Cronulla CEO Dino Mezzatesta has called on the NRL to launch a calculated shot at global expansion, sharing a vision for matches to be taken to four separate continents in one weekend.
Global growth is back on the NRL’s agenda after South Sydney pulled out of next year’s proposed round zero contest, which loomed as an option to kick the season off against Manly in the United States.
Almost every club contacted by AAP has since confirmed it would be too short of notice to play the match next February, with Manly still hoping to find an opponent.
But the majority of clubs are keen to be involved in the future, believing 2024 is a better time with more planning and a pre-season not disrupted by a World Cup.
Mezzatesta’s Sharks are one of those clubs interested.
Cronulla had began serious talks with the UAE Business Council about taking an exhibition match to Dubai when they signed Aramex as a major sponsor, before COVID got in the way.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
But with borders open and the pandemic clearing, Mezzatesta now believes it is time for a long-term and calculated plan.
Under his vision, four NRL pre-season matches with all big-names playing would be taken around the world in one weekend with games in Dubai, Oceania, Europe and the US.
“I think you’d get more,” Mezzatesta told AAP.
“Rather than just tackling one country and saying that’s done, and there is only two teams involved, it probably makes sense to try and do a multi-faceted weekend and try and do a few nations.
“You would have eight clubs playing in four different countries, and then another eight could be part of something different (back home).
“Because while we talk about the global platform, there is also a massive appetite in the regions (in country Australia).”
The concept would first begin as exhibitions on a yearly basis, before growing into being part of the competition proper with potentially more clubs travelling.
“You have to have a bit of a targeted approach and a long lead in time to plan this thing properly so it does have enormous benefit,” Mezzatesta said.
“It’s about getting a bigger footprint for our game. So you can’t just a one-hit wonder.”
Mezzatesta believes the move would have significant sponsorship advantages, with most clubs already having global brands as partners.
His experience from the Dubai talks also suggests there could be backing for the concept, while there were suggested financial advantages for the NRL around the proposed United States game.
“If South Sydney and Manly got the USA off the ground, it demonstrates that if we put our mind to other regions, anything can happen,” Mezzatesta said.
“PNG would go mad for some sort of event there at the beginning of the year on a regular basis.
“If we have anything to go by from history, the World Club Challenge has always generated a lot of interest in the UK.
“And it would be interesting to go the UAE. They’ve hosted big things, and have built purpose-built stadiums to host tournaments in all codes.
“So why wouldn’t we look at putting rugby league in the forefront as well?”
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Avry Lewis-McDougall
Roar Rookie
The Denver game (a crowd of close to 20,000 fans in an NFL stadium for the code that isn't as well known in the US was nothing to sneeze at) with England and New Zealand back in 2018 should have been the start of something bigger but it wasn't universally embraced by the NRL/British RL. It could be possible to make some level of impact but NRL has to truly commit to this and market it right. Manly vs South Sydney would have been great with the owners involved but it's too bad Souths pulled out. I think one weekend in four different countries is too much though. Pick one spot and see how it grows. Go in big with Round Zero, and bring the full NRL experience to California, don't just bring a game and then leave, make it a 2-3 day event where you properly re-introduce yourselves to those who might be unfamiliar with the code over here in North America. Let fans meet players, take players, coaches, etc to a Lakers or Dodgers game and hold events with the local RL teams in the area. Commit to this being a yearly thing. A one-off event that never returns will have zero long-term impact.
matth
Roar Guru
We are a culture of quick fixes now.
Rellum
Roar Guru
That goes for a Perth team, or an Adelaide team or even a Dolphins team. People who don't like the idea look for any issue to say, see it is a failure, cut it loose. Get ready for that Matt every time the Dolphins lose a game.
Conan of Cooma
Roar Rookie
As a Sharks fan I'd rather see a home ground advantage in the finals over playing somewhere else.
Conan of Cooma
Roar Rookie
I'm 100% confident that Dino isn't the one doing the construction work in Woolooware.
matth
Roar Guru
I concur
matth
Roar Guru
And the point that no one ever accepts is you have to budget for a loss for a generation of slow build. Otherwise this is all just another Sterlo stuck in the banner in California in 87
matth
Roar Guru
NAS might find himself getting a job offer as a ceremonial cranium crusher.
matth
Roar Guru
Yep it’s something to take to the annual lunch with the AFL CEO.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Are you still butthurt about that
WA Sharks Fan
Roar Rookie
How about we concur Aus first, before looking to concur the world. Play games in WA, SA, NT, TAS etc
Adam Bagnall
Roar Guru
This is the same club that sooked about potentially moving their finals game from Peptide Stadium to the brand new state of the art stadium at Moore Park? Just checking
Horseflesh
Guest
I lived in Dubai for 12 years and went to the rugby 7s in December every year. It is one big drink. You can go to the bar and buy a dozen cans of beer and take them unopened back to your seat. Then go for another dozen. Try doing that in Australia! They even give you a cooler bag with ice to carry them. There are about ten different comps played over three days across about five pitches at the one big complex. International mens and womens, locals, veterans, juniors, invitational. The crowds are typically 20,000 to 24,000. Mainly Aussies, Brits of all sorts, Saffas, all rugby nations. Its a great weekend.
zonecadet
Roar Rookie
I'm with you on how they could spend their money, stop wasting it on nightmare ideas that the World wants Rugba League, they don't. We do, that should be enough.
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
I'm sure Greg could get the Saudis to throw in a few extra bucks to stage a game in Riyadh . The LIV have spent more money on promoting golf than the NRL get for 3-4 years broadcasting and if some one bails in the NRL I'm sure $20 million a year is pocket money for the men from the middle east . They spend billions on Premier league teams they should realise they can buy a team here for $20 million . Dino's onto something here :happy: :happy: :happy:
Ian_
Roar Rookie
Dino obviously feels a need for more junkets, for him, other officials, sponsors and well connected supporters. That's all these overseas things are.
M20
Guest
Yeah Dubai the country where the head of Rugby League got arrested at the behest of UAE rugby. Great idea
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
Souvalis, don't get me wrong but I've e got nothing but admiration for Cronulla as the only club owning their own ground . With their current position on the table they hopefully would have more than 12k supporters and to make sure all their fans can get to the finals games I think they they should play at a ground with bigger capacity. Playing these other matches around the world achieves very little and the CEO should concentrate on maximising local opportunities .
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Sharks have played 12 games at home and won 10 of them. Which club puts the ground comfort of attendees above winning the game ? All cost winning will always be main priority in the NRL.
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
This is a bit rich from a bloke and club that wants to take rugbah league to the world but won't play a finals match before a crowd of more than 12k . Get your own house in order before making bold statements .