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Shorter State of Origin periods; the expansion of the NRL into more cities around Australia; the return of the shoulder charge; the reinstatement of reserve grade; and even the idea of a stand alone Origin weekend.
These were all issues that NRL fans wanted to see the NRL take seriously in the 2014 season – or even just considered.
State of Origin has recently become one of the most ‘dragged-on’ events on our NRL calendar, stretching over a total of eight weeks.
Although Origin is easily one of the most talked about and most looked forward to NRL event, fans are becoming frustrated due to it’s effect on their team’s club footy.
In the 2013 season, Paul Gallen missed half of the regular season matches playing just 12 due to injuries and suspensions from Origin. As a fan, this isn’t what you want to see from your club’s captain.
The expansion of the NRL has also been on every rugby league fan’s mind. With many strong bids from at least four worthy cities/areas, the NRL should be at least considering a possible expansion to a 20-team competition for the near future.
But as we all know, not one mention of it by Dave Smith.
The call for modified rules to the shoulder charge, as well as the fan’s hope of turning the New South Wales Cup, and Queensland Cup back into Reserve Grade, add to a very long wish list for fans of the NRL.
But as we head into the 2014 season, and the draw being announced any moment now, it has already been declared that the call for a shorter Origin period, or even a stand-alone Origin weekend was ignored.
The same goes for expansion. Both the Central Coast Bears and West Coast Pirates have been vying for a spot in the NRL since 2005, with the Pirates established in 2008 to work towards gaining a top-flight team. Yet the NRL has made no mention of what bids are being considered by officials.
As fans of the greatest game of all, we deserve to have our voices heard, however it seems seasons after season, nothing is being done about major issues close to fans’ hearts.
So please, Dave Smith, listen to your fans before a mutiny arises. Although you have done many good things in establishing the NRL as a national competition, there are still matters that need to be addressed and taken care of. The fans need it.
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