I’m totally in favour of the NRL bailout of the Titans. What I’m worried about is that the bailout won’t go far enough.
To look at how the NRL should handle the Titans issue we could do far worse than to look at the approach the AFL has taken with struggling clubs.
Now I know plenty of you Roarers out there don’t rate AFL. Personally I think it is stupid to declare that you don’t like AFL. If your significant other hears you voice this opinion then you’ve just lost an opportunity to sit on the couch with mates, drink beer and watch the game.
“You hate Aussie rules! You call it GayFL. So no, you can’t stay here and watch the game, you’re coming shoe shopping with me and then to my mother’s for tea.”
Now you’ll have to express an opinion about a pair of peep toe wedges, followed by an afternoon of having to hold in your farts while engaging in polite conversation over a cup of tea with your in-laws – when you could have been on the couch, with beer and mates, releasing your gas with impunity.
However, the main reason that I reckon deriding AFL is stupid is that – on the whole – it has been run so much better than the NRL. Just look at how they support struggling clubs.
When Fitzroy were dying the AFL brokered a deal with the Brisbane Bears that kept the Lions alive in at least some form and delivered three consecutive premierships. When the Sydney Swans were in dire straits the AFL pumped cash into them and gave them salary cap and draft concessions to help them become competitive. They made the grand final in a short time frame and have subsequently won two flags.
Just two seasons ago Port Adelaide were in danger of going out backwards but the AFL came to their rescue and last season they were just one kick from making the grand final.
Further, their expansion clubs have not been done in a half-assed way. While Greater Western Sydney is the side that no one asked for, there are three million people in Western Sydney and the AFL is determined to get a piece of that so they are pumping money and resources into the place to make it work. While there were 20,000 residents who campaigned to get the Gold Coast Suns, they have still required a great deal of support. AFL HQ is making sure that they get it.
Conversely it could be argued that the NRL aren’t good at looking after their clubs. The NRL could recognise the hard work that goes into junior player development by giving salary cap concessions for players that clubs have developed from juniors, but they don’t.
Just last season we saw the Brisbane Broncos Ltd poach Anthony Milford from the Raiders, who had developed him since the age of 13. Dave Smith and company just stood by and watched. Nothing to see here folks. Move along…
In rugby league we’ve had six sides go belly up since 1998. The Adelaide Rams, Western Reds, Hunter Mariners, South Queensland Crushers, North Sydney Bears and of course the Gold Coast Giants. While the Super League war manufactured more teams than were sustainable at the time and under the circumstances, the death of foundation club the North Sydney Bears was a sorry chapter in the history of rugby league.
The demise of the first iterations of the Gold Coast was also a sorry story. The greater Gold Coast area is a massive heartland of rugby league. It’s population of around one million is more than enough to sustain a side. However, teams there have always struggled to survive.
The Roar‘s own Tim Prentice believes this repeated failure is reason enough to give up on the Gold Coast, but I’d argue that all the Gold Coast teams have been inadequately supported from the outset and therefore doomed to failure.
Did you know that there was a clause in the rugby league’s initial contract with the Brisbane Broncos Ltd that guaranteed that there would be no other clubs in South East Queensland? As a result of this the initial Gold Coast sides were severely hampered by having to play out of Seagulls Stadium in Tweed Heads while the Broncos set about establishing their kingdom of supporters and sponsors. The Gold Coast had to try and compete with their arms tied behind their back. And once you get a reputation as a struggling side it is very difficult to lose it.
That the rugby league administration only established one club in the massive South East Queensland rugby league market, and had that side be a money-making venture first and foremost – rather than be one of the established QRL clubs in that region – was a failure that may be unparalleled in Australian sporting history.
That same money-making venture then contributed greatly to bringing on the Super League war. Amidst all that turmoil the poor old Giants weren’t a big concern and they folded at the end of 1998 with barely a whimper.
Comparatively the Titans have been pretty good. While the first iterations of Gold Coast rugby league teams got three wooden spoons and not one finals appearance in a decade, the Titans have only claimed one spoon and have made the finals two times in nine seasons. While better, the results still haven’t been great and sponsorship and crowds have still been hard to come by.
When the news arrived that a number of Titans players were implicated in the drug scandal it was the tree that broke the Titans back. David Smith then rode into town and declared that the NRL was taking over the club. Apparently Dave and his team are going to build a club we can all be proud of.
