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Why the NRL can't survive.
Image: AllsportHey, I'm a rugby league fan. Parramatta losing last years 'unloseable' grand final crushed me like a Hulk Hogan atomic drop. But, as much as admitting this desecrates my soul, I don't see how rugby league will survive past the next couple of years. Here's Why
Firstly, rugby league is realistically only supported in Sydney and Brisbane and these markets are being severely eroded. The Brisbane Lions now draw more fans than their Brisbane Bronco counterparts. To have predicted this 5 years ago would have resulted in you being tied to the Wally Lewis statue outside Lang Park. Rugby League in Sydney isn't fairing much better, with the Swans and Waratahs supporters far outnumbering rugby league's. Sure, these sides have the whole city to support 1 side but how often does a rugby league match draw more than 15000? They couldn't even sell out the Origin, yet rugby internationals could be sold 3 times over. Head down to Campbelltown Stadium one Sunday and you'll be lucky to find more than 5000 there (depending on day releases being issued).
Dwindling crowds leads to financial and sponsorship shortfalls. Apart from Parramatta, Roosters, Bulldogs and Broncos, the other clubs are cash starved and reliant on NRL or News Limited grants. Why will News Limited continue to support rugby league when they have a vested interest in rugby union, it's direct competitor? Quite simply, they won't keep supporting rugby league as it makes no commercial sense. Rugby Union has the World Cup coming, a hugely successful super 12's and international program and is generating substantial revenues from ticket sales, merchandise and television rights. As more and more money comes into union, therefore player payments will continue to increase and league with it's small club syndrome just won't be able to compete, or even come close. The same reason why league was founded will eventually destroy it.
I'm sorry league fans, our game will soon be no more, Wendell and Rogers are about to followed by the multitudes. There is an upside however and this that finally all our best footballers will be playing together in the one code and at least that's something to look forward to.
I welcome your comments.
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As much as I love my Dragons, I agree. However I can't see myself going to club rugby on a Sunday arvo anytime soon which leads me to question how the new club rugby premiership will do in NSW. I still need something to watch come Sunday.
Dean i am an avid Sharks fan growing up in the Sutherland Shire unfortunately i see the same demise in the game. Bring back Preston!!!
Very true Budha.Is its all money now? Maybe the reason these guys are going over to the Union is more competition, money and worldwide recognition. However come on the BRONCO`s and QUEENSLAND. Nifty
Boo, Unfortunately I have to agree with you on all but one point, I went to Campbelltown on Sunday and there were at least 50,000 there! and to Tw Sherrin give yourself an uppercut!
I disagree. RL is still emerging out of the Ashes of the Superleague War, only now really over with South's readmittance. It will take time. But League is stil daylight ahead. Higher attendances to club games and better TV ratings for RL's big matches tha
Even though I think RL is still ahead of RU in most departments, I still feel that the NRL needs to emply some marketing talent. I hate seeing the greatest game of all waning.
The patient is sick but not dying. It's TV (especially free-to-air) not crowds that determines sponsorship - Sherrin - why DO the AFL boys wear their sister's shorts?
the league has more then 1 team in sydney, therefore the crowd does not just go see the 1 team like the swans supporters. The combined crowds for league over the one weekend in sydney will be larger than an afl game in sydney.
Hahaha! What a joke. TV ratings up, crowds up, juniors up, even sponsors up (Bulldogs hasn't hurt the code). Meanwhile Union can't get on free-to-air tv and AFL cannot penetrate into country NSW and QLD. Give League some prime time coverage in WA and Vic
On a regular basis the brisbane broncos and the cowboys always seem to have crowds bigger than 15'000, i think the problem is that there are too many teams in sydney.
Rugby League is dying a slow death. It is kept alive only with the aid of by saturation marketing, including by "our ABC" It is a bad product with a lowbrow culture surrounding it.