Footy Developments in NSW and Queensland

Pippen94

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Yes, it is widely accepted in AF circles that many females enjoy the challenge, thrill, & courage needed to tackle that AF offers, & most other sports don't.
(After they have been thoroughly trained to tackle safely, & to be as safe as possible when tackled).

There are also many other reasons to explain the female GR AF boom.
Virtually all the other reasons are fully explored in this link.



Why is it, for females who are reasonably athletic, "... hard for a newcomer to make an impact" in this non-contact sport?

What state have you been living in since 2015?

For females who want to tackle in NSW, ACT, & Qld., where RL & RU resonates much more strongly in schools & the MSM etc, it would be normal to expect these females decide to try/play female contact RL or RU. Most are not-why?
(Female contact AF nos. are far superior to female contact RL & RU nos. in NSW, ACT, & Qld.).
Contact sport participation is dropping throughout world - I simply don't buy numbers you put up
 
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Nrl did research & found ppl who play touch more likely to follow rugby league as fans - that's thinking behind it

Of course. For a long time it was the closest they got to playing it. Many - in my experience (I’m across three local clubs in my town) basically all - league tag players have a touch background .

If you’re a 15-30 year old woman looking to get into a football code for the first time, if you have not played touch you will struggle to get much game time in a league tag team. The touch experts take those spots.

If you join a women’s AFL club, within a few months of starting training you will be at a level where you can contribute because in places like country nsw it’s not been around long enough for it to be fully refined
 

Pippen94

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Of course. For a long time it was the closest they got to playing it. Many - in my experience (I’m across three local clubs in my town) basically all - league tag players have a touch background .

If you’re a 15-30 year old woman looking to get into a football code for the first time, if you have not played touch you will struggle to get much game time in a league tag team. The touch experts take those spots.

If you join a women’s AFL club, within a few months of starting training you will be at a level where you can contribute because in places like country nsw it’s not been around long enough for it to be fully refined
Touch isn't like club football - most leagues you just form your own team & sign up to comp. My office has a few such groups & that's not even considering social games
 

jatz14

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Nrl did research & found ppl who play touch more likely to follow rugby league as fans - that's thinking behind it
Is it a chicken and egg thing though. People growing up in a RL household are more likely to play touch I would have thought.

So that a higher proportion of people playing touch follow RL would be expected I would have thought?

How many people playing touch, that follow RL, would not have followed if not for touch?

On moto g(6) plus using BigFooty.com mobile app
 

BringBackTorps

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C. 20+ links have been produced in this Thread, & the "Sydney 3rd Team" Thread, from many former & current NRL & RU officials & players that GR male contact RL & RU regd. nos. are in a significant long term decline; & similar comments from MSM RL & RU journalists etc.

In 2019 A. Johns, B. Fittler, P. Gallen, P. Gould (described recently by P. V'landys as having "a great RL brain"), P. Stirling, B. Slater, C. Smith- & in 2018 R. Masters, M Knox, E. Molan, M. Chammas, (& D. Lockyer, by implication) etc- have said they are very concerned, & oppose, expanding the NRL to 17 teams since the average skill levels/quality of play will decline to unacceptable levels. C. 12+ links provided.
Ratings & crowds would decrease.

A. Johns said "less kids playing the game", & wants a reduction to 12 NRL teams, because current average skill levels are now so poor.

Ch. 9 & Foxtel executives have also recently expressed opposition to the NRL expanding to 17 clubs, as they also don't want the average skill levels diluted (but they do desire a 2nd Club in Brisbane= higher ratings. Probably 1 less Sydney Club- merge or relocation).

This long term reduction in male contact nos. is obviously having an adverse effect on the NRL's ability to maintain acceptable NRL skill levels, expand successfully, & to promote the NRL generally.


These other very senior NRL officials also opposed an imminent expansion to 17 NRL clubs.

espn. com V. Rugari 17.11.16

Then NRL Head Of Football B. Canavan said

"Expansion at NRL level is off the table...into the distant future...If we wanted to expand way down the track, ( its necessary to first have) got a bigger base, a bigger pool of players to call upon to advance the competition (my words & emphases)".