Blind Freddy knows that the main concern of the NRL is that they are contractually bound to have eight games each weekend for their broadcast partners to televise. So the Titans have received a temporary stay of execution. However, the easiest option for the NRL may yet be to abandon the Gold Coast foray and set up another team somewhere else.
However, if they did that they would effectively abandon the majority of South East Queensland’s massive player pool. Without the Titans there would really be just the one team left to develop all those aspiring juniors, and the Brisbane Broncos Ltd can’t possibly give all those kids an opportunity or a fair go. However, the AFL will gladly develop them.
So while Dave Smith has most probably taken over the Titams to make sure the broadcast deal doesn’t fall over, I hope he realises that the Gold Coast can no longer be neglected by NRL HQ. For the good of the game the NRL must commit to the Titans for the long haul.
It can’t just be whacking a coat of paint on and hoping for a miracle. The commitment should include helping them attract and retain marquee players through salary cap concessions, as well as pumping money and resources into the club over at least a five-year period.
That way the Titans might actually taste some success. And it is amazing what a bit of real success can do for the long-term popularity and viability of a club.
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
Well mate, I'm not sure me agreeing with you furthers any of your causes, but anyway! I reckon your Broncos might go a bit better than a fair few people think...particularly when Boyd returns. And I'll be watching Ben Hunt very closely.
chris
Guest
I think Aussie Rules be more interesting if they made it 15 or even 13 a side with no bouncing of the ball and allow for biff alongside Rugby style tackling and shoulder charges.
chris
Guest
Bill Fellows
Matt
Guest
The latest news is that Ashley Harrison and Steve Michaels have also been arrested. The NRL.com (Gold Goast Titans) website is not showing this in their "latest news" tab. Is this the sort of unbiased, without conflict attitude that the NRL brings to 2015 and beyond? Can't wait to see the huge 6 week bans they impose on the players involved.
oldtimer
Guest
So you stumbled across that wiki page and now your an expert, I suppose you are entitled to your take on the whole saga but you have been a little selective in reporting. You have brushed Ribot in the first sentence as if he was the hot dog vendor at Suncorp, he was in fact the CEO of the Bronc's and was integral to the whole strategy of super league without the Bronco's it all falls on its arse. Canterbury (dogs) where an important cog also because they where the premiers, in fact all the top teams where approached including Newcastle some declined the offer. I don't want to get into a slanging match on super league the only reason I am responding is that your assertions about the Bronco's are incorrect they where a major player, not condemning just stating the facts. One other minor point is that the rationalisation proposed by Arthurson was an ongoing strategy he and Quayle were considering, as a result of some clubs becoming nonviable as a result of demographics and shifts in population centres.
PJC
Guest
Other than John Rebo, the Broncos didn't really have much to do with the Super League war. The war was fought over two billionaires who wanted control of Rugby leagues pay T.V rights. The Broncos were a strong powerful club and made the perfect flagship for the new breakaway competition. Most people forget that it was actually the Bulldogs that lead the charge when it came to defecting to the Super League. don't remember that far back? Don't believe me? Go look it up. Why do roar journalist like to continually bring up the big bad Broncos and their Super League war? It's getting old and doesn't reflect what was going on at the time. Kent Arthurson Was the first to propose a Super League competition and was going to reduce the number of teams to 14. Balmain, Easts, Gold Coast, Illawarra, Parramatta, Penrith, Souths, St George and Wests were all under threat of being dropped or merged for the new competition. Again, if you don't believe me, go look it up.
Rob9
Guest
The transient population is still a factor Baz, but absolutely nowhere near as much as it used to be. There's now some significant infrastructure and a wide range of industry that extends beyond tourism operators, hospitality workers, car robbers and dealers. There have been and will continue to be thousands of people and families flocking to the coast and establishing themselves for the long term. No doubt there's still plenty who stay for a year or 2 and move on, but now days that category of immigrants is more evenly split with those who intend to stay for good. As I said, life would be a lot easier for the Titans if it could call upon it's entire rugby league community as potential fans. But the demographical reality is that Australia is becoming more transient like the US where more people live in cities that they weren't born or didn't grow up in. It's exacerbated on the Gold Coast due to the high levels of migration to the region but it's going to be an issue for any expansion team that sets up shop. How do you win people like me over...? I have no idea. As I said, it kills me but I have my entry strategy for the Titans. I can only suggest that things will get easier as their history lengthens and more kids grow up with the Titans as their number 1 team. The good news is, the region is now that big and committed to the game to still support a substantial (could and should be better) fan base to grow from. On the NRL scale, if 14,000 are still showing up to Titans home games given everything they've gone through on and off the field, there's enough there to suggest this is a significant RL community that deserves the NRL's attention. As mentioned in my comment above, I do believe accessibility plays it's part. People aren't going to jump through flaming hoops to see their 2nd favourite team play. I know it's not too difficult but it is for those who drive everywhere and never catch public transport. The Gold Coast is a big car town with very little reliance on public transport.
