Teams P.N.G

[LukeParkerno1]

I don't know what you've been paying attention to but you're categorically wrong.

Manly had an average crowd of over 16k last season. Cronulla averaged over 11k (mostly due to the actual capacity of that shithole they call home), the Roosters averaged over 20k last year.

There was only 18 games in the whole season that were below 10k in attendance.

It's not better than Perth. I've still yet to see a proper response to illustrate how it's a better proposition to Perth. Perth has state government backing by the way so money isn't an answer there.

Perth went just so well last time, I'll be blunt here, it won't work (or at least it's very hard to) in an AFL mad town. Look at how long it's taken Melbourne to be that way and they have had all time greats in the game and a coach in the best 2-3 that has ever coached the game. You are MUCH better to expand to areas that are RL strongholds, it's why I've been onboard with another one in QLD (around Cairns makes sense or a genuine second Brisbane side though I'm less enthusiastic about doing the latter. PNG is an area where RL is a religion over there it is that big, my one advice would be go there for a game you'll realise it, I've been to 4 games over there, don't think Australians realise just how big RL is over there, they adore RL. For me it should have come in when Redcliffe did. They will get 18k every week there, the government has agreed to building new facilities for the stadium, players, etc too it's a fantastic bid.

Roosters are lucky they are winning it's a mile worse when they aren't. There are already too many teams in NSW there's not the fans, not as if we can pull another million fans out of thin air especially with the changing scope of society in Sydney, more

 

[Jatz]

Perth went just so well last time, I'll be blunt here, it won't work (or at least it's very hard to) in an AFL mad town. Look at how long it's taken Melbourne to be that way and they have had all time greats in the game and a coach in the best 2-3 that has ever coached the game. You are MUCH better to expand to areas that are RL strongholds, it's why I've been onboard with another one in QLD (around Cairns makes sense or a genuine second Brisbane side though I'm less enthusiastic about doing the latter. PNG is an area where RL is a religion over there it is that big, my one advice would be go there for a game you'll realise it, I've been to 4 games over there, don't think Australians realise just how big RL is over there, they adore RL. For me it should have come in when Redcliffe did. They will get 18k every week there, the government has agreed to building new facilities for the stadium, players, etc too it's a fantastic bid.

Roosters are lucky they are winning it's a mile worse when they aren't. There are already too many teams in NSW there's not the fans, not as if we can pull another million fans out of thin air especially with the changing scope of society in Sydney, more

They're far better set up this time then last. And if Melbourne can work in an AFL town, Perth certainly can. There's far more English and SA ex pats over there, they'll be fine.

I agree in expanding into RL heartlands. The first one simply had to be a second NZ team. Should be a game in NZ every week.

That's great they love RL, that doesn't mean it's a sustainable, nor, viable situation for an NRL license. Should've been selling games there before committing a whole team.

 

[LukeParkerno1]

They're far better set up this time then last. And if Melbourne can work in an AFL town, Perth certainly can. There's far more English and SA ex pats over there, they'll be fine.

I agree in expanding into RL heartlands. The first one simply had to be a second NZ team. Should be a game in NZ every week.

That's great they love RL, that doesn't mean it's a sustainable, nor, viable situation for an NRL license. Should've been selling games there before committing a whole team.

NZ isn’t heartland it’s a Union country in general (netball is big too), everyone there mostly grows up wanting to be an All Black. One NZ side is plenty, PNG should be before them at least.

Melbourne works as they had/have the players which guarantees success, and the best coach in the modern era. Success helps when building, just far from convinced Perth will be any better than last time.

 

[Aucklander]

They're far better set up this time then last. And if Melbourne can work in an AFL town, Perth certainly can. There's far more English and SA ex pats over there, they'll be fine.

I agree in expanding into RL heartlands. The first one simply had to be a second NZ team. Should be a game in NZ every week.

That's great they love RL, that doesn't mean it's a sustainable, nor, viable situation for an NRL license. Should've been selling games there before committing a whole team.

Indeed.

 

[Jatz]

NZ isn’t heartland it’s a Union country in general (netball is big too), everyone there mostly grows up wanting to be an All Black. One NZ side is plenty, PNG should be before them at least.

Melbourne works as they had/have the players which guarantees success, and the best coach in the modern era. Success helps when building, just far from convinced Perth will be any better than last time.

Absolutely rubbish. The Warriors sold out every home game last season, there is a huge market for it in NZ. Look at how successfully they've integrated the Auckland team in the A League. A second NZ team would be incredibly successful.

So by your logic, once Melbourne starts losing, they'll no longer be viable?

