It’s clear the Australian Rugby League Commission is, among other things, rebuilding and strengthening from the ground up.
The commission fills me with a lot of certainty. Maybe nothing is set in stone, but from the way things have happened so far and what’s been mentioned, I feel good about what they are trying to achieve.
I have full faith in the commission.
Just recently, John Grant mentioned the word “value”. But what is value and what is valued in rugby league?
Is it fan attendance culture or financial worth?
Back then I set out to define it, to the chagrin of many. Its not a comfortable subject; often, raw nerves were hit upon.
Since then, rugby league has tackled its dark procrastinating past. Rugby league is ready to move on and look to the future.
In the past there was the seeking of excuses and being “reactive”; people had less hope. Now, there is only talk of seeking solutions. Is it any wonder that people feel an overwhelming sense of freedom, more so than ever before in the past 20 years?
I may have once desired to follow in the footsteps of codes who have built themselves up, including soccer, NFL, baseball, AFL, but I don’t aspire for the game of RL to become them. The commission is showing, perhaps, what I once could not. That the game can grow and change, while still retaining itself in all its former glory. Like putting on a new shirt.
Value is the worth you place on something, and that worth is intricately related to how much you are willing to do for it.
So does league lack value? For you? For an on-looker? An insider?
How do you make someone want something? To you give it, then take it away? Do you offer something so compelling they cannot refuse? Do you set a high price? Do you make it accessible?
Where do we see rugby league heading? How will the game look? And how much should we change in order to realise it without losing what we have now?
It’s clear to me the game needs to change its ways. I am sure the commission is doing this and taking on new ideas.
But I think the most headway into this dilemma is simply a question of value for money for the fan in relation to all the various passion-levels out there.
The game lacks value to the wider sporting community in terms of getting their hands dirty and involved. And by that, I mean attending and being an active fan. We may only be able to change gradually the stigmas and detractions of supporting our game and being an ‘active’ fan, but in time, that will change.
Other sports say they offer greater value. This is not meant to be a comparison whereby we dig a trench and set up stakes. Let’s remain objective. In AFL, the tickets are often cheaper, the stadia is almost always better, the transport options greater and easier to tolerate, the atmosphere usually very good, and the product on the field considered to be the pinnacle of professional sports in this country by those who regularly attend matches.
In union, there are less games to attend, thus giving any supporter a greater sense of ‘value’ when he does attend.
In terms of value, rugby league may be lagging behind. It’s not something that is readily apparent. But to new fans, casual fans, or outsiders looking in, I am sure it’s obvious.
I am less concerned with TV deals than with feet on the ground, so to speak. Rugby league may have to change its ways a little bit.
To this end, we will need compromise, we will need to swallow our pride somewhat, and we will need a gradual shift in our mind-set.
Specifically, we will need to be less club-centric and more game-centric.
From what I have seen, Grant and the commission are doing just that.
Ideally, we must see the percentage rugby league generates from TV deals shrink, while the percentage it generates from “feet on the ground” presence increase.
The TV deal should take care of itself, it will be what it will be. Apart from negotiating strategies, it is based on an underlying value of fan support, and to an extent the perception of those fans, which is a reflection upon the game.
The things we once spoke of in future anticipation of value were things like memberships, sponsorships, merchandise, attendance, culture, family-participation or female participation, and junior participation.
Things are now in place, driving these things upward.
Now, as a game as a whole we need to help it all along; we need to increase the efficiency of the whole machine. We should not return to the days where we selfishly focus on certain clubs unless there is extenuating circumstances, which Phil Gould is trying to convince people of over at Penrith.
Maybe the game will take care of itself when it finally truly looks after itself. The value is there. We need to bring it to light.
The over-riding theme here is one of value. Rugby league has to be ‘better value’ to the sporting public.
We need to compel. I feel we have the best competition in the country in terms of the overall contest itself. It’s the closest competition there is week to week.
I also think we try to uphold the integrity of that contest the most. We know we must capitalise on that and its ties to the community.
