This link, re the 5 NRL players arrested & charged with assaulting women recently, explores in detail the complexites of how the NRL administration should react to these shocking allegations.
It states big sponsors eg airlines, banks, supermarkets etc. are refusing to sponsor the NRL/Clubs (but Telstra has).
The AFL, with Lists c. 50%+ greater than the NRL, has also had players found guilty of assaulting women, & other scandals- but not as regularly as the NRL does; & the AFL is regularly sponsored by these major companies.
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/ho...-players-from-themselves-20181214-p50md1.html
The Australian reported on 17.12 the comments of NRL Chairman P. Beattie.
" The alleged assaults were 'killing the game's reputation. That will affect the game's ability to attract corporate sponsorships and women to the game', Mr Beattie said. 'Reduced revenue to the game long-term will mean less money for grassroots, clubs, and players'. He said it was too early to tell if the latest slew of arrests was having an impact on community support, but admitted it would likely be 'damaging' if a tougher stance was not taken soon".
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/ne...s/news-story/d16f33f9f37e22d61f6995855bf3575a
Three of the five players charged are" NRL stars", & court action is likely in the 2019 season.
How will this impact the:-
. NRL fans/ratings etc.?
.Community perception of the NRL?
.GR RL, where male GR RL nos. are in long term decline?
. growth in RL female regd. nos.?