 

[LukeParkerno1]

Absolutely rubbish. The Warriors sold out every home game last season, there is a huge market for it in NZ. Look at how successfully they've integrated the Auckland team in the A League. A second NZ team would be incredibly successful.

So by your logic, once Melbourne starts losing, they'll no longer be viable?

Lets see if the Warriors sell them out this year after a poor year last season. We don't need a second NZ side right now, we need to focus on pure RL areas.

Melbourne have built a brand but the brand is fortunate it has been able to have that initial success through both luck and good management it's a bit of both. It's not something I'd be wanting to rely on. Not as if there is another Bellamy out there to attract players there.

PNG makes sense strategically as it's a genuine RL area. Personally I'd have gone another in QLD and then PNG with Perth being the 20th but I am not fussed what order. They went the Perth/PNG first. You'd assume the 20th should be another in QLD, it's just a question where (maybe Brisbane 2), it's no secret the NRL wants games at Suncorp every week, it's the stadium broadcasters prefer too.

 

[Jatz]

Lets see if the Warriors sell them out this year after a poor year last season. We don't need a second NZ side right now, we need to focus on pure RL areas.

Melbourne have built a brand but the brand is fortunate it has been able to have that initial success through both luck and good management it's a bit of both. It's not something I'd be wanting to rely on. Not as if there is another Bellamy out there to attract players there.

PNG makes sense strategically as it's a genuine RL area. Personally I'd have gone another in QLD and then PNG with Perth being the 20th but I am not fussed what order. They went the Perth/PNG first. You'd assume the 20th should be another in QLD, it's just a question where (maybe Brisbane 2), it's no secret the NRL wants games at Suncorp every week, it's the stadium broadcasters prefer too.

They had a poor season this year and still sold them out every week. The national side is well followed as well. You're kidding yourself if you don't think it's a pure RL area.

PNG makes zero sense strategically. It is nothing more than a giant cash grab - why do you think the snake oil salesman went to Albo for his 600m? If it made sense strategically, they wouldn't need to lobby the national government. Think about it for a second, did the AFL ask for millions from the state governments of NSW/QLD for GWS or the Suns?

QLD do not need another team now. 4 is plenty. There are 8 rounds where there isn't a game at Suncorp in 27 rounds. That's excluding Origin. Most of those weeks come in the middle of the season where there's a large number of byes.

Putting a 2nd team in Brisbane would be absolutely diabolical. Would kill off one or both of the GC and Redcliffe.

 

[LukeParkerno1]

They had a poor season this year and still sold them out every week. The national side is well followed as well. You're kidding yourself if you don't think it's a pure RL area.

PNG makes zero sense strategically. It is nothing more than a giant cash grab - why do you think the snake oil salesman went to Albo for his 600m? If it made sense strategically, they wouldn't need to lobby the national government. Think about it for a second, did the AFL ask for millions from the state governments of NSW/QLD for GWS or the Suns?

QLD do not need another team now. 4 is plenty. There are 8 rounds where there isn't a game at Suncorp in 27 rounds. That's excluding Origin. Most of those weeks come in the middle of the season where there's a large number of byes.

Putting a 2nd team in Brisbane would be absolutely diabolical. Would kill off one or both of the GC and Redcliffe.

QLD need another one put one in Cairns that would be my preference actually but there’s no secret they want a game at Suncorp every week don’t blame them best stadium for RL in the country.

Warriors were in a high after the season prior and that helps sell tickets the year after. Let’s see if it’s as good this year or if we have a clear drop off. No issue if that’s the 20th side just wouldn’t be the way I’d go one is plenty right now. Let them have 3 or so seasons of near sellouts before putting another one in.

So what if it’s a cash grab RL needs the cash long term it will help potentially cover needed costs in Perth etc

 

[PhatBoy]

Perth went just so well last time, I'll be blunt here, it won't work (or at least it's very hard to) in an AFL mad town. Look at how long it's taken Melbourne to be that way and they have had all time greats in the game and a coach in the best 2-3 that has ever coached the game. You are MUCH better to expand to areas that are RL strongholds, it's why I've been onboard with another one in QLD (around Cairns makes sense or a genuine second Brisbane side though I'm less enthusiastic about doing the latter. PNG is an area where RL is a religion over there it is that big, my one advice would be go there for a game you'll realise it, I've been to 4 games over there, don't think Australians realise just how big RL is over there, they adore RL. For me it should have come in when Redcliffe did. They will get 18k every week there, the government has agreed to building new facilities for the stadium, players, etc too it's a fantastic bid.