Not only should rugby league demonstrate value to win fans over, it must keep their interest. Should it ever come to pass that another option is ever presented to the sports fan, we want rugby league to be able to present the most compelling case (where possible) for the fan to invest his time, energy, and money into the game.
We know that RL is a resilient game – but is it as resilient as we’d like in terms of peak-performance? In sheer relevance to its target audience, rugby league trumps all other sports. But what of those on the fringes? What of those who are just ‘coming’ into being a RL supporter, who are not sold yet? Those who we want to invite along and appeal to? The youths too young yet, and the outsiders looking in?
What can be done to increase the wider appeal of the game, to inside of the game fans and outside of the game fans?
Here are some ideas, points, concepts, and goals toward making this sport better value all-round: to fans, to TV networks, to corporates and sponsors and potential fans alike:
1. Become a highly regarded, highly competitive national sporting competition
We need a team in Perth and a second in Brisbane. When this happens, through expansion, we must ensure we remain a level competition without too many blowouts. The evenness of our competition is one of our strengths.
2. Gain an attendance average over 25,000 per game, with a 20,000 minimum average attendance for each team
This is possible only with better stadia. The key is Sydney. We need fans to be able to get to the grounds as quickly and as easily as possible. The grounds need to be modern. The opportunity for corporate sales and all-inclusion of as many fans as possible cannot be overlooked for much longer. Despite what we may think, its not always a cherished thing to sit in older stadia. To do this, we will need to improve stadia and share grounds. We will also need to lobby for better public transport, such as a train station near the SFS.
We also need to upgrade Parramatta stadium to at least 30k, with a decent roof. Then, the SFS and Parramatta should be used for as many Sydney derbies as possible. It may end up being that teams like Manly, Cronulla and Penrith still play more games at their traditional homes than others. Older venues will still be in use, but for fixtures against out of town teams.
3. Get a fixed schedule
Be it one fixed until half way or three-quarters way through the season, or for the entire season, we need to lock-in days and times before the season starts.
4. Club revenue must exceed 25million per year
Running a club on less than 20 million a year is simply ineffective for the competition’s health. We need each club strong and spreading the rugby league mantra in the strongest possible ways. Moving to larger venues and increasing attendances will go a long way toward this. Also, spreading the money the code generates more fairly will help too.
5. Average ticket prices need to be lower.
We need to fill stadiums before we worry about generating too much revenue from them where appropriate. In line with the new stadium plan, it needs to include a new ticketing structure. Kids must get in for cheap. If you even look like a kid, a teen, then you get in for cheap. No more than five dollars a head.
We could look at implementing a supply-demand ticket pricing scheme for some or all matches, where early-bird purchases come cheaper and prices increase closer to kick-off. We could also have provision for free entry for someone sponsored by a member. If a member sponsors you to attend perhaps one match per year, you can get in for cheap. Clubs could work together on ticketing arrangements, splitting revenue as required. Clubs can work together to make a game an event and cooperate to lobby government re: stadium deals.
6. Assimilation of Queensland and NSW cups into a joint reserve grade
Perhaps combining forces with Queensland and NSW cup sides, or joining them for either part or all the season will provide the best benefit to the game and players making their way through the ranks. Certainly, having state local league teams funding themselves for reserve grade with TV exposure will definitely help the reserve grade competition with funding, and will lighten the load on the NRL.
7. Origin in Perth within three years
While there would be issues with the time zone, Origin must go to Perth soon. This would help build support for the new team.
If the game can provide more value for supporters in terms of stadia, ticketing and transport to and from games, it will raise the game’s esteem in their eyes. This would lead to an increase of active-interest, both visible, and behind the scenes in the hearts and minds of people.
The changes will pay off immediately with increased attendance, sponsorships and a nationwide presence. This will then lead to more money flowing into the game over time, and greater security for the code if it handles its finances correctly.
As far as perception goes, Sydney is the first nut to crack. It is straddled the most, due to weight of teams and lack of good stadia. The next is cooperation. Teams lobbying together for stadia deals would be a great show of force. Obviously much is preventing too much movement in this regard, but headway can be made.
