The results of the NRL Fans Survey were recently released, and it is vital the NRL closely consider the results so that changes can be made for the 2015 season.
The following five questions should be of the greatest importance to the NRL:
1. Is a day at the footy good value?
A staggering 69 per cent believe a day at the footy is not good value.
Poor crowds have plagued the NRL this season, with the Origin period being blamed for many poor turnouts. While the cost of a day at the footy is not the sole reason for poor crowds, it surely contributes.
For crowds to rise, costs must be addressed.
2. What is the most pressing issue confronting the Australian Rugby League Commission?
The leading response with 28 per cent of the votes was the image of the game, closely followed by the impact that Origin is having on clubs, with 25 per cent.
The NRL had a horrific year off the field, with incidents taking the shine off one of the closest seasons in recent history. The arrest and consequent sacking of Russell Packer, along with the sacking of Cronulla’s Todd Carney were two black eyes.
Unfortunately, the high-pressure environment that comes with being a professional athlete proves too much for certain individuals. While a few individuals may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, these individuals have the most significant effect on the game.
The education of players must be improved, while the punishments for offenders must be universally outlined so players are aware of consequences.
3. Who is winning the publicity war to attract players/crowds to their sport?
Answering this question had me torn. I follow all three codes and participate regularly in at least two.
With 42 per cent of the votes being won by the AFL and another 39 per cent by FFA, this left the NRL and ARU to battle it out for the remaining 19 per cent, which was split 14 per cent and 5 per cent respectively.
The publicity war is vital not only to attracting fans but ensuring the future of the game. The future of rugby league lies in talents such as Sione Mata’utia of the Newcastle Knights and Tepai Moeroa of the Parramatta Eels. These sorts of players are vital for the NRL in coming years.
If the NRL does not manage to increase their share of the publicity, children will begin to look to sports such as AFL and football. Immediate action is necessary, especially given football’s rapid growth.
4. Do you think the NRL match review committee provides consistent, predictable outcomes?
‘Sometimes’ was the answer 45 per cent gave, with 43 per cent voting ‘never’.
This exemplifies the uncertainty that has plagued many decisions this year. Not only is it a bad look for those making the decisions but it also detracts from the game holistically.
Changes need to be made.
A bunker has been recently considered by the NRL and for the fans’ sake, I hope changes are made for the start of the 2015 season.
5. Are you happy with the shoulder charge rule?
Unsurprisingly, 72 per cent of the fans voted no.
Growing up, I remember only a few things about the NRL. The first was Andrew Johns and the second was Sonny Bill Williams’ trademark shoulder charge.
While the shoulder charge poses dangers to the safety of players, scrapping it was the wrong decision.
If there is contact directly with the head, the player should be placed on report. If there is no contact with the head, no action needs to be taken.
Removing it from the game was radical and has taken away the thrill that fans get from big hits.
What do you think Roarers? Would love to hear your opinions about the above five questions and any others that take your fancy from the 2014 NRL Fans Survey.
steveng
Guest
Yes that is crazy to see some games where 30 seconds is waisted just to get the ball back from a ball boy or if there is 2 minutes to go in an exciting finish and 1 minute is waisted with no play at all. The AFL has got it right and that is why it's so exciting and more often than not will goes down to the wire because of their time keeping and stopping of the clock when the ball is out of play. That is what the NRL needs and they should adopt because that will make RL the best and most exciting game of all to watch. I would also seriously consider bringing back the contested scrums as that will make the games even more competitive and better to watch both in attack and defence.
steveng
Guest
Yes Johnno, you said it perfectly and Dave Smiths job is on the line with your points because you'd do 100% better job then the mess that the NRL is in under Dave Smith.
Gary Magpie
Roar Guru
There is a reason why some wise bloke selected the scene of opposing teams, a big guy and little guy, embracing and exhausted after the contest to be the trophy and symbol of our game. The contest isn't about cheap shots and thuggery. Our game is much more exciting than that.