The Australian 15.10.16

(2nd Tier) "Pacific Expansion on Cards As ARL Aims To Grow Game Below NRL Level"

Former ARLC Chairman J. Grant said

"Expansion is possible in 2023, but unlikely...But it would depend on what our (male GR contact) participation rates look like. If you don't build up a base, you can't add more to the top (expand to 17 teams. My words & emphases)".

(Behind a paywall- can anyone open, & post here).


So dire were the male GR contact RL nos. in 2017, Grant wanted to establish a new $100m GR Fund- but the NRL clubs overthrew him, & diverted these $100m GR funds to all the NRL clubs.

The male GR contact nos. have continued to significantly deteriorate around Australia since 2017 (probably Central West NSW the only exception. See "Sydney 3rd Team" Thread, my posts #3375 3377).
 
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BringBackTorps

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1. This is Part Two, of a Three Part Series "Women Made This Happen", that explains, in great length & detail, the phenomenon that is the female AF boom in Qld.
Part 1 of the Series is in post# 368 above.





2. The AFL will generate extra funds in the next 3-5 years, which will assist it in further funding expansion in NSW, ACT, & Qld., because:-

. it is very likely to be offered more for its Rights $ from Foxtel.

These Rights expire 2022, but Foxtel has recently initiated contact with the AF demonstrating it is very keen for an extension.
(Foxtel made an offer a month ago for RA's Super & Wallabies' domestic matches, which was about the same $ as the last Foxtel domestic Rights' deal. This is despite Super Ratings & crowds in Australia plummeting over the last 4 years, & with reduced MSM interest & Wallabies also in a ratings' decline!).

.The $225m redevelopment of Docklands (mainly facing Docklands Harbour) to convert the stadium into a 365 day & night entertainment venue- with restaurants, convention room, night clubs, roof top bars, plaza & night market etc.
The grass oval itself will even be available on non-match days, including marquees.

. Leading demographer B. Salt has said that, with the new western & nthn. (airport) rail lines being built, Southern Cross Station (next to Docklands) will replace Flinders St as the main station. The CBD will "flip" to the west, & the western part of the CBD will have a major commercial boost, with far more foot traffic etc.

(scroll to my posts#2738 2739 2750 respectively)
 
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BringBackTorps

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1. SEN Radio D. Russel program 1.12.20

D. Russel said to Brisbane CEO G. Swann "...footy, been so exciting to see how footy has grown in Qld." this year.

Swann replied

"You're spot on, it's been enormous. Our TV ratings up 30% in Qld. (GR in 2020) Participation numbers, even registrations for next year...it's been (growing) because we had wall-to-wall coverage...Last year (ie 2020) was fantastic for the code, & really good for us as well (my emphases, & words in brackets)".

(scroll to 1.12.20- then go to18 minutes 5 seconds- 19 mins 35 secs.)



2. If the NRL is unable to expand beyond 16 teams, it negatively affects its ability to hold its market share, or improve it.

Courier Mail R. Craddock 28.7.20

"Rugby League's Grand Plan For A 17th Team Is Sinking. Why NRL Expansion No Longer Makes Sense".

Craddock wrote

"...Financially impoverished Sydney Clubs are against the move (to a 17th club in Brisbane), & have said as much to each other...There is a chance the competition many never see a 17th team.
There is also a serious question of whether the spread of talented players is already too thin for the good of the competition. But the likelihood is there will be no new team (in the forseeable future. My emphases, & words in brackets)".



(Behind a paywall- can anyone open, & post here).
 
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BringBackTorps

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1. WWOS Ch.9 S. McInness 7.7.20

McInness said, re the relocated Qld hub teams in 2020

"The unique situation the AFL finds itself in could transform the game in SEQ, & guarantee the growth in participation & attendances for years to come. And for the AFL, it could be a killer blow (all my emphases)".