All in all, I think rugby league has a lot of room to get even better in the coming years.
With the Commission’s game-centric approach, how can rugby league fail?
Von Neumann
Roar Guru
what were you doing in the rugby league section back then? now even. I was being real - there's a reason someone is errecting posts and locking people out. Its 2 politcal parties buddy, just because the scene changes does not mean human nature does. Help em here, stick em there. We know. And it may not even be pre planned. But why look a pretty girl in the eye and hope she likes you. You got to Do something about it. This is like 2 men fighting over a girl. You dont get by automatically by just 'being alive'.
Von Neumann
Roar Guru
i said appropriately. and you'd be right. the nrl increased finals tickets this year and it went pretty good. it would be a cost/benefit analysis or whatever they do I must admit, my gf does accounting and the text books (and business) and the text books are the only ones I have ever seen on the subject. In terms of kids - i only let them in 'easier' so as not to deter parents. I am of the mind that if little johnny or susy wants to come AND bring a friend....and if the family is letting her/him stay over another kids place and they go (contrived example) then nothing should stop them. So if the parents of the other kid dont want to go, fine. I think some kind of extended (in some way) family ticket is a brilliant thing. When I have taken kids to the footy in the past, we had a friend of their stay over, and we went. One extra - but paid. Didn't stop us but what about someone else. You just need one willing parent(s) who are cost savvy (lower enthusiasm but with money) - and a bunch of kids who will go whereever (high enthusiam but no money)
Von Neumann
Roar Guru
didn't get time in past. but will rectify that here. no, attendence and the feelings you place on it are not tied into a tree or a hill or an old ground - thats sentimental value, a secondary emotional thing what really counts is numbers and atmosphere and the monument of thought (the ideal convinced by the feelings generated) as well that links in with the physical monument you are sitting in. For instance, you can't tell me Old Trafford as it currently is now, is better than old trafford as it was in 1960 You dont pine for the former to the detriment of the current - because it has been bested in every single way. Like an old love. Who got fat :/
Von Neumann
Roar Guru
Long time gone. BUT I actually wrote an article or a comment on here that said the NRL would get 1.123 billion. I never wrote an article saying we would not get the AFL amount, I wrote an article that said why we *should* get the amount. I also had pricing and costings, all of which I pulled from newspaper reports (i dont have access to anything official otherwise) and from peoples comments about numbers, ect I factored all of these things in, and suggested (based off how much money ch9 can make currently from league) the figure of 1.123…..so as to make it a good looking figure, because the price was a little under that.
Von Neumann
Roar Guru
Long time gone. BUT I actually wrote an article or a comment on here that said the NRL would get 1.123 billion. I never wrote an article saying we would not get the AFL amount, I wrote an article that said why we *should* get the amount. I also had pricing and costings, all of which I pulled from newspaper reports (i dont have access to anything official otherwise) and from peoples comments about numbers, ect I factored all of these things in, and suggested (based off how much money ch9 can make currently from league) the figure of 1.123.....so as to make it a good looking figure, because the price was a little under that.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
I will be as gentle as i can AR. 1) The state govt claimed they didn't have money available and had to cut back services.They found over $120m.That is a fact. 2) And how many athletics carnivals take place at the MCG/SCG/Skoda et al.SFA.Poor argument. And how many times is Skoda used for the Giants.They get govt and council largesse for Blacktown,for Skoda,for playing a few games inCanberra courtsesy of the ACT govt and of course Wagga 3) The AFL may well contribute money.It is by far the lesser amount.The Govt digs in with the larger share of the pie. 4)Prior to the SL war,the ARL had $25m in kitty.They had a system where money was lent to clubs to improve facilities.St Geoge/Sharks/Manly had put in monies for ground improvements.The clubs have been contributing to govt coffers for nearly 100 years,the AFL 30 year,. in this state.You can't see it,bceause it appears you dont want to.. 5))My point re the Collingwood development was just that ,doing things underhandedly and still securing $10m from the Fed Govt,courtesy of Kate Lundy. 6)In typical AFL bull in a china shop fashion,the Govt must be at the beck and call, whenever it so chooses. 7) There are two AFL teams in Sydney with 3 ovals capable of playing the game.ANZ/Skoda and teh SCG.The biggest rort has to be Skoda,whjen ANZ is within spitting distance.An absolute waste of taxpayers money. 8) Whether you find it difficult to accept it or not,I really could not care,but the fact of the matter is soccer participation wise is huge in NSW,rugby league particularly strong as is rugby union.Those 3 codes make up a far larger percentage of the population in this fair city,than AFL could dream of. If you believe govts ,who one minute say they have no money to spend,suddenly find it ,and give the one fingured salute to the majoirty is democacy at work,you are living in the famous AFL bubble.. There is none so blind,than those who cannot see.
