Given the hot topic of expansion over the last couple weeks, I would love for rugby league to become an established and popular sporting code in the Pacific.
Obviously global expansion is important, but the NRL has an opportunity here to capitalise on the growth of the game in the Pacific islands.
Rather than fight out a tug-of-war with AFL to become the dominant Aussie code, the NRL should look to become the dominant Oceania code or at least be a very strong, popular code down here akin to handball or hockey in Europe.
After the second Brisbane team, the NRL should start to look at a second and maybe even third team in New Zealand, as well as a united Pacific islands team in the NRL – West Indies cricket style. This way, the individual nations can remain separate entities at an international level.
Developing pathways and reserve-grade teams like the Papua New Guinea Hunters or Fiji Silktails create a direct path into becoming a professional athlete. Look at how positively it has influenced PNG having a reserve grade side in the Q Cup, so imagine that across more cities and towns in New Zealand or even in nations like Tonga and Samoa.
Imagine a rugby league calendar where the year starts off with the annual All Stars clash between Indigenous Australia and Māori New Zealand, with the men’s and women’s games being major events people want to attend.
This would be followed by a domestic season of NRL and NRLW and respective reserve grade and maybe even under-20s teams stretching from Parramatta in Sydney to Nuku’alofa in Tonga to Dunedin in New Zealand.
Obviously, State of Origin continues to be the showpiece event it is, with a best-of-three series for men and women.
This continual investment in domestic competitions across our region will only strengthen the international game long-term and allow the international game to move forward with more and more competitive nations, with the structure we’ve established as a precedent on how to run rugby league across the world.
I know this is probably senseless optimism from a hopeless rugby league romantic but I like to envisage a future 20 years from now where millions of people across the Pacific wait in anticipation for the next rugby league season to start.
Tommy
Guest
It isn't a ridiculous idea. I just think there are home markets in Aus that should definitely be put at the front of the queue before we worry about PNG and the Pacific Islands. WA not having a team is insanity. Cairns could easily support it's own team, with similar population and actually higher GDP than Townsville. A Central Qld team splitting time in Mackay and Rockhampton would be feasible. Sunshine Coast has the population, stadium, and growth ability for a team. And the West Brisbane suburbs out to Ipswich are the fastest growing areas in Australia. In NSW, the entire game needs a revamp. Send the Dragons full time down to Wollongong, instead of playing only 4 games a year there. Tell Manly they're moving full time to the Central Coast. The Tigers should be playing all home games in Campbelltown or else Soccer is will rule the South West. South Sydney should play all home games at the New SFS, which is like 5 minutes from Redfern. The Sharks should be given 50 million from the NRL to move to a new market of it's own. The Bulldogs should commission the government to redevelop Stadium Australia into it's own home ground. After all that, you'd have a reasonable 6 teams in Sydney, all with new, developed home grounds. Afterwards, you can worry about a PNG, NZ, or Pac Island teams
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
pity they can't take some games back to the Islands, remember seeing i think it was Maika Sivo's dad when they flew him to Oz to watch his son play. Be brilliant if a few games can be on the islands so everyone there can see a game
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
Then Moana Pasifika comes to Super Rugby NZ next year and Thames those fans and players!! :thumbup:
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
Ah but play 1 game for the AB's and you're forever an "ex All Black" followed by lots of zeroes on your contract in the semi retirement pro comp in France
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
having seen the crowds when Tonga play, best play the games in NZ, more red flags & jerseys in the crowd than black Kiwi ones
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
aren't most teams chokka's with Pasifika anyway?
Clancy
Roar Rookie
I thought I’d make a general comment in response to these comments as with a few days to reflect I think I was probably overshooting a bit and was jumping at my first opportunity to write another piece and I think I now tend to agree with a lot of the comments pointing out that financially it wouldn’t be feasible to establish teams in the pacific and while I think the NRL could still provide pathways for these nations so that emerging talent over there has a path to the NRL. But yes I do apologise I think this article was probably more an attempt to get something out rather than a thought out piece.
clipper
Roar Rookie
Can you tell me what is incorrect in my comment? Do you think that the Rugby 7's gold won't increase interest in Rugby in Fiji? Do you not think 40% of Fijians are of Indian descent?
deucer
Roar Rookie
do you think racism is only a problem in AFL - every sport is grappling with that problem
matth
Roar Guru
I didn’t say I want it to happen necessarily, just that it’s the only way it could happen.
JAMES G HASLAM
Guest
The Oz government has plenty of local sports to fund without going overseas. They might even consider buying more vaccines a priority.
Otsuble
Roar Rookie
Thanks clipper for your predictable run down of rugby league. Never change mate.
clipper
Roar Rookie
that's a realist view, especially that interest in Ruby can't be understated (the win in 7's will help) You also have to consider that almost 40% of Fijians are Indian, so have little interest in league.
Otsuble
Roar Rookie
Rubbish.
Otsuble
Roar Rookie
What a great response Randy. Nailed it!
Pickett
Roar Rookie
@ Randy A couple of people have said similar. But didn't Newtown beat Burleigh in the 'Superbowl' a couple of years ago in extra time? Thrilling match.
Randy
Roar Rookie
and AFL continues to be dominated by whites and has frequent issues with racism... not a good look in the "black lives matter" era. Doesn't seem to matter though, southern staters are so brainwashed into thinking AFL will save the world lol
Randy
Roar Rookie
the NSW cup is basically just made up of reserve teams of NRL clubs. The QLD cup is a proper 2nd tier comp.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Do you live in a suburb or just float internationally.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Youngsters you aren't Michael Carbuncle?