2. This link gives background on 2 local young Gold Coast players- R. Nicolls & A. Fyfe, who will be drafted by GCFC tonight.


Given the strong growth in GC jnr GR player nos., it is very likely more players will be drafted from the GC in future years.
Also, with Brisbane & GC teams leaving the NEAFL & joining the much higher standard VFL East Coast comp., this will also provide more intense development for Qld. players- & improve their Draft prospects.

More info. on 6 GC Zone players likely to be drafted, by any team, into the AFL.
A. Davies, from the Cairns district, is an interesting possibility- he represented Qld. in basketball, & appears to be from a part Asian (?) background.




EDIT:

Another interesting GCFC recruit is a Rookie/International Scholarship Holder from PNG- H. "Ace" Oea. He only started playing AF- "Niukick"- as a 12 y.o. in Port Moresby.

Although a skinny 15 y.o. playing against men, he is very quick- & was BOG in the 2017 International Cup Grand Final against NZ.


AF was the main sport in PNG until the late 70's- then NSWRL broadcasts into PNG resulted in it eventually becoming the national sport.
PNG has been an untapped area (except for M. Michael) for the AFL. GR AF has been growing strongly, off a small base, in recent years.
 
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Johnny Bananas

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Given the growth in GC GR player nos., it is very likely more players will be drafted from the GC in future years.
Also, with Brisbane & GC teams leaving the NEAFL & joining the much higher standard VFL East Coast comp., this will also provide more intense development for Qld. players- & improve their Draft prospects
It's notable that for the past couple of years and also going forward, Gold Coast seem to have many more draftable academy prospects than the Lions. I don't know if that's a consequence of the quality of coaching, the numbers of juniors and quality of competition, the luck of natural talent distribution or all of the above.
 

BringBackTorps

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Rugby Ruckus Podcast B. Kimber M. Turanui (ex Wallaby) interview E. Jones May 2020

E. Jones successfully coached Randwick, Qld. & ACT Super Rugby teams, & Wallabies- now coaches England (which plays a dour, set plays', physical strength & stoppages' style).

TOPIC: "Where Australian Rugby Has Dropped The Ball" (re unsuccessful Wallabies, & significant long term decline in Aust. male GR contact RU nos. All words in brackets, & emphases, mine- here & below).

M. Turanui said, re the possibility of Aust. hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2027 "It's almost a SAVIOUR to the game" in Australia (go to 6 minutes 45 seconds).

E. Jones said:-

. "A difficult participant sport to have (strong GR contact RU player nos.), it's not an easy game to play (scrums), it takes full commitment to play (lots of gym weight work: to be very physically strong, safe & competitive)". Go to 7 mins. 45 secs.

. "...must get the base of the game right (strong & improved 3rd tier comp.- Shute Shield & Brisbane elite comps.)...NZ model (large national 2nd tier comp.) doesn't work for Aust....Aust. system was based on strong clubs (Shute & Brisbane equivalent etc.)...Solution in Aust. is to invest in the (3rd Tier) clubs. We had 5000 come to watch Randwick
For a Premier competition (national 2nd tier Super Rugby-style comp. vs NZ), invest in 3 or 4 Clubs". 8 mins 40- 12 mins. 15 secs.

."As a national team coach, you want (only) THREE (Super) teams (playing NZ 2nd tier). You want the best players playing TOGETHER in Australia...
If the Wallabies WIN, people will follow Rugby in Australia (in much greater nos. again)". 13 mins 10 secs. -14 mins. 30 secs.

. (Re how to improve RU as a fan spectacle, & greatly restore GR contact player nos. & safety)

"It's a massive power game (now). Average ball-in-play in Tier 1 Tests is 35 minutes...World Rugby (HQ) has a massive responsibility to make the game FASTER, & introduce more FATIGUE (to increase crowds & ratings: bring back more light weight, very skilled players- who, with their flair, take control of the game later, from the huge, tiring "brutes")...
It's not to the benefit of the game (current physical strength & stoppage's style)...How can we make the game better?" 50 mins 10 secs -54 mins.