Australian Rules
Guest
Your comment... "AAMI/Skilled/Dairy Farmers are wait for it ,multi purpose stadiums for 3 rectangular codes." Well...all AFL grounds are, wait for it, multipurpose stadiums built for cricket, footy, athletics and other events (such as the opening and closing of the 2018 Comm Games). As I've repeatedly explained, the AFL attracts govt money because they commit millions of capital themselves. Your position is "the NRL shouldn't pay anything, the govt shoudl pay it all". And what's your point with the Collingwood development? The total cost is $36M, from the following stakeholders - the Fed govt ($10M), the club itself ($10M), the Melbourne Olympic Park Trust and the Melb City Council (contributions undisclosed). If your point is to demonstrate that contributions from various stakeholders works...then yes, I agree with you. Also... Essendon FC have raised $18.5M for their new home ground. Geelong FC have already paid over $8M for upgrades of their facilities. Hawthorn FC covered 50% of the costs for their facilities upgrade, the AFL 25%, the State Govt 25%. For other upgrades, the AFL gave Richmond $1.5M, Carlton $1.2M and the Kangaroos $1.2M...etc etc. Here's the only question that's relevant here: * Should the NRL contribute anything to the cost of stadia and facilities? * Your answer, is a resounding NO. Finally, your last comment: "Govt is about being for the people(ie the majority),not for the select few.Three codes usage as opposed to one.It doesn’t take an Einstein to figure what fairness is all about." ...yes, you believe fairness is about getting a handout. There are more than 12 rectangular stadiums in Sydney...there are 3 ovals for cricket and Aus footy.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Imagine this .A Govt states it has no money,but finds the money over $100m.It lied.I am still awaiting the argument that the govt did not speak with fork tongues. You can throw up all the amusing analogies in the world.It does nothing to get around the fact,other codes were ripped off. Skoda stadium is not even used for the club's full round,they play games in Canberrra and get paid for doing so.P*ss poor argument.. They did not pay for the stadiums in toto.And Blacktown is an expensive council farce. AAMI/Skilled/Dairy Farmers are wait for it ,multi purpose stadiums for 3 rectangular codes. You know those stadiums set aside for the majority,should they so choose to use them.The Qld Govt charges huge rental fees for its usage,part of the reason that the Titans are one of th edearest and part of the reason (in additon to the development they have struggled financially) Don't kid yourself ,if the Rebels and the soccer had not decided to use AAMI,the Storm would still be playing at the OP dump.It was stated so by Waldron. Are you that blind to understand the SFS is used by 3 football codes,the Roosters/Tahs/Sydney FC.The NRL did not ask the State govt to the SFS,the NRL was not even in existence.Geez AR you do not have a clue. And pray tell me the improvement to Dairy Farmers stadium ? You did not respond to the Colllingwood story,it just goes along to prove my point.Entitlement and arrogance are the winners. I will say this once the code secures its full recogntion in the next Tv deal and Grant secures funding from other sources,the very thought of H posts ,lobbed in just about every Vic park would make my day. Govt is about being for the people(ie the majority),not for the select few.Three codes usage as opposed to one.It doesn't take an Einstein to figure what fairness is all about.
