursday night NRL games.
“This would not be on the basis of establishing a regular fixed time-slot but on the basis of establishing specific scheduling opportunities,” Gallop said.
With the initial offer from television rights’ holders Nine and Fox Sports already on the table, the Commission has started negotiations with the Seven and Ten networks.
The Commission has appointed corporate adviser Greenhill Caliburn to assist in the TV broadcast negotiations which are hoped to hit the $1 billion mark.
“It is a complex and critical negotiation for the game’s future and we have always flagged that we would engage additional resources where appropriate,” Gallop said.
“We believe they can add considerable experience as we look to achieve a great return for the game.”
Townsville was confirmed as the venue for the Australia v New Zealand Test match on October 13.
“There is great support for rugby league in north Queensland and the decision to take the only Australian-based Test of 2012 to Townsville is recognition of that support,” Gallop said.
Tony B
Guest
Being in my mid fifties I remember and miss the AMCO cup. I know it will never come back with NRL clubs why cant we try it with all Qld cup and NSW cup teams , add to that a team from each state Port Morsby 3 or 4 from NZ even some developing countries could enter .Who knows we could even play the GF on 3rd SOO night. I know people would be amazed at the quality.
DumpStar
Roar Rookie
If the NRL gets a big payday, then I wouldn't have a problem with that. It's a great way to give back to the country area's. And as I pointed out. I am sure many a local govt would be more than happy to offet the cost in some way to get teams coming to the town. Just even the out of town teams and officials having to stay at local motels etc, over the year would ensure it was a worthwhile exercise.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
Dumpstar, "The step after that would be giving the NSW Cup broadcast rights for free to the ABC or SBS (or whoever will broadcast it)" The ABC is asking the WAFL, the SANFL and the NSWRU to pay for their competitions to be broadcast ... that said, I agree with you that regional footy needs to be supported.
DumpStar
Roar Rookie
There are better ways to achieve the same result though than the one off hit and run we currently seeing which really only services one country town each year. We could have similar to the Queensland Cup, the NSW Cup teams playing from regional areas, with each NSW RL attached to that. Not only does it help the game in the area by bringing better quality matches and players (and the odd first grader who could visit schools etc in the area to help promote goodwill), it also brings more money into those area's, which will see the locals get behind it even more. Not to mention that City vs Country is limited to NSW players as well. So there is no benefit to Queensland country league, and interest overall in this clash will always be very limited due to how the team is assembled. The step after that would be giving the NSW Cup broadcast rights for free to the ABC or SBS (or whoever will broadcast it). This would then also give these towns a little more exposure. All plus's in my book. You only have to look at clubs like the Roosters currently whose catchment area consists of about 4 RL clubs, to know that the current system is defunct. We see the situation the other day that GWS was paid $100K for them to bring there preseason program to Wagga, the Raiders were up in arms, but the Raiders could rather than have Mt Pritchard in SYDNEY as there NSW Cup team, support Wagga and have the feeder club located there. I think that Wagga would be much more liable to pony up cash to support a club that plays there week in week out. In conclusion, when I was younger, City vs Country was relevant as it did consists of the odd country player who did not play in the NSWRL at the time, but it's been a long time since someone fit that description. So it's had it's day, let's take a holistic approach in how to achieve the same result, but in a better manner. One that gives back to the country areas all year.
turbodewd
Guest
City v Country is pointless. All the players play in the city. It barely rates on TV. Ditch the ancient tradition.
mark melville
Guest
the test should of been played in perth or adelaide etc!! townsville get league all year round, why wouldnt they have it somewhere that doesnt get league. its not forwartd thinking at all
oikee
Guest
Big tick for the commish, why would you get rid of a game that promotes bush footie, good call. I dont care what other people say, i enjoy watching this game. And the people in the bush towns appreiciate it as well. I love the way it looks on tv, the sights the sounds, you can nearly smell those hotdogs and pies and the smiles on the kids faces, priceless.