M. Turanui said

"The harsh truth (re improving GR contact nos., crowds, ratings & MSM interest) is it's all about the Wallabies (regularly winning). Everything else gets dragged up with it". 56 mins 30 secs 57 mins 15 secs.


B. Kimber said

"The Wallabies don't win unless they are built on strong (GR) foundations...it's symbiotic". 57 mins 20 secs-30 secs.



As their views (to revive the GR/ratings etc.) appear predicated on the Wallabies being very successful (but now only rated 7 in the world), IMO RU is imperilled- & probably on an inevitable downward trajectory. There is simply too much money, & big advantage in GR & elite player nos., in Britain, Europe, & South Africa (Japan also has superior funding). The best Aust. RU players will want to play there, not Aust., in their 2nd tier Club comps- for MUCH more $.

NZ, which easily attracts the best athletes in NZ, will continue to dominate the Wallabies.

Even Argentina (which only has a semi-pro 2nd tier comp.) drew with Aust. twice in the last month- the gap has narrowed considerably. At least the Wallabies can be relied on to beat Italy & Japan.

Relying on Aust. to host the next RWC in 2027, to be the saviour of RU in Aust., does not bode well for RU- whose heartland areas are being eroded by the strong growth of AF.
 
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BringBackTorps

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1. "A total of 7 Qld. players have been added to AFL Club Lists, which is an outstanding result factoring in a big reduction in selections available this year" ie only 59 Draft & Rookie picks.


Qld. strong Draft nos. are indicative of its well-designed, funded, & managed elite pathways in particular; & also the significant growth of GR AF in Qld., in general.



2. 23.11.20 " The popularity of AFL in Qld. continues to grow...".
"...with more than 630 teams nominating (for the AFL Qld. Schools Cup) for 2020, up 5% from 2019 numbers, we have developed a schedule to accomodate them all & more in 2021".

"The 2021 AFL Schools Cup competition is set to be the biggest yet (My words in brackets, & emphasis)".


Even though this AFLQ article was written early (23.11.20) & the Finals are not completed until October 2021, AFLQ is very confident- & is predicting another record no. of school teams & players (from Grade 4 upwards) to nominate & play. 11,942 kids played in the inter- school matches in 2019.

The strong growth in school AF competition nos. reflects the wider acceptance of AF in Qld.- & also, it's not just GR Clubs' that are growing.
Many schools in Qld. are also enrolling from outside the Gold Coast-Brisbane- Sunshine Coast corridor, & Cairns district (where GR AF is strong) ie many schools from regional Qld.

(After the front cover of the Record has finished opening, click on side arrow to turn each page)




EDIT:

3. A Review, conducted independently of the AFL & its 18 Clubs, into all aspects of the AFL, covering "what footy looks like in decades to come", will commence in the new year.

 
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BringBackTorps

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1. SMH M. Knox 4.9.20

"...something rotten in the State of Qld." ie inability of the 3 Qld. NRL clubs to procure sufficiently skilled Qld. players.

Knox wrote, expressing a similar sentiment to many other MSM NRL experts in recent months re the Broncos

"Are this years Broncos the worst team of the NRL era (since 1997)?...They are distinct from every other bad team of the past by their total lack of excuses...".

"The danger is that the Broncos become, through their weekly prominence (Fri Prime TV match broadcasts) a powerful advert for their rival code (AFL). As League viewers switch, especially in Brisbane, over to the resurgent Lions...(My words in all brackets)".



On 9.11.20, the Daily Telegraph's D. Ritchie wrote that the Qld. SOO team is the worst Qld. SOO team in history. P. Gallen, on 2 occasions, also expressed a similar view.


(D. Ritchie 9.11.20. Behind a paywall- can anyone open, & post here)

Qld. was thrashed in the 2nd game, but won the other 2 by close margins (3rd game NSW denied a winning, late penalty try). The NSW losses arguably demonstrates the poor skill levels also of NSW.