Australian Rules
Guest
Imagine this... You walk into a bank and say: "I have $10M. A friend has $15M. We need another $20M to build this project that will make money for the region". They will happily listen. On the other hand, what if you said: "We've lived here for 100 years. We need $45M to build a project. We're not contributing anything but it will make money for the region." How do you think they'll respond? It sounds like you DO live in the land of entitlement. Skoda and Metricon were built in non-heartland areas so, in my opinion, the AFL SHOULD make a contribution. It should also contribute for stadia in its heartland, like it does in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. Did the NRL contribute a cent in for AAMI Park? For Skilled Stadium? Dairy Farmers? SFS? No, they asked the state and federal governements for 100% funding. How you can think that's reasonable is just beyond me. Geelong FC have been around for over 150 years. They are the heart & soul of their town and they're currently re-developing their stadium. The club itself is contributing $2M (having paid $4.5M in 2003), the AFL $3M (having previously given $2M in 03) and state and fed govt are also contributing. If you show a willingness to put your hand in your own pocket, co-investors are much more willing to do the same.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
We don't liive in the land of entitlement. Regardless of who was involved in Skoda and Blacktown(both new kids on the block) and regardless of your code's contribution,the State govt and council suddenly found money available. You disagree with the state govt footing the entire bill.One stand does not of itself represent the stadiums as a whole The clubs AR the clubs.How do you think the Sharkst the Peter Burns and ET stands..Your lack of knowledge re rugby league in Sydney and its history,is there for all to see.The NRL has been in existence for a mere handfull of years.. Not once have you justified expenditure by a state Govt(apparentuy broke) or Council for that matter on fields, because another codes contributes X amount.Scoop:The Govt still has to outlay the money.It is not chickenfeed.It is taxpayers money. Note the nice rich club Collingwood got $10m fed Govt grant .And it was noted that the Melbourne and OP Trust which controls publicly owned land and recently agreed to extend Collingwood's lease at the site by 21 years,knew NOTHING of the grant or the Magpies detailed development plans until a few days before the announcment. Good old Kate Lundy.The arrogance is there in spades. The SCG was called a sellout which it wasnt' Then we had Michael Conn spin the figure approaching 30,000.Sheesh.The crowds this year have not been sellouts,far from it.. And Skoda has been packed to the rafters LOL,the Folau effect has worn off .( clubs in Sydney AR 9 clubs).The Dragons played the Titans,the Titans bring thousands of supporters... sure.The way the Roosters have been playing getting that crowd,is par for the course. You can burble on about rl crowds and halffull stadiums and try to use that to justify not improving stadiums,when the stadiums I have mentioned are full rarely in your code. Clubs that have been established in Sydney for up to 100 years,are somehow less worthy ,than one here 30 years and one parachuted in.that appears to be your modus operandi. And ripping off the majority in favour of the few is hardly the way to run a Govt,or show any sort of even handedness.Unless of course arrogance, is the way to get things done.Stadiums with multi use get less acknowledgement,than single use ones.That's about right LOL.
Australian Rules
Guest
Should suburban grounds be allocated some govt funding? Yes. But... I absolutely disagree with your 'expectation' that it's up to the government to foot the entire bill. Stadium development comes about due to contriibutions of varied stakeholders. SKODA was a collaboration between the state govt, the Royal Agricultural Society and the AFL ($12M). http://m.austadiums.com/article.php?id=504 METRICON was the Fed govt, the state govt, the GC City Council and the AFL ($13m). http://www.metriconstadium.com.au/the-stadium/stadium-information/ ETIHAD is about to entirely owned by the AFL (valued at up to $1.2B). http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/afl/b-inheritance-could-see-etihad-stadium-sold/story-e6frepf6-1226093363637 It's contributing millions to Adelaide Oval and the new stadium in Perth. As far as I'm aware, the NRL has never contributed a single cent to a stadium in Australia. You say the AFL's $12M and $13M are "token amounts" ...well what does that say about the NRL's contribution? In terms of the SCG, Friday's crowd was 27,400... pretty good for a stadium that looks like a construction site. On the same night, St George had 10k to their home game. The Roosters had 13.5k on a beautiful Sunday. Fair dinkum, standing there with your hand out isn't enough CC.
