How do we fix Rugby League?

Question

It is no secret that rugby league is in dire straits. Players are being lured away for other competitions and other codes and talk of clubs nearing doom is constantly in the headlines. Surely, something can be done. But what?

The men in charge don't seem to be doing anything and

the "help your mate out" attitude which envelopes the rugby league community means ex-players are constantly being promoted to positions of importance with no formal qualifications. I dont have a great business mind, but it doesn't take one to know that is what is needed.

We need money in the game. We need fans going to matches. Crowd attendance is pathetic compared to other codes, and another good year for the Tah's and another AFL team in sydney isn't going to help matters.

Playing club games at homebush is killing the game, the atmosphere is non-existant. Non televised matches should still be advertised on TV with family insentives.

Any other ideas to save our sport...

Answer 1

To some extent the game has to be fixed.  For way too long the RL scrum (or lean) has been accepted. Such a large portion of the game is involved in these pointless srums. It is a blight on the game.  It needs to be made a contest again.  That would draw the forwards into actually having forward skills that count.  This would improve the look of the game.  My point is that it would make the game better to watch.

My second point (same as yours) is that the club games should be played at club grounds.  Large stadiums even with good attendances still look empty and are no place for club games.  

Third point, I am not in favour of public ownership.  The Russell Crowes are not good for the game. RL comes from the community and should stay there.  

Fourth and final point is that TV should not drive the game. Nuff said aobut that ....

Answer 2

Personally, if we look at the game itself, its basically grown men playing some sort of touch footy. The second thing is, it's only really played in 2 countries, AU and Eng, NZ has a team, but they never really shine, they just make up a number.

I am a Union Man, have been all my life, and being in AU now, i used to have free to air, but now i have pay TV to i dont have to watch RL, which is a stupid sport. I reckon just get rid of it altogether, and make those player available for the Wallabies, and i believe the Wallabies might have a formidable team. But thats just my opinion.

Answer 3

Are you Australian? I reckon the game is doing okay there, the players you have are just awesome, yes! it is a pity that some of them are being lured away to play in other countries or clubs, but that's just how it is. I'm a kiwi and we are the ones who are struggling to find form here, we don't even have seats being filled at our games, which is a pity.  The Warriors have a great following as do the NZ side but! then in a country that is dominated by Rugby Union, what can I say! Kids here want to be All Blacks.

Answer 4

Rucks and mauls!!!!!

Answer 5

G'Day...

Rugby Leauge is a great game.... But it is an Queensland and NSW game. To save the game they need to concentrate on this.... Why the NRL has this agenda to try and push the game into territory dominated by AFL is beyond me. AFL has bucketloads of money, a TRUE national competition and massive plans for expansion. The NRL cannot make inroads into AFL dominated areas. They are kidding themselves.

The best part of NRL games are the local derby's. a Sydney team vrs a Sydney team etc. These are the games where people actually turn up to watch. They should also return to smaller grounds. What is the use of say the rabbitohs playing at ANZ stadium when you only get 5-10 thousands people turning up? There is no atmosphere and the empty seats are embarassing.. Go back to redfern or similar local ovals where you may still only have 10 thousand turn up but the ground is full, great atmosphere, and no empty seats.

Your point on ex players running the busines side of clubs is well taken. No ex player should be anywhere near running the business side of a multi million dollar club without serious business qualifications and proven successful business experience to back it up. In fact the "business" and "operational" ie: the coaches, etc. sides of the business should be entirely separate. Ex players are very loyal to other ex players and "mates" in the game. This is a clear conflict of interest. The jobs for mates is called nepotism. These jobs are usually not in the interest of the club and overall hurt clubs.

A valid point should be made here. Clubs have been reliant on leauges club profits for the mojority of thier funding. This in essence means they have been reliant on pokie profits for funding. With pokie profits drying up through increased taxes, banning of indoor smoking and general downturn due to other financial pressures ie: increasing interest rates, this means clubs usual funding will be slashed. With new liqour industry laws coming in soon this will also lead to a drop in leagies clubs profiability due to increased competition.

Rugby leagues clubs need to become financially independent by reducing costs, ie: grounds costs, running costs, even player salaries and increase thier funding. ie bums on seats in smaller grounds that cost less to run with people who are actually buying the tickets.

Anyway just some thoughts.....

Answer 6

i put it all down to television coverage

they need to have more games on free to air TV

with most of the games being on foxtel many people cannot see their favourite team play

they lose interest and dont end up going to games