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It was a move that has left me scratching my head and raising questions about the priorities of Australian sports diplomacy.
Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) chairman Peter V’landys recently found himself rubbing shoulders with none other than the President of the United States, Joe Biden, at a state dinner at the White House.
While some may applaud this bold endeavour to promote rugby league on the international stage, others are left wondering: why must one national sport grow at the expense of another?
If the US market is so big, why is it not possible to both achieve their own slice of the pie without dragging each other through the mud?
The AFL has history here as well with there being no doubt that they have grown at the expense of the NRL in the past. But I think it is time for this tribalism to stop at our border, particularly when trying to access new markets.
Brand Australia has been a great success in the US already – I would like to see these two codes link arms under this banner and both win as a result.
I cannot help but wonder about the underlying motivations behind this push for international growth. Is it about expanding the horizons of Australian sport and establishing a global presence, or is it simply a way to one-up a rival code?
A betting agency or promoter in the US looking at these two sports, should not have to choose one or the other. Both would be attractive.
Furthermore, this quest for global recognition should not come at the expense of the grassroots development of either sport in Australia.
While international expansion is undoubtedly appealing, it should not be prioritised over nurturing local talent, investing in community clubs, and preserving the essence of what makes Australian sport unique.
So, as V’landys embarks on this mission to conquer the American market, we are left with a series of questions. Are these efforts truly in the best interest of Australian sports, or his own hip pocket and resume?
Should international expansion always be the ultimate goal, or is there a way for both codes to coexist and thrive both nationally and on the international stage?
In the pursuit of global recognition, let us not forget the importance of preserving the vibrant and competitive landscape of Australian sports.
The world may be vast, but sometimes, the greatest adventures are found in our own backyard.
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