Roosters are lucky they are winning it's a mile worse when they aren't. There are already too many teams in NSW there's not the fans, not as if we can pull another million fans out of thin air especially with the changing scope of society in Sydney, more

I’m late to this discussion but I saw your sarcastic first line at the top of your page:

Perth did go well last time, to begin with. They were getting just under 14k a home game in a non rugby league city. Like most other teams, that dropped markedly during the super league war which began in 1996 and which saw the two competitions emerge in 1997.

For context at the same time a side like Cronulla were drawing between 10-11k.

 

[Jatz]

QLD need another one put one in Cairns that would be my preference actually but there’s no secret they want a game at Suncorp every week don’t blame them best stadium for RL in the country.

Warriors were in a high after the season prior and that helps sell tickets the year after. Let’s see if it’s as good this year or if we have a clear drop off. No issue if that’s the 20th side just wouldn’t be the way I’d go one is plenty right now. Let them have 3 or so seasons of near sellouts before putting another one in.

So what if it’s a cash grab RL needs the cash long term it will help potentially cover needed costs in Perth etc

No, they don't need another one. They've got 4, that's plenty. Why would you put one in Cairns (population of 170k) instead of a Wellington (population of 425k) - half of Cairns will already go for the Cowboys, you're once again diluting support and having both clubs suffer due to that.

That's a ridiculous argument. They struggled most of the year and still sold out games throughout.

You're happy to whore out the code ehh. That certainly explains a lot of your thought process. They created over $700m in revenue in 2023 - they do not need more money. Selling yourself to the highest bidder is gross when you're already in the best financial spot the code has ever been in.

https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/the-nrl-has-topped-700m-in-revenue-for-the-first-time-ever-amid-bumper-profits-and-tv-numbers/news-story/547ff87cd88ef60416d99622e836fc38

 

[LukeParkerno1]

No, they don't need another one. They've got 4, that's plenty. Why would you put one in Cairns (population of 170k) instead of a Wellington (population of 425k) - half of Cairns will already go for the Cowboys, you're once again diluting support and having both clubs suffer due to that.

That's a ridiculous argument. They struggled most of the year and still sold out games throughout.

You're happy to whore out the code ehh. That certainly explains a lot of your thought process. They created over $700m in revenue in 2023 - they do not need more money. Selling yourself to the highest bidder is gross when you're already in the best financial spot the code has ever been in.

https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/the-nrl-has-topped-700m-in-revenue-for-the-first-time-ever-amid-bumper-profits-and-tv-numbers/news-story/547ff87cd88ef60416d99622e836fc38

They might have 700m, but they have to budget on a loss in Perth at least initially, that might be covered by the government but the NRL have to be secure they just do.

Wellington might have that many people, how many are ACTUALLY rugby league fans, a vast majority are Union fans. It’s the same amount of realistic fans. I would be waiting for a few years, NZ can demonstrate back to back sell out years and then we can think of expansion there. I’m not fussed where the 20th goes just not Adelaide that would be farcical. 18th and 19th same time, then 20th in 2030 that would be personally how I’d stagger the inclusions. 20 round season with 1 bye, everyone plays each other once.

 

[Jatz]

They might have 700m, but they have to budget on a loss in Perth at least initially, that might be covered by the government but the NRL have to be secure they just do.

Wellington might have that many people, how many are ACTUALLY rugby league fans, a vast majority are Union fans. It’s the same amount of realistic fans. I would be waiting for a few years, NZ can demonstrate back to back sell out years and then we can think of expansion there. I’m not fussed where the 20th goes just not Adelaide that would be farcical. 18th and 19th same time, then 20th in 2030 that would be personally how I’d stagger the inclusions. 20 round season with 1 bye, everyone plays each other once.

No more than they had to budget on a loss on the Gold Coast. Perth isn't some small hick town, it's got massive untapped potential.

So NZ has to prove it can sell out games for multiple years but you're just giving a team to Cairns or PNG who've never got close?

They should never have expanded past 16 truthfully. Should've closed some of the Sydney clubs, kept only one of the Titans and Dolphins and relocated a few.

The overall product will continue to deteriorate. We just had one of the lowest quality seasons we've had in decades, that's not changing anytime soon.

 

[LukeParkerno1]

No more than they had to budget on a loss on the Gold Coast. Perth isn't some small hick town, it's got massive untapped potential.

So NZ has to prove it can sell out games for multiple years but you're just giving a team to Cairns or PNG who've never got close?

They should never have expanded past 16 truthfully. Should've closed some of the Sydney clubs, kept only one of the Titans and Dolphins and relocated a few.