These declining average skill levels in the NRL make it very difficult for the NRL to expand to 17 teams- since the poor skill levels in NRL games will be exacerbated (which will probably diminish fans' enjoyment/reduce ratings, & cause crowds to fall further).

The following have echoed esteemed Aust. RU coach E. Jones' recent comments (above post# 386: re Aust. elite RU skill declines/only a maximum of 3 Super Rugby teams are now desirable- with "sufficiently" elite skills, vs. NZ)

B. Fittler, A. Johns, P. Gallen, P. Gould, P. Stirling, R. Masters, C. Smith, B. Slater, J. Thurston, A. Griffin, T. Malone (Ch.9 executive), Foxtel, M. Chammas, M.Knox, E. Nolan, QRL Chair B. Hatcher, R. Craddock, J. Grant, B. Canavan NRL Head of Football, G.Tallis, M. Geyer, A. Webster, S. Roach, B. Harrigan, & J. Ribot, G. Alexander, & M. White (& D. Lockeyer, by implication) have said it is inadvisable for the NRL to expand to 17 teams.

They consider 17 teams will cause average NRL skills to be eroded too greatly, causing unacceptable damage to the NRL, & its reputation/appeal (but they do want Brisbane 2- with a Sydney team either merging with another, or relocating to Brisbane, to retain a 16 team comp.).

The long term significant decline in NSW, ACT, & Qld. jnr & snr GR male contact RL nos. is having an adverse effect on NRL skill levels...a worrying trend.
eg in Sydney GR snr contact RL, the number of Clubs/teams/players nos. have collapsed all over Greater Sydney, with former District comps. now defunct- & forced to play in Combined Comps., often against distant teams.
(The Penrith District RL comp. only has survived- but they also are in decline, with FAR fewer contact nos.).





2. thenewdaily.com M. Brust 3.8.17

M. Johnstone ,"...former General Manager of Marketing & Fan Engagement at the NRL...a career sports' marketer..." said, re the NRL's poor average crowd nos.,

"...there is no silver bullet" (ie no easy solution to its poor crowds)
"...you just don't get the atmosphere you do at big Aussie Rules matches" (my emphases & words).

Brust said, re NRL crowds

"They are nos. that should seriously worry NRL executives, particularly given the way they look next to AFL nos.".

 
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Pippen94

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1. SMH M. Knox 4.9.20

Knox wrote, expressing a similar sentiment to many other MSM NRL experts in recent months

"Are this years Broncos the worst team of the NRL era?...They are distinct from every other bad team of the past by their total lack of excuses...".

"The danger is that the Broncos become, through their weekly prominence (Prime TV match broadcasts) a powerful advert for their rival code (AFL). As (NRL- my words in all brackets)) League viewers switch, especially in Brisbane, over to the resurgent Lions...".


In October, the Daily Telegraph's D. Ritchie wrote that the Qld. SOO team is the worst Qld. team in history. P. Gallen, on 2 occasions, also expressed a similar view.
(Qld. was thrashed in the 2nd game, but won the other 2 by close margins- arguably showing the poor skill levels of the NSW team also. Tedesco, NSW star, was subbed out very early in the 3rd game).

These declining skill levels in the NRL make it very difficult for the NRL to expand to 17 teams- since the average skill levels in NRL games will decline too greatly.

Echoing esteemed RU coach E. Jones' comments (re Aust. elite RU skill declines/only wants 3 Super Rugby teams)), above, in post#386, B. Fittler, A. Johns, P. Gallen, P. Gould, P. Stirling, R. Masters, C. Smith, B. Slater, T. Malone (Ch.9 executive) & Foxtel don't want the NRL to expand to 17 teams- due to this average RL skill erosion that would arise in the NRL (but they do want Brisbane 2- with a Sydney team either merging with another, or relocating to Brisbane, to retain a 16 team comp.).

