I’ll admit it, I’m conflicted. I hate clickbait. I hate the constant ‘NRL in crisis’ narrative. The laughable ways the NRL is attacked day to day make both the competition and their attackers look amateurish, not to mention the immeasurable impact on the game’s corporate and social reputation.
But on the other hand, I know that the game needs to have people willing to challenge leadership and unearth the things people don’t want unearthed. That’s the existential purpose of journalism.
Journalists are supposed to hold power to account, to shine a light in the dark, to go toe-to-toe in the corridors of power and to explain to us, the people, what’s really going on.
That’s not what we get in our NRL coverage though. We are insulted daily with a stream of pining for the good old days (which at the time were horrible), arguing on behalf of vested interests, settling personal grudges or arguing two opposite positions simultaneously while keeping a straight face.
Us punters try to make sense of it all, trying to let it flow past while picking up on the occasional interesting piece which might actually provide some genuine insight.
But when I read something blaming lower State of Origin ratings on the referees, I buckle. Then less than two days later when the same lower State of Origin ratings are blamed on teenagers playing Fortnite, I start to despair.
There’s so much blatant agenda pushing that a lot of today’s rugby league content reads like parody and that’s not good – it buries any valuable, worthwhile information under a pile of sludge. (Because Buzz was right – not about the refs, about the teenagers playing Fortnite).
NRL ratings are down for Channel Nine and it appears the old school are blaming the audience rather than looking at how they need to adapt. That’s the public impression, anyway.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Fox ratings are well up and the NRL are easily the most dominant sport on Australian pay TV. What’s the difference? Is it the commentary? Less constant complaining and unrelated in-jokes at the expense of the game unfolding? A more mature approach to the game?
You’d hope so, but it’s worth noting that Fox NRL is now showing symptoms of the same #refsfault disease that’s killing Nine.
Then there’s the NRL itself, now running a newsroom of its own. Mainstream publications don’t like it and it’s easy to understand why – far as they’re concerned, the NRL is taking their stories, making access to clubs and players tougher and leaving them with scraps like player manager-driven ‘redemption tales’ about players who have no business being anywhere near the NRL.
I think the folks at NRL.com do good things and work objectively, others don’t. You can make up your own mind on that.
For a good case study of where rugby league and sport coverage in general has landed, let’s look at Paul Kent. I’ll give him credit – he knows better than most what floats and what sinks.
Check the comments underneath his latest crisis tale, ‘No accountability from NRL in footballing crisis’. Readers split almost 50/50: mocking Kent’s constant crisis narrative, his logic and the man himself. But there was a lot of support. The piece clearly resonated with the section of NRL fans who don’t like the direction the game is taking.
If I’m the editor – that’s the sweet spot where I want my writers to be.
The world is changing, how we consume information is always evolving and how we measure journalistic success has changed. Kent has his craft down so well he’s comfortable calling NRL supporters ‘peanuts’, idiots on twitter with no idea what they’re talking about. He’s the conductor and we’re all in the orchestra.
Match reports and analysis, profiles and longer pieces are leaking away from mainstream publications, replaced by sensational hot takes that do the author’s reputation and credibility no favours.
The sad fact is this: when a story is assessed, it makes no difference whether we loved, hated, or were indifferent about it. In fact, is doesn’t even matter if we read it. All that matters is that we clicked on the link to get there or that we retweeted, shared or liked the post. And we’re all the worse for it.
I’m not alone when I say how sad it is to see people you grew up reading reduced to trolling for clicks, likes and retweets, but that’s where things are right now. An honest toiler changing clubs was once two lines worth of reporting. Now that two-line report becomes BOOM! #BREAKING: STAR/YOUNG GUN/FAN FAVOURITE ON THE MOVE.
We can’t act like we’re above all this, because we all contribute to it. We’re part of the cycle.
What does this all mean? I don’t know, to be honest. Controversy gets clicks, Kent is right when he says that. Me or anyone else saying ‘don’t click, don’t share’ is naive and pointless. We’re all to blame for where we are.
I want my rugby league journos to stop writing bullshit for clicks. But I also know I’ll get sucked in again. I know it.
I just wonder sometimes if these people don’t realise they’re gleefully sabotaging the controls of the aeroplane they’re flying in.
John
Guest
I reckon the Australian media is too busy chasing the daytime soapie crowd.
Phil
Guest
Buzz Rothfield has well and truly had his day. In years gone by I enjoyed his articles but now he is no more than a sensationalist more suited to the gossip pages in the Telegraph. He comes across as an expert on all things RL but is no more an expert than any of us. He never played the game but graduated to expert via his press card. I remember one of his most outrageous headlines when Hayne chanced his arm at gridiron. Rothfield put him up there with Aussie champs who had won Olympic gold and world titles. A stupid story. I sent him an email to say the athletes he mentioned had won gold and world titles whereas Hayne hadn't even won a contract. Yeah, I think Rothfield should see out his journalistic days with the ladies columns. I'm not belittling ladies, it's just that some of their interests are different to ours.
Mike
Guest
Good article AJ. The game needs constructive criticism not hyperbolic outrage articles for click bait. The thing that gets me with Buzz and others is that if you research their views on most issues they can have diametrically opposed opinions year on year on exactly the same issue. I.E. 'the refs penalise too much', 'the refs don't penalise enough'. Both views are followed by 'killing the game' and 'game in crisis' bleating. You just shake your head. Thankfully I feel this kind of reporting is being called to account much more each year. Hopefully the crisis merchants move on and we get more objective/balanced journalists in the future.