Rob9
Guest
Curious, thanks for your comments. I get the feeling that you’re line of thinking is that I’m trying to build some sort of anti-Queensland argument and that the Sunshine State should be neglected by expansion and the games growth should be centred around NSW. You couldn’t be further from the truth. If you can find the time I suggest you go back and carefully read my original post and the comments beneath. I don’t think you will but if you’re going to draw some loose conclusions about me then you should have from the outset. And then apparently I don’t own my own business (I think that’s what you were trying to say). Congratulations! You hit the money there, I am in the 95% of Australian’s that don’t own a business. It sounds like you’re drawing that conclusion because I don’t understand why Brisbane gets a televised game most Friday nights. Thanks for the tutorial curious but I’m actually all over that (as you may have seen if you read my comment properly) and understand the reasoning behind the team that represents the largest market in the league having a mortgage on the most exposed game during the week. I simply suggest this changes to create a more even playing field for the potential earning capacity for the other 15 teams in the league (again read my comment more carefully). You’re suggestion of what the Titans represent is laughable and you seriously need to take your blinkers off. Firstly it’s a professional sporting organisation and just like all other teams in the league there are people who hail from both sides of the border in the Titans ranks. The NRL player market is an open one and players aren’t expected to play where they come from. If this were the case, Melbourne would be some serious strife... you might know a few of the prominent Queenslanders who play for that club and driven much of its recent success?? And yes, the Titans do try and have a presence over the border but why on earth wouldn’t they? The next club down the coast is 800km away in Newcastle. The Gold Coast sits right on border and there’s a significant population on the NSW side that’s a league heartland. Just like the Cowboys try and represent the north half of QLD and the Raiders- Southern NSW (not just the ACT), the Titans adequately represent the greater Gold Coast region, it just so happens that that region involves 2 states. But now as a Gold Coaster myself (if the Sharks should ever get the chop I’ll become a Titan), I can honestly say that this club is all about and focused on the Gold Coast. All NRL games are at Robina, not over the border in Tweed, Ballina, Lismore, Coffs etc. That’s more than a few Sydney clubs can say. And despite the recent wobbles, the city has embraced them and enjoys being represented in the NRL again (as the sixth largest city in the country should be). Finally, I (again as I have mentioned above) praise the Q-Cup for being the outstanding second tier competition that it is. I suggested above a way that we can create more interest around both NSW and QLD state leagues. I acknowledge the proud history of both comps and hope they continue to flourish (although the NSW version has some ground to make up). I’m at a loss to know where some of your comments have come from. I have so little interest in picking up a NSW RL interests vs QLD RL interests debate that it’s just not funny (unless it has something to do with Origin). All I’ve suggested is that despite the number of NSW (Sydney) clubs in the competition currently, it’s important that all heartlands are represented moving forward (eg those outside of the big smoke). Immediately that means the Gong and the CC, it also means Brisbane 2 and Perth. In the midterm I’d expect places like the Sunshine Coast, Rockhampton and Cairns to gain NRL representation too as the populations in those places increase and the infrastructure is put in place. Just to point out the obvious, these are all place in QLD. See no anti-QLD sentiments here... Yay for the east coast of Australia!!!!
