stookie

Wrong topic Gomersall?

Yes, that was my point! Possibly poorly explained... Perth works well for a Perth 4pm / eastern 6pm time; either on Sunday or even Saturday. Spectators love afternoon footy, TV networks love night time footy. Perth is a good option for that for the vast majority of Australia's RL TV viewers, and should still get good day time crowds. I think if a team other than Perth get in, we lose the unique timeslots, or are forced to put up with Sunday evening games (6pm local), which, let's be honest, are often devoid of atmosphere.

It is though, if you want to maintain each game in its own timeslot. Otherwise to add another game, you're looking at * 6pm Thursday (yuuuuuck) * 12pm Sunday * Monday night footy back! (clubs won't like this one)

Fair enough. I personally would hold Melbourne back until the wages are high enough so the majority or all players could be full time. Edit: Looks like the storm don't think they are quite ready for a team, but are working towards one soon: https://www.melbournestorm.com.au/news/2024/03/28/statement-from-ceo-justin-rodski/ "But there is more work that needs to be done to support an elite pathway and NRLW team on and off the field. The club is working closely with the NRL and other relevant stakeholders to address the current lack of infrastructure and facilities for an elite women’s team in Melbourne"

Out of curiosity then Pulga, who would be your other team (assuming you agree with NZ, which I'm pretty confident you are). Candidates are Melbourne, South Sydney, Penrith, Redcliffe The, Manly. 3 are Sydney (ish). Melbourne has very little in the way of the women's game from what I understand. The are still setting up their men's team and NRL entity in general. The dogs were late to the party, but from what I know are spending a lot of effort and money now. Western Sydney is quite under-represented. I think they were a good choice, bias be damned.

I don't agree with this Dave. UTK gave a pretty good summary, showing when the Kiwis are consistently playing well and beating Aus, interest jumps significantly: I mean, surely it stands to reason, if a team has beaten all comers for decades (Aus 1980-2008), then it's not beyond comprehension that interest will fall off. But when it becomes genuinely competitive, and not just a series of close victories, but actual series losses, interest jumps again. I agree with others, the quickest way out of this (albeit not the easiest) is for England to beat Aus once or especially more in a tournament. Then you'll quickly see ashes-level (cricket) interest build.

Yep agreed, and also thanks for posting these. Was looking at the 2023 results recently, and had some concerns about Harderwijk continuing. So great news they are there and a new team as well.

Those stupid, stupid warm up routines. Does anyone actually enjoy them? Does the RFL and NRL think they pass as pre-match entertainment?? Previously, at least in Aus, the teams warmed up on the training paddocks, the games were less than 45 minutes apart, and either there was some form of pre match entertainment (quite often pretty bad), or there was criticism about the lack of it. I HATE IT and I go to less games because of it, mainly the gap between games. Anyway, sorry, off topic. Back on topic and to answer the question, I once went to this fine establishment, and it's my suggestion for a good place close to nowhere: https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/Daly+Waters+Pub/@-15.1819273,128.4477802,2124540m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x2ca9a77a62fbc8ed:0x807329d11f037512!8m2!3d-16.2536786!4d133.3695899!16s%2Fg%2F1thmz0xz?hl=en&entry=ttu

Is that really 3 games spread over 8 hours ?!?! I love this sport, but I'd struggle to do even 2 of those games. Longs gaps between games is such a mood buster.

Oooof, so much for 6 / 8 games being sell outs. That's not great reading.

There will be a significant increase in prize money for the Betfred Championship Grand Final winners What does everyone think of the Championship prize money change? I understand why they have done it, to an extent. But given how low the funding in L1 seems to be, I think I'd prefer the money to be shared around, as little as that might be per club. Make both comps and all teams just that little bit better. The team has already just won the comp, I think it's a backwards step to give them extra money and make them even stronger.

I'm pretty sure it's reduced capacity though, while construction is ongoing? Surely they wouldn't be allowed to be in the NRL with a 12k stadium?? @Sports Prophet didn't you say you were a sharkies fan? What's the story with the stadium capacity after development is finished. I did search online, but couldn't find anything definite. Also, I'm lazy.

Wider popularity in NZ will certainly help with NZ metrics though, such as extra broadcast revenue etc. This says currently $32M per year, no small amount: https://www.footyindustry.com/2021/12/21/nrl-announces-2bn-in-rights-agreements-2023-2027/ In my opinion, more importantly with RU struggling in Aus, furthering RL & the NRL in NZ could also negatively impact RU there, and as a result all through the Pacific region. Up to now I've been all-in on getting the next team in Perth, but I'm now reconsidering and thinking the opportunity in NZ may be too amazing to miss. There's a lot of anecdotal stories that RU is off the boil in NZ, and the public's imagination captured by the mighty Wahs.

I was confused by this post, what I was missing was: The Silktails have moved from the Ron Massey Cup to the Jersey Flegg Cup this year. I had hoped they were in both comps, but that would be very expensive. Ron Massey Cup == NSW 2nd division (so 2 below NRL) Jersey Flegg Cup == NSW Under 21s I wonder if this is related to the supposed poor relationship between the Silktails and the Fijian RL.

Yes me too. It's been discussed here before, but it looks like Abdo & V'Landys are trying to drum up concrete interest in a bid, and nothing has really eventuated yet.