oldtimer
Guest
Tim I am not suggesting that a winning team of grubs will fill the stadium every week, I raised the winning proposition in response to another post that suggested Greg Bird could be the Titans main problem. A team doesn't have to win the comp every year to be successful, but I think the fans have to be convinced they will probably win more than they will loose, which puts them in the race. Tim without being sarcastic what else is there to do in Canberra on Sunday compared to the gold coast?
The Barry
Roar Guru
Great perspective on the issue Rob9 cheers. Is the itinerant population still relevant? You mention 700K people above. I assume there must still be a % that represents people going there short term (bartenders, strippers, mafioso - just kidding) for the lifestyle and I acknowledge in advance that may be a perception if surfers rather than the reality of the rest if the GC. So what do the Titans and NRL need to do to get punters like yourself to more than just the sharks games?
The RiffMarn Stew Moses
Roar Guru
Salary cap concessions??? I bet a few other clubs who have managed to look after themselves far more astutely off the field such as the Canberra Raiders would love a piece of that to help them attract players. As for looking after the GC, other regional teams that have come into the NRL one way or another have managed by enlarge to maintain off-field financial stability over the past 20 years (excluding that Super League era). Tbh I would much prefer to see a second Brisbane team that takes a few games to the GC every year at this point in time.
Rob9
Guest
A couple of interesting points there E. I think a car park for a stadium like Cbus makes an awful lot of sense and would go a long way towards improving the crowd situation. The stadium only holds 27,000 and there's still an awful lot of room out there. It's not all flood plain so why not make use of some of it? Most stadium developments are centrally located and positioned near transport hubs so car travel isn't a viable option and it's not really needed. There's room at Robina and the place isn't exactly in the thick of it all on the coast so why not turn a negative into a positive and add another transport option; car- by far and away the most popular one in Australia. What will also help is extending the light rail network. There's talk of extensions to Helensvale and eventually down to the airport. A transport corridor that runs through the guts of the Gold Coast (not the back of it like the train) and then out to Robina will also be beneficial. Finally, I hate to say it but life without people like you and I would be a lot easier for the Titans. I'm a Gold Coaster that happened to spend the first 8 years of life in the Sutherland Shire. As such, I'm a diehard Sharks fan and an interstate member with a Saturday in May circled for my biannual trip to Cbus. Even my wife who's a 2nd generation Gold Coaster is a Broncos fan and hasn't switched allegiances despite never having never lived in Brisbane. I dare say there's quite a few NSWelshmen and women living on the coast like myself who are still tied to their Sydney clubs and even a few Gold Coasters who haven't caught the Titans bug and continue to support their big brother up the road. Not to mention a few kiwis who pin themselves to the Warriors. Like you, they're my 2nd team. I'll back them against whoever they play bar the Sharks and I'll even get out to Robina once in a while when they're playing someone else other than Cronulla. I dare say that my wife and I will cut ties with our current teams and fall into line with the Titans when we take the plunge into parenthood. Some of my fondest childhood memories were walking down to Caltex Field to watch the Sharks so it'd be nice to keep that tradition going with the local team. May be we'll be able to take the car by then... I'd also say that more people will pick up the Titans in this and other ways as time goes on and their history grows. Given they've always averaged in the top 10 in terms of crowd averages, they've got a strong base to grow from.
