In Rugby League, we have had for over a decade, probably two, the decline of our sport at the grass roots level. Country footy and local competition is on the decline which was a lifeblood of this sport from year dot.
The press cared only when they needed a story or, to hammer the sport. I felt the hierarchy did not care too much as the elite competition was growing, ie tv ratings, tv earnings, digital media and crowds.
Now, over the past couple of seasons, crowds are disappointing. All due to the management of the game by the NRL and the broadcasters. You all have grumbled about Brisbane on Friday's, not enough Sydney games on Sunday afternoons and Monday games. All decisions that have severely impacted on crowd figures. Let alone the handling of semi final timeslots.
Knee jerk reactions to rule interpretations add to the supporter's grief and despair.
Now, the fix to the problems of the game is to throw more money at a handful of players who threaten to leave. If a man did this to a woman, she would be classed a whore.
Why doesn't the NRL channel this money and effort into the grassroots of the sport
as a long term investment. Time has now shown us that the lack of investment and involvement is putting this game into a decline. Numbers are down, interest is down. And the NRL doesn't want to take the game to the people. "Build it and they will come" attitude is for Hollywood and is not working.
I have no grudge against any of the players wishing to leave the sport and pursue greater money, personal ambitions and/or more fame. I am against the NRL falling for the threat of leaving so more money can be thrown at individual players. The publicised player problems at Manly this year will become problems for the League, finally. I say finally, because the NRL choose when to step in and support or put the boot in, next, it will be their problem. More of the cap will be spent over a few players from each team and the NRL is prepared to throw more at the supposed elite. Negative, knee jerking reactions.
The press cared only when they needed a story or, to hammer the sport. I felt the hierarchy did not care too much as the elite competition was growing, ie tv ratings, tv earnings, digital media and crowds.
Now, over the past couple of seasons, crowds are disappointing. All due to the management of the game by the NRL and the broadcasters. You all have grumbled about Brisbane on Friday's, not enough Sydney games on Sunday afternoons and Monday games. All decisions that have severely impacted on crowd figures. Let alone the handling of semi final timeslots.
Knee jerk reactions to rule interpretations add to the supporter's grief and despair.
Now, the fix to the problems of the game is to throw more money at a handful of players who threaten to leave. If a man did this to a woman, she would be classed a whore.
Why doesn't the NRL channel this money and effort into the grassroots of the sport
as a long term investment. Time has now shown us that the lack of investment and involvement is putting this game into a decline. Numbers are down, interest is down. And the NRL doesn't want to take the game to the people. "Build it and they will come" attitude is for Hollywood and is not working.
I have no grudge against any of the players wishing to leave the sport and pursue greater money, personal ambitions and/or more fame. I am against the NRL falling for the threat of leaving so more money can be thrown at individual players. The publicised player problems at Manly this year will become problems for the League, finally. I say finally, because the NRL choose when to step in and support or put the boot in, next, it will be their problem. More of the cap will be spent over a few players from each team and the NRL is prepared to throw more at the supposed elite. Negative, knee jerking reactions.