The overall product will continue to deteriorate. We just had one of the lowest quality seasons we've had in decades, that's not changing anytime soon.

Perth is still an AFL town sure it may have improved a bit, but even if we take the high figure of 15k, that seems small to expand. Cairns/PNG are RL heartlands, there's less concerns thy won't support the side medium and long term. i'm not worried about short term most sides do well the first year or so.

I like the idea of 20 teams, with 19 rounds, playing each other once, it's fair and there's no terrible double ups every year. Can have byes for Origin so players aren't missing games, play some games in between, doubt I watch all of them but a womens series, maybe a country game, etc.

 

[Jatz]

Perth is still an AFL town sure it may have improved a bit, but even if we take the high figure of 15k, that seems small to expand. Cairns/PNG are RL heartlands, there's less concerns thy won't support the side medium and long term. i'm not worried about short term most sides do well the first year or so.

I like the idea of 20 teams, with 19 rounds, playing each other once, it's fair and there's no terrible double ups every year. Can have byes for Origin so players aren't missing games, play some games in between, doubt I watch all of them but a womens series, maybe a country game, etc.

Melbourne was a much bigger AFL town. Using your logic, there should never have been a Storm side.

Don't think you'll ever see a reduction in rounds, the TV deal would fall apart.

 

[LukeParkerno1]

Melbourne was a much bigger AFL town. Using your logic, there should never have been a Storm side.

Don't think you'll ever see a reduction in rounds, the TV deal would fall apart.

You’ll get your Perth one in a few weeks anyway so we both get what we want. Leave the 20th for a few years, 2028 two sides in this is perfect.

We won’t agree, I applaud the NRL taking this calculated gamble, it’s better than gambling on a Union country in NZ personally at this stage. Yes league is played but it’s still niche at most that’s fair

 

[Jatz]

You’ll get your Perth one in a few weeks anyway so we both get what we want. Leave the 20th for a few years, 2028 two sides in this is perfect.

We won’t agree, I applaud the NRL taking this calculated gamble, it’s better than gambling on a Union country in NZ personally at this stage. Yes league is played but it’s still niche at most that’s fair

It's not niche, I don't subscribe to that being fair at all.

You are criminally underrating the interest and desire for rugby league in arguably the second strongest nation that plays the game. Australia has plenty of sides, England has plenty of sides. Why doesn't NZ deserve a second side? Union is not a good enough reason. As I said earlier, look at how successful Auckland FC has been. It's still selling out crowds despite Union.

 

[LukeParkerno1]

It's not niche, I don't subscribe to that being fair at all.

You are criminally underrating the interest and desire for rugby league in arguably the second strongest nation that plays the game. Australia has plenty of sides, England has plenty of sides. Why doesn't NZ deserve a second side? Union is not a good enough reason. As I said earlier, look at how successful Auckland FC has been. It's still selling out crowds despite Union.

It is niche (or at most it’s a mile smaller than the top ones) most grow up wanting to be All Blacks not league players they just do. It’s a comp that’s based in Australia one side is reasonable until such time it categorically needs another side we aren’t at that stage yet. We’ve had 2 good seasons which is great but the country of NZ is very small as it is. Why are we looking at how many sides England have? The Super League is their comp of course they will have a number of sides.

They are likely to be the 20th side so you will likely get your wish in 2030 or so wouldn’t be my first choice personally though. That’s a good target area for a second NZ side. Get PNG and a Perth in first.

 

[Hap Hapablap]

the fact that if png goes into bed with china they will get expelled just shows what this is all about

its a farce. and it will fail miserably. 600m for a team that is not australian to play in the league with a wide range of security issues with the aussie taxpayer been thrown. well done vladys and albo

meanwhile the league can expand over west or even to adelaide and try to make a rukus but no too hard.

 

[GC2015]

the fact that if png goes into bed with china they will get expelled just shows what this is all about

its a farce. and it will fail miserably. 600m for a team that is not australian to play in the league with a wide range of security issues with the aussie taxpayer been thrown. well done vladys and albo

meanwhile the league can expand over west or even to adelaide and try to make a rukus but no too hard.

It's obviously mostly politically driven. The NRL has become a political tool for the federal government. Whether they like it or not, it's the truth.

 

[Colonial]

I’m stunned people are defending this selection.

 

[Aucklander]

Untapped talent and 10 million fans: Why Bai says PNG is ready

PNG's first match in the NRL is tipped to be the most watched game in history, and Marcus Bai predicts the atmosphere will be like nothing else in world sport.

www.nrl.com