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
The SCG may well be different. I simply stated if the govt had $86m available for the SCG,when they claim they had no money,then finding $10-20m ,should be a breeze for Brookvale. And is the $40m toward Skoda which has no cultural or history an example of largesse((and cant even get 50% full even with inflated figures ,because for a lot of people it is indeed laughable.And $10m for Blacktown.You are not making much headway AR.. Yes the SCG does have historcial and cultural importance,as rugby league and rugby union had played on that ground for decades well before the Swans arrived.Those code's fans have contributed greatly to the upkeep and financial stability of the groundEver heard of test matches for both codes there. 9 NRL clubs in Sydney,I sughggest they do have some weighting. .Are you suggesting it is oK for one code to get the lion's share and the others to get the scraps. Imagine that happening in Melbourne,oh thats right 3 codes share a modern stadium.It would not have happened with the utilisation of just one code. LOL Really if the state govt allotted funds to covering the ends of Parramtta stadium a cover at Shark Park and ditto Penrith.No one would object.No one objected when Newcastle got money for improvements.it beneifts the game and the fans as a whole.Nor did they object with WIN. The SFS has had many suggestions over the years,about cover.the Govts are/were aware of the needs. You are under a dreadful misapprehension,that other code have not contributed to these grounds over many decades,and of course the taxpayer. Really AR.The fed govt provide largesse to Collingwood,and they seem to have plenty of poker machines running around. It is an ordinary stretch in your eyes,because you have no answer.The turnover tax is humongous. And the SCG is full????20,000 at the MCG yesterday.Grounds are not always full or even half full. Dont use the full argument when the GC and GWS and Lions are swirling round.It's rather hollow. The AFL as I have constantly stated have paid a token figure ,to get the foot in the door.and you still cant get it through you head,it is tsill a decent swag of taxpayers 'money regardless of the contribution by your code. You still have extreme difficulty with reconciling the fact that 3 codes of football ,can and do use rectangular stadiums.Extrapolate that further the 3 codes fans would represent a far greater number of taxpayers, than currently utilises the SCG. That is a load of crap,some of the NRL clubs have put toward improving facilities.As if the AFL fans want to pay for new stadiums.
Australian Rules
Guest
The SCG is different - it is culturally & historically the most important stadium in Sydney. Comparing it to Brookvale is pretty laughable. You know who would NOT be happy if the govt paid for a Brookvale upgrade? Probably every non-Manly fan. The SFS, due to its size, relative centrality and capacity for 3 codes, will no doubt receive some govt funding should a decent proposal be put forward to upgrade it. But why should the govt really pay for it all? Suggesting that the clubs have paid their dues via the pokies tax is a pretty ordinary stretch CC. As I said, the NRL won't pay, the clubs won't pay, the fans certainly won't pay...yet you expect the government to foot the entire bill for stadiums that are rarely, if ever, full.
Curious
Guest
Rob9 I think you have said more than enough and are just going around in circles - ever decreasing. My summation of you is one of being a transplanted NSW/Sharkies supporter and good for you BUT don't go quoting your so called cane toad mates as they would be few and far between from what the average Queenslander is thinking about NRL expansion and other general topics. I gather you are not own a business; let me explain to you why Brisbane Broncos are beamed into Brisbane most Friday nights (not their fault) its because Ch9/NRL want it that way, a game for each capital city Sydney/Brisbane; its where the $$$$viewers are! . Although Gold Coast is deemed a Queensland side by Mexicans it is actually a transplanted NSW northern rivers side with a couple of genuine locals playing in their squad. In a word it's full of cock-a-roaches and their principal area for growth is NSW as far south as almost Newcastle/New England tableland.. In conclusion, you fail to mention or infer that Brisbane had rugby league up here 1 repeat 1 year after it was founded in Sin City - most suburban clubs and teams still function, in one way or another, through involvement in the QCup and local leagues. We have a proud history, similar to Sydney in that regard. Hang in there I do like your general myopic ideas/views, some are really good, others a bit so-so. Have a great day R9
JD1991
Roar Rookie
