A comment on World Cup Soccer and its effect on the NRL Competition.
So, much to the inconvenience of our local football codes, Australia is bidding to host the Soccer World Cup in 10 years time. This bothers me, but there could be an advantage to Rugby League.
Perhaps it is time to use this to the Great Game's advantage. Considering that essentially, no grounds will be available in Sydney for training and/or games, it might be time to return a 'favour' to the AFL. Rightly so considering the fact that Demetriou and the Aussie Rules clubs are apparently champing at the bit to destroy rugby league, and the business of rugby league.
If, indeed, the FIFA rules state that they "do not allow other major sporting competitions to be held in the same cities where world cup matches are scheduled", the NRL and clubs must prepare to accept a lower profit margin for 2018 or 2022.
More importantly, to ensure the season is safe the NRL could immediately book the Sydney Cricket Ground (46,000 capacity) and the Gabba (42,000) for State of Origin matches and perhaps negotiate with the FFA to schedule at least one game only in these same cities. (Game 3 might be taken to NZ, or PNG?) Not without their own problems during this time, the 16 NRL clubs could agree to send home games to our country towns and to NZ.
Rather than looking at these options as a financial disaster, it could be an opportunity to grow the game in NSW and QLD where the AFL is relentlessly attacking our product.
The AFL can then enjoy the crumbs in NSW and QLD after league has booked its stadium usage for the world cup period.
The NRL might also consider the fact that training facilities for the 4 nations that will call Sydney home during the preliminary rounds of the World Cup will be required. Which clubs will vacate their home grounds willingly for at least 3 months?
We must 'go bush' for this period of time - if at least to inspire country rugby league and at most to ensure we finish a full schedule of games! A consistent message from this blog is the hope that the NRL will plan for its future. What better opportunity to do this than cultivate the almost lost nursery of Country Rugby League?
Finally - shame on Australia for even considering a bid to host a sporting event where the cost of security will be in the billions, the local codes will lose millions, the Government will back the FFA 100% (think of the tourism dollars) and all for a sport where the majority of players wouldn’t recognise sportsmanship or integrity even if they dived over it. What a horrible advertisement for sport in general. Yes, much worse than Rugby League if that is possible in recent times.
I'm sure it will, once again, come as a great shock to the Australian media when a game of soccer is decided by one player (who no doubt spent more time styling his hair than warming up before kick off) feigns injury, dives, and receives a penalty for his country. This is the standard 'game-play'? Sportsmanship indeed.
Whether the argument is about money, or for morals, importing such a product to Australia can only do more harm than good. Especially for Rugby League, the greatest game of all. However if it has to happen, never let it be said that the League community did nothing but complain about it. There must be an opportunity here and hopefully the above represents some light at the end of the tunnel. Or is there too much hair product in the way to see any light at all?
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Big Sports Breakfast - A Review
So I had the pleasure of listening to Michael Slater and Terry Kennedy this morning on the radio. Two gentleman who decided they were educated enough to discuss the outcome of the recent NRL CEO's meeting.
Lets start with a background check on these two.
Michael Slater - A fantastic career for Australia in the Baggy Green and a wonderful cricket commentator. He has matriculated successfully into the media world and delivers insightful comments during his cricket commentary. I remember being at the SCG many years ago when 'slats' scored a defiant century against England whilst the Australian batting order collapsed around him. He hit one of the most beautiful cover drives I have ever seen from Darren Gough to bring up his hundred. I think he scored 120 odd in an Australian total of less than 200.
Terry Kennedy - I remember "TK's" Rugby League commentary on the old C7 sports channel when optus ran its Rugby League pay TV coverage. He was part of a commentary team that included Steve Roach and Mario Fenech. All I can say about Terry is that he was the third smartest bloke in that commentary team.
To digress - this morning's opening had Michael Slater shocked and amazed that the NRL decided to stick with its McIntyre System for the finals, including no changes made to the first round 'home semi-final' rule. Terry agreed.
My question to Terry and Michael... If there is no hard and fast rule governing the semi finals... how is it decided which games are moved and which are not? We could conceivably have a scenario where the Sharks are forced to move their hard fought 'home semi' away from the shire, thus forgoing any advantage gained from playing so well during the 26 round season. You can say the same for all Sydney suburban teams who might host a semi final. There would be uproar and it would make a complete mockery of any playoff system.
I congratulate the NRL for sticking with this rule. The advantage should stay with the team finishing higher on the ladder. If we want to make more money from ticket sales, clubs could be given a biggger cut from NRL profits in the future. They might then invest this money in renovations to ensure bigger crowds going forward. Just a thought.
No need for a quick fix here Michael and Terry. What Rugby League needs now is foresight, patience and money. So please think before you speak on what is best for The Greatest Game of All. There has been enough criticism of the micro... lets try and think bigger and plan for the next 20 years. With the AFL now trying to cut off the preverbial artery to League's heartland, we must not get caught up with petty arguments.
Also, love the B.S.B. show. Anyone talking about Rugby League is good for the game.
cheers
Lets start with a background check on these two.
Michael Slater - A fantastic career for Australia in the Baggy Green and a wonderful cricket commentator. He has matriculated successfully into the media world and delivers insightful comments during his cricket commentary. I remember being at the SCG many years ago when 'slats' scored a defiant century against England whilst the Australian batting order collapsed around him. He hit one of the most beautiful cover drives I have ever seen from Darren Gough to bring up his hundred. I think he scored 120 odd in an Australian total of less than 200.
Terry Kennedy - I remember "TK's" Rugby League commentary on the old C7 sports channel when optus ran its Rugby League pay TV coverage. He was part of a commentary team that included Steve Roach and Mario Fenech. All I can say about Terry is that he was the third smartest bloke in that commentary team.
To digress - this morning's opening had Michael Slater shocked and amazed that the NRL decided to stick with its McIntyre System for the finals, including no changes made to the first round 'home semi-final' rule. Terry agreed.
My question to Terry and Michael... If there is no hard and fast rule governing the semi finals... how is it decided which games are moved and which are not? We could conceivably have a scenario where the Sharks are forced to move their hard fought 'home semi' away from the shire, thus forgoing any advantage gained from playing so well during the 26 round season. You can say the same for all Sydney suburban teams who might host a semi final. There would be uproar and it would make a complete mockery of any playoff system.
I congratulate the NRL for sticking with this rule. The advantage should stay with the team finishing higher on the ladder. If we want to make more money from ticket sales, clubs could be given a biggger cut from NRL profits in the future. They might then invest this money in renovations to ensure bigger crowds going forward. Just a thought.
No need for a quick fix here Michael and Terry. What Rugby League needs now is foresight, patience and money. So please think before you speak on what is best for The Greatest Game of All. There has been enough criticism of the micro... lets try and think bigger and plan for the next 20 years. With the AFL now trying to cut off the preverbial artery to League's heartland, we must not get caught up with petty arguments.
Also, love the B.S.B. show. Anyone talking about Rugby League is good for the game.
cheers
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