The long term significant decline in NSW, ACT, & Qld. jnr & snr male contact GR nos. is having an adverse effect on NRL skill levels.
In Sydney GR snr contact RL, nos. have collapsed all over Greater Sydney, with former District comps. forced to play in Combined Comps. (The Penrith District RL & South Sydney District RL GR snr comps. have survived- but they also have FAR fewer nos.).



2. newdaily.com M. Brust 3.8.17

M. Johnstone, a career sports' analyst said, re the NRL's poor average crowd nos., said

"...there is no silver bullet" re crowds.
"...you just don't get the atmosphere you do at big Aussie Rules matches".

Brust said

"They are nos. that should seriously worry NRL executives, particularly given AFL nos.".


That article is from 2017 is it still relevant??
 

BringBackTorps

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1. The AFL has achieved a new 2 year deal with Foxtel & Telstra, for 2023-24. Including Seven, the total Rights' deal will be $946m- $473m pa is a record annual payment for any sport in Australia.
Telstra will also be paying more in sponsorship $ (no details); & will deliver greater benefits for its AFL viewers (not specified).

McLachlan said, re the 23.12 new, record deal

"This extension...ensures we are able to not only rebuild our game, but take it to more & more people".
He did not elaborate what he meant by taking the game to "more & more people" - but it would be a great benefit for the AFL/GR AF/promoting AF in NSW, ACT, & Qld., if it eventuates.



The AFL, Goldman Sachs' media Analyst K. Hannan, & SMH's R. Masters have previously stated the NRL post covid 28.5.20 Rights' reductions were c. double the AFL's 11.6.20 "12-13%" reductions. The NRL extended with Foxtel to 2027 (terms not disclosed); & Nine to 2022- which advised the ASX it saved c. $120m, for 2020-22 Rights.

For the period 2023-24, it appears the NRL will be paid c. $200m less pa, cf the AFL. Pre-covid, NRL on c. $360m pa- now, c. $270m pa ($360m-25%= $270m pa).
The NRL is in a severe financial & competitive disadvantage cf the AFL, re being able to invest in its GR etc.
For the first time since 1991, there were no Qld. teams in the 2020 NRL Finals-this supports the view that skill levels are in decline in Qld, re elite Qld. players.



2. The NRL (& RU) is having good success growing its female contact RL player nos.- which will almost certainly hinder female AF growth in NSW, ACT, & Qld.

There will be a new North Coast NSW female RL comp in 2021- 22 teams in total (U15, U17, & snr, a 7 Round comp., playing 11-a-team).


Conversely, however, J. Feeney, the NRL's elite Female Development Manager has been made redundant (part of NRL HQ staff cutbacks).

(Scroll to 30.10.20)

IMO, a shortsighted move, when one considers there are insufficient nos. of elite female players- due to player safety concerns, the NRLW is able to field only 4 teams for the forseeable future.





EDIT:

3. RA has appointed A. Marinos (a Zimbabwean, with extensive playing & management roles In South African & Welsh RU) as its CEO.
He has only lived in Aust. since 2015, as SANZAAR CEO- but was a volunteer for his local GR RU club in Sydney..

RA appears to highlight his GR RU priority in the 2nd paragraph, stating, re Marinos "...with his passion for the grassroots alligning with RA's commitment to grow the game".

Marinos also said "...we look to reignite the game from the ground up".


Will RA be able to reverse its long term, significant GR male contact RU declining nos.?
 
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BringBackTorps

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1. abc.net T. Holmes 23.10.20

P. V'landys said that the NRLW is unable to expand beyond 4 teams (with 3 Rounds, then a GF), since the NRLW players don't want expansion yet- for safety reasons.
Due to lack of depth & quality in female adult contact RL nos., it would endanger some players' physical safety for the NRLW to expand.

V'landys also said, re female GR contact RL "...we need to spend a lot more on participation"!