E-Meter
Guest
I think the itinerant issue is a bit overdone. There's a fairly solid core of permanent or perhaps long term residents. As I see it, there's a few things at play. 1.Searle. The mere mention of his name amongst tradesman/builders on the Coast can see you duck and weave the haymakers that come towards you. Wherever he has a presence at the club, he'll keep people away. Word of mouth is a big thing. 2. Accessibility. Yes there's a train line right next door to the Stadium, but the train line services a specific area. There just has to be the option of driving to the ground. Walk across the road to the Town Centre, and there's parking galore but not on game day. It's off limits. I can understand the Town Centre exercising their rights over the parking spaces, but it's still a factor. Around the ground there are acres of vacant land, mind you it's on the floodplain/swamp, so developing car parks may not be viable. 3. Cost of getting in. This is beyond the Titans. It's the contract with Qld Stadiums that is part of the demise. I won't go into the age old argument of costs of food and drink, but that would be another factor. Personally I don't have an issue with the cost of tickets, but I'm sure others would. I'm an Eels member, but I'll go to around 6 Titans game a year. I'd consider them my 2nd team. I hope they can get through their problems.
Rob9
Guest
Couple of things: That 1 million population supposed Titans catchment either takes in Logan City which is an LGA of Brisbane and therefore Bronco-territory or goes down past Coffs Harbour. The Gold Coast/Tweed region has a population somewhere between 600 and 700 thousand. And now days for a city of its size, it holds it's own in terms of the number of big businesses that call the coast home. Large ASX listed companies such as G8 Education, Sunland, Mantra, Retail Food Group, Village Roadshow and VIP Petfood are all based on the Gold Coast. As the world gets smaller and rents in the major capitals continue to go north, cities with an enviable lifestyle like the Gold Coast (yes I know it's not everyone's cup of tea) have become increasingly attractive places for companies to establish their HQ or a regional hub. Of course it's no Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne or even Perth, but it's still only 3 times smaller then the smallest of those cities. Secondly, the NFL in LA analogy is utterly flawed. The key reason the Rams and Raiders left and why LA remains without a team to this day is due to the fact that there isn't an appropriate stadium to house a franchise. You don't go from having a 13 year history of supporting 2 teams to suddenly none because there's simply not enough support. You've also mentioned that LA is double the size of the next market that's considered to get an NFL license. LA is the market that's considered to get a team. LA is certainly the most seriously talked about city for expansion or relocation- the Jags and Chargers are the hot favourites for relocation at the moment and there's been talk about both the Rams and Raiders returning for a while. Expansion is a trickier exercise because the league and season structure would need to be fiddled with. The stadium really remains the only sticking point but there have been numerous stadium proposals such as expanding the LA Live site where the Staples Centre is to include a stadium and most recently to build a $2b stadium in Inglewood. The next most serious proposal for expansion (I don't think any owner would move their team there) is London. There are obviously some pretty serious hurdles and a lot of passionate fans and powerful stakeholders against that idea so to say it's a distant second to LA is an understatement. London also isn't half the size of the LA market.
G
Guest
Hardest footy? They put too much air in it?
G
Guest
Gold!
Tim Gore
Expert
There is masses to do in Melbourne in winter! If you haven't been to a full MCG screaming at the top of its lungs you haven't done sport in Australia.
Tim Gore
Expert
But it clearly does need money poured in and there is money to pour.
Tim Gore
Expert
It's not true though lads. The Raiders haven't won for over 20 years and 9,000 people on average turn out to see them every home game. Winning pumps that up into the 20,000's. Fans become rusted on during the good years. Australian sports supporters are not as fickle as you suggest, but there has to be some success to get a groundswell.
Von Neumann
Roar Guru
I must admit that I had no idea the author was sympathetic to the AFL in such a manner. Or envious. That's ok but I was saying about that earlier in a manner. It should have been revealed. The NRL can't afford to be swayed by what another sport may be doing. That's their deal. Which is why that may have lessons but should not be copied. Our situation is different. But I did allude to earlier that they are even Steven with them now in terms of administrational input. This needs to be a rugby league solution. See I am ahead of the bell curve here. If we had spent some time sifting through my post you would have gleaned these facts and lessons. No doubt the NRL takes this rational approach and I don't want to ultimately step on the authors toes too much. This is his view we are discussing in the main. Respect
Mike from Tari
Guest
There is nothing else to do in Melbourne during winter & if Kerry Packer didn't decide to put his last offer at $750 million so Channel 7 would have to match it to get the rights, channel 7 would have got it for a lot cheaper so be thankful that Packer wanted to screw Stokes for a lot of money.