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.

Would like to see similar applied to Sky's tv coverage. Bring in New commentators and presenters away from the sport. Try someone new. Christ above their coverage needs it. I get where they're coming from though. No one is bothered about the game, it's going nowhere but backwards so why should they do anything with it.

Yep, I think it suits sky very well to keep their filler sports in the bargain basement price range

Just a warning , when you hand over total control of something you have no say in what goes on .