What’s that old line by Warren Buffet -“When the tide goes out you find out who’s been swimming naked”. The problem the NRL has had is not just a failure to set aside assets (which does hurt them in the short term) but also they are weakened because they have continued to incorporate pokies revenue into the fabric of their business model as a key component for nearly all clubs. Yes there is also some reliance on pokies revenue for some AFL clubs as well but overall it’s not on the same level. So good luck to the NRL when they trot off the government for a handout – how willing is the government going to be to commit taxpayers money into propping up non-viable football operations. Should taxpayers be stepping in to save businesses that are so poorly run, and which rely so heavily on gambling revenue which can’t be relied on in the future. The NRL was swimming naked. This is not a great time for many sports … and it will expose weak business models and poor practices, including in sports like AFL which had become bloated with far too many hangers on in coaching and club administration leading to a high cost structure.
I think mergers/teams being dropped is too hard. Anything would hard for some to handle, if it done in a way we’re the two/three possible teams are just feeder, or lower grade clubs for the ‘new’ team. Maybe they won’t even have clubs no more and be more like ‘catchments’. That way the Parra and Penrith teams ‘could’ possibly feel more comfortable following the 1st grade team they are under, like the old nswrl/qld having a state team, but on a smaller level obviously.
What a great chance to reduce the number of teams. Say goodbye to the Titans and any future Gold Coast teams. Let Western Suburbs, who have the financial punch, finally shake off the Balmain leach and be a separate team again. Sharks to merge with St George or disappear. Souths or Easts to merge with Canterbury - as unpalatable as that sounds, and Penrith and Parra to merge. Oh, and just get rid of Manly because we all hate them and bring back the likeable North Sydney Bears
GoGWS
Roar Guru
What’s that old line by Warren Buffet -“When the tide goes out you find out who’s been swimming naked”. The problem the NRL has had is not just a failure to set aside assets (which does hurt them in the short term) but also they are weakened because they have continued to incorporate pokies revenue into the fabric of their business model as a key component for nearly all clubs. Yes there is also some reliance on pokies revenue for some AFL clubs as well but overall it’s not on the same level. So good luck to the NRL when they trot off the government for a handout – how willing is the government going to be to commit taxpayers money into propping up non-viable football operations. Should taxpayers be stepping in to save businesses that are so poorly run, and which rely so heavily on gambling revenue which can’t be relied on in the future. The NRL was swimming naked. This is not a great time for many sports … and it will expose weak business models and poor practices, including in sports like AFL which had become bloated with far too many hangers on in coaching and club administration leading to a high cost structure.
Monkey Fist
Roar Rookie
The bubble has burst!
Dwanye
Roar Rookie
I think mergers/teams being dropped is too hard. Anything would hard for some to handle, if it done in a way we’re the two/three possible teams are just feeder, or lower grade clubs for the ‘new’ team. Maybe they won’t even have clubs no more and be more like ‘catchments’. That way the Parra and Penrith teams ‘could’ possibly feel more comfortable following the 1st grade team they are under, like the old nswrl/qld having a state team, but on a smaller level obviously.
P Air
Guest
What a great chance to reduce the number of teams. Say goodbye to the Titans and any future Gold Coast teams. Let Western Suburbs, who have the financial punch, finally shake off the Balmain leach and be a separate team again. Sharks to merge with St George or disappear. Souths or Easts to merge with Canterbury - as unpalatable as that sounds, and Penrith and Parra to merge. Oh, and just get rid of Manly because we all hate them and bring back the likeable North Sydney Bears