ManlyBacker
Winging it
Any one who thinks SBW's walk-out of the Bulldogs and defection to Rugby is a small thing is deluding themselves. This is absolutely huge. His defection, along with Gasnier, will probably shake our game up far beyond what can be imagined.
Both of these players are the type that seriously draw in the crowds - they are the players I want to see. It is not just the skills and game-busting potential they have, it is also the battle to nullify them that is also half the enjoyment of watching a game.
If we are to lose the likes of Inglis, Folau, Slater, Snake, Thurston, Hunt, Lockyer, Mason, Marshall etc, then we are just going to have a much poorer product.
The sort of things my crystal ball sees are:
1. The NRL and News Ltd to consider a complete restructuring of both the game's finances and club entities.
2. The salary cap to be changed dramatically, if not completely thrown out.
3. Club constitutions to be changed to allow more private ownership, either by individuals or sorporations.
4. Player salaries to increase by 50 to 100% starting with negotiations in 2009.
5. Season ticket prices to double witthin 2 years
6. More calls for Rugby and RL to merge into a hybrid game with a serious push in 3 years.
Both of these players are the type that seriously draw in the crowds - they are the players I want to see. It is not just the skills and game-busting potential they have, it is also the battle to nullify them that is also half the enjoyment of watching a game.
If we are to lose the likes of Inglis, Folau, Slater, Snake, Thurston, Hunt, Lockyer, Mason, Marshall etc, then we are just going to have a much poorer product.
The sort of things my crystal ball sees are:
1. The NRL and News Ltd to consider a complete restructuring of both the game's finances and club entities.
2. The salary cap to be changed dramatically, if not completely thrown out.
3. Club constitutions to be changed to allow more private ownership, either by individuals or sorporations.
4. Player salaries to increase by 50 to 100% starting with negotiations in 2009.
5. Season ticket prices to double witthin 2 years
6. More calls for Rugby and RL to merge into a hybrid game with a serious push in 3 years.