Recent announcements by the NSW State government regarding the new stadia funding means great news for the sport of rugby league in NSW and the competition in general.
Another crucial link in the prosperity chain was news that Mike Baird had also promised the allocation of a further $40 million to NRL clubs based in Sydney for the development of Centres of Excellence.
The day after the Baird announcement, this opportunity was seized upon by Manly Warringah Sea Eagles. The club announced they will receive $10 million to match an already existing federal government grant made by Tony Abbott when he was Prime Minister.
This will see stage one of Brookvale Oval’s upgrade plan of a grandstand on the eastern side of the ground holding 4000 people, corporate and state of the art training facilities.
This second bit of news is particularly exciting for NRL fans. With Penrith moving forward with their amazing academy and future stadium plans, the Eels new stadium, Cronulla Sharks commercial opportunities regarding future ground development, the NRL will be a perfect mix of traditional suburban grounds and state of the art larger stadiums.
This will no doubt push attendances to historical highs. Some clubs like Wests Tigers and the Dragons must decide if they choose to see their future in suburbia, big stadiums or a mix of both.
I’m of the opinion these stadium developments in NSW will ensure the sport at least maintains its position, if not surges further in sporting popularity, as fans embrace the code’s move to the future of big games in big purpose built stadiums. Meanwhile, the game will maintain that tribal flavour in modernised suburban fortresses like Brookvale, echoing the sport’s rich community past.
In a few years time we won’t recognise the game – yet at the same time we will. This ensures rugby league has got it right. On top of free-to-air TV network Channel Seven aggressively outbidding Nine and Fox Sports for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup to the tune of ten million dollars, it’s going to be great being a fan as we welcome a host of developing rugby league countries.
Cathar Treize
Roar Guru
Russ, we have a growing albeit small world cup and the malaise that usually emanates from Australia has seen a TV network here buy the rights for around 10 million dollars. That's a big step. We had Samoa join the Four Nations and their performance, TV ratings & the crowds were a pleasant surprise. It will be Scotland this time around and prior to that, Fiji. There are still lots to do in regard to international footy and sometimes its one step forward two steps back i.e if they allow Radradra to play for the Kangaroos. The Catalans in Super League are sitting equal top and Toulouse on top in the championship, so that is the next once force of RL, the French we need to nurture. Nothings perfect but the sport as you rightly suggest, needs clear direction.
Russ
Guest
".... the NRL will be a perfect mix of traditional suburban grounds and state of the art larger stadiums. " And without a systematic International RL calendar and faith in RL development world wide what's the point in a huge tv contract and the best stadia in the milky way?
Darryl Hickman
Roar Rookie
The hill is where the atmosphere is. Can't sit down. First took my children to the hill when they were 6 & 5 - now they are 30 & 29 and still the hill.
Cathar Treize
Roar Guru
30,000, 36,000 & 38,000 at ANZ stadium for the NRL some weeks ago suggest you are mistaken and proves crowds can be built on in better facilities. If you go on Baird's facebook page take a look at how much money will go into public transport, schools, hospitals etc.. and you'll realise the fraction of that afforded to sports infrastructure and how it will benefit related industries like tourism & hospitality. So give us some slack and let those enjoy the fact the govt of NSW is bringing stadia into the 21st century.
Clown
Guest
Have to agree. There is just no demand for stadium changes in Sydney. The crowds, for a city of its scale are pitiful. The money should be spent on public transport, schools, hospitals etc.. Must be an election coming.
At work
Roar Rookie
Does the new 4K of seating at Brookvale mean they are replacing the hill with seats? I genuinely think having a hill stops people from going to the game. I personally wouldn't want to sit on the hill, much prefer a seat.
peeeko
Guest
yawn
Your kidding
Guest
It's good to be optimistic. If Sydney can't lift its pathetic little NRL crowds with all this money being thrown at the venues then there will be trouble. I can see 3 teams possibly doing well. Souths,Canterbury and parramatta. All of these teams need to show a significant lift in crowds. As for the roof on ANZ, it may help. But a bit of rain doesn't ruin too many sporting events in Sydney.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Cathar ,if new facilities for both the major stadiums and suburban ones are unable to increase crowds,then the code has a problem. I don't believe this will happen as people I know will not attend a local suburban match if it is raining,due to lack of cover. ANZ has been continually derided for its lack of atmosphere due to its non friendly rectangular code design and distance from the action on the field.The lack of cover from the elements is also a negative,as is the situation with the SFS.I got absolutely saturated at the SFS on one occasion (despite having a prime seat at midway) at a SOO match. I was there on the very first day the Olympic Stadium was opened to the public, for the NRL double header with over 100,000 in attendance from memory.Seated half way up in the corner,the players looked like ants.I have been there only twice since for semis, thus voting with my feet. Crowds are down for the past few years for a variety of reasons.It's fair to suggest Monday night and now Thursday night scheduling is a factor.Poor facilities at suburban grounds hardly drag families along during night matches.And FTA live . The major user friendly refurbishments of ANZ and the SFS ,plus the NRL having scheduling control from 2018 should see a jump in crowds.The suburban stadiums you mentioned will also be positively impacted ,provided they update. Additionally the NRL will be allocating ,as they will have a cash chest from 2018 ,$100m pa into grassroots development.About time IMO,one area well neglected by the administrators. Good also to hear channel 7 ,gaining the RLWC2017 rights,more offerings to be made to overseas media outlets.We will expect to get the usual verbal and written criticism of the tournament,from the usual suspects here and in the media.It's in their DNA. The way the sport is growing in Spain, Eastern Europe,Africa and now growing interest and commitment in South America augurs well for the future.But money is of the essence ,else the code is marking time.