The governing body is the very same as those who don't/can't spend money on facilities i.e. the CEO's of the clubs.

It would appear that half the clubs in SL will not spend to the cap - what does that say to its main sponsor - falling standards - worse entertainment a devalued product. This is just a downward spiral back to a semi-pro sport.

The governing body could do a lot to help clubs recieve grants, lottery funding, private funding, investments.

As i always say its easy for us as fans of a big city club with sponsors queueing up and a massive catchment area on our doorstep to comment on other clubs spending, facilities, and crowds. A lot of these do far better than we do in comparison

The Hearns wanted to get involved but also said they would need to take control (i think) so were slowly ushered out of the door. The narrow mindedness from the Rugby League authorities is what is killing the sport. Most of the fans can see what is needed but if you haven't been to university then your opinion is clearly irrelevant. Not taking the advice of people like Barry and Eddie Hearn who have an unrivalled success in turning failing sports into top level tv ratings then the sport will continue to be doomed to fail. That was the opportunity and that ship sailed last year while all the Rugby League authorities stood on the cliffs waving them off.

This would of been anathema to me five years ago, but now I really hope the NRL takes a stake in SL.

The Hearns would have upset quite a few folk with what they would want to do with the game - I imagine.

But perhaps a complete overhaul on how things are done is what is required to take rugby league to the next level.

100% correct in your comments, that is why we are shown on TV as a second rate sport, limited to the M62 corridor. Unfortunately the RFL are also supported by a number of owners from SL who simply want the money without the pain of change, they knowing that any change will effect their clubs. They are so short sighted it is unbelievable, no wonder the game is on a knife edge for survival.

Thats all fine but when they change the game to an hour long and 10 a side with no ref and half an hour interval would you be happy . That might not be quite the path , but i have no doubt massive changes would be made if they had total control which is what they wanted

The hernias can sell a big night out for boxing or darts where they get to choose the venue. TV money follows accordingly. Not sure whether that successful model would transfer to some of super leagues less salubrious settings. And unlike snooker, they couldn't take the game on a world tour.

Sorry, hearns

But wouldn't you like them to try + improve our game?

I mean, what's the alternative? Continue paddling the canoe hoping we don't fall off the waterfall?

I don't see any way they could. Or rather I do but no way would club chairmen put that kind of control their way

Why do you say that? They didnt make major change to the way darts, snooker, boxing or pool was played. They are still the same sports with major sponsorship, prize money, crowds and tv deals from what i can see.

Toronto would still be here if the Hearns had control. I can tell you that.

The thing with sports like snooker and darts is that you can ‘lift and shift’ them to different locations. Plenty of promotion and you can pull in crowds.
The crowds don’t really ‘support’ anyone in the way they do with a team, so it’s easier to do.
With a team sport with local fan bases that’s not possible.
But the game does need investment and better publicity.
But it’s a fine line between expanding the game and losing its soul.
Not sure about the Hearns - that don’t have the game in their blood, which is important.

I think you need someone like that, someone different. Someone with a different view on the game. Someone who doesn't have any history with it at all. More chance of trying new ideas that may work. Tried and tested has been done. The game needs a complete overhaul.