Gary Magpie
Roar Guru
Good game, netball. If I was a chick, it would definitely be my game to play. But really I just check out the gals and appreciate the teamwork. But I am a rugby league fan. And a coach. I know what makes our game great and it certainly isn't dangerous hits. Anyone who likes our game simply because it is "tough" is missing the best parts.
Gary Magpie
Roar Guru
The "covered" areas should be fairly represented in the "National Rugby League". Central NSW, Central Coast, North Coast, Central QLD and Logan should be represented in the NRL. They shouldn't be taken for GRANTed, used for their ratings dollars and be expected to follow some Sydney club. After all, these are the regions that provide the talent - the Sydney clubs travel to those places to buy their players. #DownWithSydneyClubsImmuneToTheWillOfTheGrassRoots
clipper
Guest
England (it was GB back then) last won a WC in 1972, so 44 years ago - before that it was quite competitive, but the international aspect is all but gone now.
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
That's why I reckon the Roar should do their own version. Be very interesting to see the results, and also how they compare with the Faily Telegraph's. Any love Eds?
AdelaideWill
Guest
Some people like to watch car racing to see a crash. The catch and cuddle of the modern day tackle is painful to watch and makes it hard to compare the sport to an other era
peeeko
Roar Guru
i personally have no respect for the niche demographic that would fill out a loaded news limited survey
kevin dustby
Guest
we dont miss you Johnno, need some more lists
Johnno
Guest
-The game's got boring and changed. I haven't watched one game all year. The only game I'll be watching is the Grand Final. I've become a bandwagon fan. The games got boring, all the biff and shoulder charges and contests for posession taken out of it.
Narco
Guest
Channel 9 seem to be giving the AFL a fair bit of exposure lately. Are they trying to position themselves to get a bit of the AFL broadcasting rights when they come up next?
Leisure Suit Larry
Guest
Your welcome to internationals. What is so great about internationals anyhow? In soccer or rugby there is some edge to it, but not with AFL/NRL competitions. Just looking at RL, when did a British team last beat Australia in a series? It was about 50 or 60 years ago. As for AFL, I love how it is elite at club level and I hate the rep rubbish which is just a glorified exhibition game. It counts for little other than a junket.
Damo
Guest
Is the nrl nation still going? They need to provide some feedback on this to help promote that they are listening. My 2 cents- I love the shoulder charge but I can't see them bringing it back Origin is a must but does take too long Food/drink prices are too high but ticket prices are ok.
Scrubbit
Guest
Sin bin for constant negative play (such as hands in the ruck and holding a player down). Genius.
Tha Funkapotamus
Guest
Cos you don't expand where you have the market covered, you expand into new locations like Perth!
Scrubbit
Guest
One day SOO will be sold down the road of PPV if it continues to grow. A dark day that will be for all involved.
mushi
Guest
Wait a minute so having the biff and shoulder charges encourages more niggle?
Chris morrison
Guest
So many people keep saying SBW could pull off a shoulder charge perfectly.... Absolute nonsense. Ended Andrew Johns career by breaking his jaw with one of his "perfect shoulder charges" hit Joel Clinton square in the face too. But the worst one was the one in a NZ vs AUS test match when Karmichael Hunt was bringing the ball back full pelt as he did with that Kamakaze sort of return that he did only to have SBW smash his face in with his "perfect" shoulder charges. Everyone seems to want to get on their knees for Sonny. Reality is that the bloke couldn't tackle properly so he used to try and shoulder charge blokes in the head to stop them. To his credit defence (tackling technique) is the biggest improvement in SBW game, he now has all the skills and is worthy of his status as one of the best forwards going around in the NRL. I think that the shoulder charge should be allowed. It's a tackle. If its high its a high tackle. As is the same for nearly every high tackle now it will be dealt with.
BCH
Guest
The shoulder charge is back. Mattai pulled one off yesterday and has escaped any sanction from the match review committee.