Forty Twenty
Guest
Yes RM there probably were too many articles on Roar about the one issue and one was enough I would say. However it is a valid issue and I wouldn't be holding your breathe waiting for anyone to feel embarrassed. If the winning try in this years GF is scored on the 9th tackle it won't be a non issue because it hasn't happened before in 100 years just the same as once in 15 years doesn't mean a faulty man of the series award isn't news. Anyone can opt out of articles or web sites as you say and leave the rest to it.
RM
Guest
Quick clarification on the Wally Lewis Medal thing, since a few responses seem to be focusing on that small part of my reply as opposed to the actual point... I don't think Billy Slater was the player of the series - but we had almost an entire week of outraged articles and comments about it, all over the rugby league media, including demands that the way the award is decided be completely overhauled. This is an award that has been around since 2004 and this is the first time it has thrown up a winner that people have a problem with. 1 out of 15. That's not bad going. It's fine. Everything is fine. Take a deep breath and move on. People have definitely overreacted.
Ben
Guest
Sorry my comment above about people doing good work in NRL analysis should have read 'Clear the Obstruction' on Twitter and pythagonrl.com
AJ Mithen
Expert
They've all got that in them. That's what's so frustrating. Buzz has written some great profile pieces and interview stuff over the years. It's just that this content doesn't suit the business model any more...
AJ Mithen
Expert
That's it Ben - last week I was watching Mitchell Pearce run the attack for the Knights and his movement and organising was fascinating to watch. Where's the show telling us what's going on? One of the best parts of NRL coverage is Sterlo/Fatty's "If you freeze it there..." to show how a try went down. I'd watch something like that for hours!
Ben
Guest
I totally agree RM, history is littered with award stuff ups and people just move on. Remember Aust v NZ game when NZ made late comeback but I think Lockyer got MoM because the judges handed their verdict in 5 mins before full time. Plus in rugby world cup they had fan vote for MoM and in one game a very average England player got it due to some online prank thing. Does anyone actually remember who got Wally Lewis medal (without checking) last year or the year before? I also intentionally avoid clicking on articles from certain writers, although do sometimes read print version. I've written to Rothfield a few times pointing out his inaccuracies etc, I've received a few responses so that is good. I'm proudly blocked by him on Twitter after likening his actions to an anti-vaxxer by spreading his opinion as fact to garner support from the uneducated. I believe he read that one as 2 days later he accused the NRL of using opinion as fact to get support so maybe my plan backfired.
Ben
Guest
There are a few people doing good analytical work such as The Cumberland Throw on Twitter (not sure if he has wider distribution) where he uses various statistical methodologies to highlight attacking or defensive efficiency and other items. This type of thing has really taken off in the NBA where younger writers quote in depth statistics and use them to provide greater understanding of a player's contribution. Like NRL though the NBA still has some former players in key media roles who decry the use of these stats and think they have a better feel for the game. But the analytic approach is slowly taking over. Hopefully same happens in NRL soon. I think the Johns brothers are capable of solid in depth analysis but play up to the funny guy role too much. I remember years ago (many many years ago) Roy Masters used to have a segment where he broke down strategic ideas of various teams, it would be great to see something like that. People like Anthony Seibold would be good to listen to as he is both educated and close to the game.
At work
Roar Rookie
I disagree Guinevere - There'd be plenty of other younger journo's ready to get a shot at writing more articulate and reasoned articles if News Ltd were to go under. Yes the Telegraph and Courier Mail are a big part of league news in NSW and Qld, but that doesn't mean they are the lifeblood of the NRL. It would be quite refreshing if they died out and we got some fresh media outlets covering the game.
peeeko
Roar Guru
true, i dont believe the australian media thinks their is an audience for such things
At work
Roar Rookie
I read his Add-Carr article by Michael Chammas from NRL.com, at first I was skeptical as I don't like redemption articles but I found myself continuing to read. It was a great piece. Most redemption stories from the Terrograph or similar are just puff pieces that are quite lazy by the journalist.
AJ Mithen
Expert
Thanks X. I do think quite a bit about the next wave of rugby league journos and writers - when Buzz, Mole and co. exit stage left, who are the young up and comers who will take their place? I don't know if I can identify any, or if any have been given a real shot at it...
At work
Roar Rookie
Sports reporting and analysis in America is next level, easy to spend hours reading and/or watching great analysis. The NRL reporting brigade/media here could learn a thing or two
At work
Roar Rookie
Better follow the parody account, #crisis merchant on Twitter https://twitter.com/Booze__Hound
AJ Mithen
Expert
Thanks Nat - I didn't delve into the advertising aspect, maybe I should have. The simplest way is to say it's all about getting the click...
Don
Roar Rookie
The most recent example of a League journo putting factually incorrect and purposeless article out there purely for the clicks and argument was Buzz Rothfield’s wilcard player idea for State Of Origin. Apparently SOO is broken because ratings are down (forget the Sunday night change this year was the difference and was done to appease fans not the broadcaster and Buzz has lobbied for it for years) and apparently we couldn’t sell out Suncorp (it was only 1300 people below capacity for a dead rubber.) Oh, and apparently because we have so many players who don’t qualify for QLD nor NSW in the comp the fans are storming the NRL gates and rebelling against SOO calling for Jason Taumalolo and Sam Burgess to be allowed to play? Even listening to Buzz trying to argue his reasoning for the opinion was embarrassing. You could tell he didn’t even believe his own rubbish. But hey, it was an easy column to file given it was pure fiction and it got the clicks. Well played Buzz...
peeeko
Roar Guru
I want my rugby league journos to stop writing bullshit for clicks. But I also know I’ll get sucked in again. I know it. story of my life
peeeko
Roar Guru
agree, reporting here is so much more low brow than the usa