David Gallop hijacks AFL push into NRL heartland Print E-mail
Written by Tim Morrissey Fox Sports   
Saturday, 04 July 2009 09:18

NRL boss David Gallop says rugby league is ready for the biggest battle of the codes in Sydney's sporting history after the AFL's audacious expansion plans into western Sydney took a major step forward.

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou appeared at a western Sydney club launch at Blacktown, discussing the merits of an 18th team in the Harbour City with the local community.

He announced a Community Advisory Group to assist the AFL in building the case for the new team - proving that the code is determined to push ahead with a second AFL club based in Blacktown in 2012, whether or not Sydney is ready for it.

However, Gallop said he was confident that rugby league was ready to tackle the AFL head on in their heartland.

The NRL's position has been steeled by a significant jump in crowds, memberships and television ratings this season.

"The AFL's plans are a reminder of just how competitive it is in western Sydney," said Gallop.

"But rugby league's numbers, our crowds, ratings and participation rates have exceeded our expectations for this season.
"We intend to keep our foot on the peddle and continue to build interest in our game. We are very confident in how we are travelling."

The NRL has every reason to feel bullish after the AFL's own mid-year report revealed Sydney Swans' average match attendance was down almost 10 per cent.

This came on top of news that memberships are down 15 per cent, pay-TV audience is down 7.4 per cent and free-to-air TV ratings are down 20 per cent compared to this time last year.

At the same time, league's numbers are heading in the opposite direction despite massive publicity generated by off-field scandals.

NRL crowds are up five per cent, the game's weekly television ratings are up 14.2 per cent in Sydney and total club memberships have grown 27 per cent.

However, the AFL's $200 million war chest gives it a significant advantage.

Demetriou said he expected to announce the second Sydney licence holder by early next year. "We would hope by February-March to be in a position to decide on a licence," he said.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,25731328-5018866,00.html







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Rex said the following on Sat Jul 4 4:30 2009
"David Gallop hijacks AFL push into NRL heartland".  lol

Murdoch men desperately promoting Murdoch's man.

Spin, spin, spin.
eagle_predator said the following on Sat Jul 4 0:21 2009
Running true to form Gallop  ;D
blitzkrieg said the following on Sat Jul 4 0:18 2009
Yeah Gallop, cause the you and the NRL have our own backyard in order  Pffftt.
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