Rugby league international played 'in front of a handful of people'

[Ipinwigan]

The whole point of this current thread, is that the game over here, as it stands, is shambolic, be it Super League, lower leagues, or internationally and our only real solution is to have the people who have invested their money into the game, to run it, for the good of the game.

[moto748]

Here's my "out there" suggestions

Taking inspiration from the champions league in which people in this country get behind the Premier League clubs

Scrap the country internationals i simply think there isnt enough call for it. and replace it with either;

1) sync both leagues playoffs, so whoever wins the league wins that and then there is a 8 team playoff between NRL and Superleague with alternating venue to decide the "World Champions" (this would have the added benefit I think of placing importance back on the league win)

2) England become a 3rd team in the Origin Series

3) There is a showpiece event 3 game test between the Superleague Dream team and NRL Dally-m team

I like all those ideas, but the chances of the NRL being interested are next to nothing, I think, sadly.

[Firestarter]

Here's my "out there" suggestions

Taking inspiration from the champions league in which people in this country get behind the Premier League clubs

Scrap the country internationals i simply think there isnt enough call for it. and replace it with either;

1) sync both leagues playoffs, so whoever wins the league wins that and then there is a 8 team playoff between NRL and Superleague with alternating venue to decide the "World Champions" (this would have the added benifit i think of placing importance back on the league win)

2) England become a 3rd team in the Origin Series

3) There is a showpiece event 3 game test between the Superleague Dream team and NRL Dally-m team

I love the idea of the england origin team IF they would go for it

[Mike]

How is suggesting that the owners of the clubs take responsibility for the sport, not an idea?

Specifically what should they change?

[fozzie58]

To me Origin is absolutely a closed shop there’s no way England would be invited to that party at any point yet I agree it’s a brilliant idea just one the Aussies won’t go for if that I’m sure

[WarriorWinger]

How is suggesting that the owners of the clubs take responsibility for the sport, not an idea?

Specifically what should they change?

People already complain that the Yorkshire mafia block any expansion or changes so how would giving them 'actual' control change that, if the clubs were to run the sport all clubs would be self invested and not for the good of the game, Cas wouldn't vote on a change that would mean they are out of the league would they.

I don't think England in origin would ever work, Origin is based around the two states in Aus, why would they be interested in England or any other team coming over and playing in their series, it would just not work.

I don't have any magic solutions, I have previously said on other discussions that players need to be allowed to self promote and take on sponsorship without affecting the cap, raise the cap to attract more local talent but with similar strict rules that the extra money is for domestic talent and not overseas signings.

For the clubs that want to invest in their club and can afford it, let them bring in some big names from Aus or RU, and promote them through sponsorship to raise the profile, either back in Aus or in RU, you never know people from Aus and RU may buy into the player and what their career is doing now which creates interest in the UK game.

The International calendar needs to be fixed well in advance, if the Aussies don't want to be part of that then more emphasis should be put on NZ and the south sea islanders, Tonga, Samoa PNG etc. interest in RL is building in these nations due to a large number playing in the NRL so lets entice these players to think playing for their country of origin is the pinnacle of their career and not some three SOO series, a tour of GB should be any easy sell.

[archiekeith]

Simply it comes down to being run by idiots who have absolutely no idea how to promote the sport, we always have been and always will be.
We need the Super League owners, Mike Danson etc., to get together and form a breakaway sport run for the benefit of the sport and the fans, to put it firmly in the public eye, or else with the "no common sense" approach to the rules and publicity of the game, it's doomed.
Having been a fan of over 50 years I am really now getting completely fed up with it.

I fully understand your frustration but the above topic title illustrates the fact that there is little demand for our game both domestically and Internationally The RFL cannot manufacture a demand. They simply don't have the financial wherewithal to sustain our game Internationally or nationally. That's the fact of the matter

[Ipinwigan]

How is suggesting that the owners of the clubs take responsibility for the sport, not an idea?

Specifically what should they change?

If I knew that, I would be running the game.
Business men such as Mike Danson, know how to run a successful business and make money, with the ability to market it, so surely they are better placed than anyone to come up with solutions.
The marketing of the game is the main problem, it would appear that many people outside of the sport, have no idea about it and it's appeal.
We have a great sport, unless the tackle rules kill it, so we should be able to attract more people to watch and invest in it.
The international game is completely shameful, mainly down to the Aussies having no appetite for it. Mediation is needed to get them back on board and have a proper test series again.
If the Aussies were to come over here, I am pretty sure it would be a great success, so to me this needs to happen above all else for the international game to go forward, or it's dead in the water.
A two game test against Samoa, just isn't good enough.

[Ipinwigan]

Simply it comes down to being run by idiots who have absolutely no idea how to promote the sport, we always have been and always will be.
We need the Super League owners, Mike Danson etc., to get together and form a breakaway sport run for the benefit of the sport and the fans, to put it firmly in the public eye, or else with the "no common sense" approach to the rules and publicity of the game, it's doomed.
Having been a fan of over 50 years I am really now getting completely fed up with it.

I fully understand your frustration but the above topic title illustrates the fact that there is little demand for our game both domestically and Internationally The RFL cannot manufacture a demand. They simply don't have the financial wherewithal to sustain our game Internationally or nationally. That's the fact of the matter

That's why astute business men need to drive it forwards.

[Mike]

Simply it comes down to being run by idiots who have absolutely no idea how to promote the sport, we always have been and always will be.
We need the Super League owners, Mike Danson etc., to get together and form a breakaway sport run for the benefit of the sport and the fans, to put it firmly in the public eye, or else with the "no common sense" approach to the rules and publicity of the game, it's doomed.
Having been a fan of over 50 years I am really now getting completely fed up with it.

I fully understand your frustration but the above topic title illustrates the fact that there is little demand for our game both domestically and Internationally The RFL cannot manufacture a demand. They simply don't have the financial wherewithal to sustain our game Internationally or nationally. That's the fact of the matter

That's why astute business men need to drive it forwards.

Are IMG not astute business people? Additionally, unlike the individual club owners they are 100% motivated by growing the game as that's how they get paid. They aren't motivated by winning everything as the club owners are. I guess you're perceiving that progress is too slow - which for me is the main problem in my eyes, growth will be gradual over years and decades not overnight no matter who's controlling the game. Look at the attendances at the start of this season, they were well up. That's something to build on, and hopefully it will eventually reach th international game and the cup final. But not next year.