League will never overtake union in NZ, the gap is just too large. Union and the All Blacks is ingrained in NZ heritage (we are a young country with very little heritage lol).
But the profile of league has certainly lifted since winning the world cup. While union has probably gone down hill a little with the game having a bad couple of years as a specticle, although rule changes have certainly made it more fun to watch this year.

The fact that league is now played in our schools I think is a huge step forward and I honestly believe the Toyota Cup coverage has played a big part in young guys seeing it as a real career option. They are seeing seniors from previous years running round for Melbourne, Newcastle etc in the Under 20's level and even from my home town point of view big Sika Manu for the Storm.

Don't believe the hype some people drivel, but believe that it is on the way up in NZ. A winning Warriors side would be the next major hurdle to really give the game some impetus. And i'm not talking a few games, but a premiership or two and a Broncos type reputation. With all the local talent coming through it could be possible in years to come, but we have to look locally as it's very hard to get top quality players to cross the ditch for a decent price. If we could just discover a local star halfback or 2 and tie him into the Warriors it would be achievable. We have talented forwards and outside backs all over the place, just need some smart talented little men to steer them around.

Bless. See as I said you've got nothing. Why don't you lose your log in and run off to some aussie site. We'll miss your pearls of wisdom and informed debate.

im sure you would

what im saying here was being discussed back in 2002 / 3 on league unlimited so if you want go on there and ask some of the warriors fans.

Daly, you persist with this rubbish and yet you back it up with nothing.
The AB's will always be the No1 sporting team in NZ.......Rugby Union will always be the No1 sport. The social and demographic make up of the country disctates where and when sports are popular....as I have said, The Warriors are based where they are based purely on the make up of the immediate population......which is pacfic and Maori in its make up.
Europeans.
Example....in the Auckland region, 56% of the population are "European" with over 25% described as pacific/Maori. The averages across New Zealand are 78% European and 21% Maori/Pacific. This is why sports like Basketball and Rugby League are popular in the Auckland region and why European sports, such as Union are bigger elsewhere.
Social stereotyping is not always a good thing, but the worlds largest marketers use it......as do a very large number of my clients. Simple facts that are available to read here (rlhttp://apps.nowwhere.com.au/StatsNZ/Maps/default.aspxrl) show that the average income is less for non europeans, the lifestyles are different and essentially, NZ is a middle class country. Union is the traditional game of New Zealand.....and whilst crowds are dropping off, other sports, including League have seen fan numbers reduced in recent years.

You again state that S15 will die as a result of the next NRL TV contract but you back it up with nothing.......apart from your opinion which as has been pointed out by Kiwis on these boards, is the stuff of fantasy
I repeat the question: Where did you live in NZ and for how long? Your insightfulness may prove helpfull to some of my major clients as they are always looking for good analysts......especially ones who can back up their research with facts

just wait 12 months and youll see if im right or not

RL in nz is the best its ever been

its got decades of growth ahead of it.

union has peaked and in many cases its declining.

eventually Rl will surprass union

In 12 months, this country will be awash with Union fans........so yeah, let's see where we are in November 2011....... rl