(Unlikely, due to the announced NRL HQ cutbacks of $50m pa, indefinitely, from 2020. IMO, the NRL will be forced to cut back significantly on the $35m, $36m, & $39m it spent, according to its respective 2017, 2018, & 2019 Annual Reports, on "Community Development". A vast amount of funding in the future will be required to build up the depth & quality of female GR contact RL. nos.).

He gave no time span on when NRLW expansion might occur.


This lack of depth in skills in the NRL & feeder elite RL comps. is also cited by many NRL experts as a major reason that the NRL should not expand beyond 16 teams- the drop in average NRL player skills would cause a negative impact on ratings & crowds.
Ch.9 & Foxtel executives have a similar view- but want Brisbane 2 to join the NRL, concurrently with one fewer team in Sydney.




2. Mediaweek K.Joshi 30.8.18

SMH NRL writer A. Webster outlines many of the strengths (its big Rights' deals, & popularity) & weaknesses of the NRL.
Webster's list of weaknesses includes

"NRL gets distracted by off-field fights (RL politics) & is often accused of being very amateurish ..a lot of fracture & distrust (still present from the Super League War)".

"There are a lot of Sydney Clubs hanging on by a thread financially".

"NRL is a sport that is very much for the working class...They don't understand how much this (player) off-field behaviour hurts the code (my emphases, & words in brackets).





3. SMH A. Webster 1.5.17

Re the decline of the elite NRL City vs Country match, that had previously existed from 1911, & inability to name a side, Webster said

"...what's happened in the last week is an insult to a group of people who are starting to turn away in droves- the rugby league people of the bush. Lose them, & there is no game" (ie RL will cease to be a tier 1 sport in Australia).

 
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Pippen94

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1. abc.net T. Holmes 23.10.20

P. V'landys said that the NRLW is unable to expand beyond 4 teams (with 3 Rounds, then a GF), since the NRLW players don't want expansion yet- for safety reasons.
Due to lack of depth & quality in female adult contact RL nos., it would endanger some players' physical safety for the NRLW to expand.

V'landys also said, re female GR contact RL "...we need to spend a lot more on participation" (!?- IMO, the NRL will be forced to cut back significantly on the $35m, $36m, & $38m it spent, according to its Annual Reports, in 2017, 2018, & 2019 respectively on "Community Development". A vast amount of funding is required to build up the depth & quality of female GR contact RL. nos.).

He gave no time span on when NRLW expansion might occur.


This lack of depth in skills in the NRL & feeder elite RL comps. is also cited by many NRL experts as a major reason that the NRL should not expand beyond 16 teams- the drop in average NRL player skills would cause a negative impact on ratings & crowds.
Ch.9 & Foxtel executives have a similar view- but want Brisbane 2 to join the NRL, concurrently with one fewer team in Sydney.




2. Mediaweek K.Joshi 30.8.18

SMH NRL writer A. Webster outlines many of the strengths (its big Rights' deals, & popularity) & weaknesses of the NRL.
Webster's list of weaknesses includes

"NRL gets distracted by off-field fights (RL politics) & is often accused of being very amateurish ..a lot of fracture & distrust (still present from the Super League War)".

"There are a lot of Sydney Clubs hanging on by a thread financially".

"NRL is a sport that is very much for the working class...They don't understand how much this (player) off-field behaviour hurts the code (my emphases, & words in brackets).





3. SMH A. Webster 1.5.17

Re the decline of the City vs Country match, that had previously existed from 1911, & inability to name a side, Webster said

"...what's happened in the last week is an insult to a group of people who are starting to turn away in droves- the rugby league people of the bush".


Afl will never approach participation numbers of soccer or fan interest of Rugby League or even Wallabies in Sydney. Concussion corncerns will probably see all contact sports die out anyway
 

NoobPie

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Sep 21, 2016
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AFL Club
Collingwood
Afl will never approach participation numbers of soccer or fan interest of Rugby League or even Wallabies in Sydney. Concussion corncerns will probably see all contact sports die out anyway

What about sports where you donk the ball with your head?
 
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