I agree the biggest is TV revenue. And in other posts here I have argued that more teams in NSW will not get more eye balls on TVs for the NRL. The four markets in order of revelance i would look at expanding to, that would have an increase in TV revenue are as follows: - 1. Perth (1.8 million, highest % growth rate in Aust Capitals) 2. Brisbane (gives an immediate impact - safe bet) 3. Adelaide (1.2 Million, would give national presence, although low growyth rates) 4. Wellington (smallest of these, but taps into NZ rivalry, game in NZ each week etc) But existing clubs need to grow there revenue streams outside of TV revenue (individually a club has little to no impact on growing TV revenue, as that is a league wide job - not a club job) Look at the AFL, with at least half a dozen have now turnover of $50 million a year. The areas NRL clubs then need to look at - is where are the areas we can grow our revenue. They can directly grow the 3 areas I mentioned: - 1. Memberships 2. Gate receipts 3.Sponsorships With Memberships the aim should be in 3-5 years have a minimum of 20,000 members. In the AFL you have Collingwood with 70,000plus members, Hawks with 60,000 plus. One of the reasons they are so high is that over time they have targeted a ground that can embrace a large audience in modern facilities. Turning the occassional and curious into people who go on a semi regulr to a regular basis. Suburban grounds do not have the facilities to do this. Ground rationilisation then comes into. Gate receipts - you only have limited upside in grounds with 20,000 capacity with sub standard facilities. Sposnsorship - again rusted on support will always buy in, but each year, migration inflows into Australia is over 200,000, these are people who are generally uninformed and intially not watching the game. With these inflows comes new multi national companies, with people leading these companies also not aware of the game. Show them sub standard faciliities and gues what, they will not come back. Clubs limit there sponsorship appeal by this. Also by addressing the number of members and increase game patronage - you can show these figures to the coporates to make it more appealing. Think a new multi national company comes to Australia. Collingwood goes, we have 70k members, on average to a home crowd we get 60k plus. Manly go we have 10k members, and average 12k to game. Collingwood go look at the modern stadium we play in, Manly go look at the decrepet stadium we play in. Where is the unaligned coporate going to do his Coporate box.
PeterT
Guest
I just think that at the end of the day with the amalgamation of QLD and NSW cup we may see a conference spring up for Sydney based Teams. The ARLC should outline a structure for a true "NRL which will leave fewer licences for Sydney clubs. It is a shame that it was the Bears that did fold because they probably represented a larger base than Manly does. League sooner or later will have to decide whether they are a national competition or not. As far as expantion areas the league should allow these regions teams in the Toyota cup to gauge enthusiasum.Grass roots funding for places such as WA, Sa & Vic should be a priority.
kenweir
Guest
the fans on the nsw central coast are more than happy to spend their footy hours watching their local competition,where they have great sides like Wyong....toukley woy woy ..erina etc and they do not wish for the NRL to wreck this scenario like they did with Newcastle where the fans still talk of their great clubs of yesterday like Lakes United...South Newcastle ..Wests etc......so much for"expansion" Have you all forgotton what effect the Broncos had on the B.R.L.....KILLED IT and just when its starting to come good again,you want a second Brisbane team .....leave it be for heavens sake. All we want to do is go to the footy,see 3 games watch the kids run all over the ground at half time and a good day out....who cares about the old surburban grounds and the sub standard facilities this is the peoples game....to hell with your expansion,just go to Perth or Adelaide or Woop Woop and leave us alone
turbodewd
Guest
JD1991, the biggest revenue stream BY FAR is TV rights. It utterly dwarfs those things you mention. The NRL product must be made more TV friendly so we can get a billion dollar deal.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
As most of the grounds are in fact council owned.the outlay would not run into huge figures for a decent stand.The state govt found $86million for the SCG .and $40m for Homebush,and still has difficulties for codes established for yonks.Maybe Gallop was not being pro active on the matter,especially as Annesly is the sport minister. The clubs have paid hundreds of millions into state govt coffers via poker machine tax over decades.It is not as if the clubs ,have contributed nothing as you have suggested.Plus the long standing fans of all the codes are at last reports,taxpayers...Without these proceeds, monies may not have been forthcoming to the SCG or Homebush.Think about where the funding may have originated. The SFS is neglected and should have decent cover ,it doesn;t .The architect won an award for the design,and it is about as practical in wet weather,as sun lotion iin the dining room.. People expect the Govt to be balanced in their approach,nothing more.If they havent got the money as they claim at times, ,then no one gets grants,regardless of whether a code slips in a nominal amount.