As Sydney Roosters close in on a third successive minor premiership, coach Trent Robinson says the paltry prizemoney on offer proves the NRL doesn’t care about it.
The $100,000 the Roosters stand to receive for being best in the regular season if they defeat South Sydney on Friday hasn’t increased since the NRL was founded in 1998.
To put it in some context, round robin losers at the pre-season Auckland Nines tournament earned $110,000 each.
“Simply I think that ($100,000) is the importance the NRL put on it,” Robinson said on Thursday.
“People talk about it, and it is hard to finish first after 26 rounds but the NRL didn’t include it in their season launch when they put out all the trophies that were important to them.
“We are not scoffing at $100,000 but it is not significant when it comes to a multi-million dollar business so that is why I think the NRL has made it clear on how they see the minor premiership.”
The Roosters are hot favourites to stretch their winning streak to 12 against the Rabbitohs at Allianz Stadium.
Souths have won just one of their past four and will be without stars Greg Inglis (knee), John Sutton (broken leg – season) and Issac Luke (suspension) for the 212th clash between the bitter neighbouring rivals.
Robinson made it clear the Roosters’ main focus wasn’t on the minor premiership either, with their sights firmly on reclaiming the premiership title they relinquished last season when Souths triumphed.
“You can feel the confidence you get from winning games, but you have to make sure you get the hunger to improve,” Robinson said.
“I can see that guys are confident about how the team is going, but the hunger to make a difference the following week, that is the most important thing that I want to see.
“We want to win big games and we didn’t do that last year.
“Even though we have won the minor premiership the last two years, we have never been focused on that, we have always been focused on the one prize.
“We want to play a game we are proud of against Souths that really sets us up for when the race does start.”
Shaun Kenny-Dowall is set to play for the first time in two months, returning for the Roosters on the right wing in place of Brendan Elliot.
Kenny-Dowall hasn’t played since round 18 due to concerns over his mental well-being amid domestic violence allegations levelled against him.
Centre Michael Jennings returns from suspension for the Roosters, pushing Mitchell Aubusson to the bench.
For Souths, Dylan Walker and Alex Johnston are again likely to fill-in at fullback for Inglis at various stages.
Cameron McInnes slots in for Luke at hooker and Chris McQueen joins the back-row in the absence of Sutton.
After two disappointing losses, Souths coach Michael Maguire is confident a clash with the Roosters will bring out the best in his side.
“The Roosters have been setting a bit of a benchmark, it is up to us where we go,” he said.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
I agree with turbo above, the Premiership is the main goal. On top of that, in the main domestic football leagues in Australia, it's actually undesirable to be giving away large amounts of prize money. Leave that sort of thing for the overseas football leagues.
Wayne Lovell
Roar Guru
We cant put that much importance on the minor premiership unless we have a complete home and away season. The difference between first and second usually comes down to who plays Parramatta more often. It makes you the favourites and it has some bragging rights but its really not that important.
turbodewd
Guest
mate, noone cares about the minor premiership.
Mike from Tari
Guest
Well Robinson should be ashamed of himself, that's the shield that used to be given to the Grand finalist,mths NRL have belittled it but he should have respect for it, what's that old saying, "it's the thought that counts, not the cost".
up in the north
Roar Rookie
I can't think of an adequate reward for the dominant team apart from financial. Maybe they could sex the JJ Giltinan shield up a bit or something, anything. I personally think that being the minor premiers is a huge achievement and should have more prestige attached to it. Okay just had a left field thought. How about the mp starts the next season on two points as a bonus for coming first in the regular season. That would add some oompf for coaches to strive towards.
bear54
This is Robinson's point isn't it? No one makes any fuss about a team winning more games over a grueling 26 round competition? Doesn't that achievement take a greater team effort than winning a 4 week knockout tournament?
up in the north
Roar Rookie
I think more emphasis should be put on the minor premiership I just don't know how one would go about it.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
In reality, nobody really cares about the minor premiership. Ask NRL fans who were minor premiers last season, 5 years ago and 10 years ago. See how many they get right. But they could tell you who won the comp
bear54
The prize should be $100K per player to finish on top of the table.
Boz
Guest
Hard to argue with Trent Robinson on this one. Prize money for the minor premier's is just one thing that diminishes the importance of finishing first over the regular season. Other issues are - an uneven draw. Unless all teams just play each other once, or play each other twice, then some teams inevitably will be disadvantaged - players unavailable due to Origin. Granted the roosters have had their fair share. But it doesn't help - Not much advantage come the finals. First and second virtually get the same advantage as each other come finals time, a home game. It would be great if the Minor Premiers could get something more significant - such as one million dollars. Would also be great if they could go back to the old top 5 for finals. That way the minor premiers had the most advantage over the system, and 2nd to 4th had to beat the minor premiers at some point if they wanted to be premiers.
Muzz
Guest
Inglis Grevsmuhl - Out Carter - In Johnston - FB Walker - Centre Elliot - Out SKD - In
pete bloor
Guest
did you figure that out all by yourself or did you need to look it up?
jamesb
Guest
But $100,000 is very low ball.
turbodewd
Guest
This isnt soccer, this isnt the Premier League. This isnt F1. In Australia you must win the Grand Final to get the prize. This is Australia - not Europe.
bear54
It's always struck me as odd the champions of a 26 round competition receive almost zero acknowledgment compared to the team who wins the subsequent 4 week knockout tournament.