Quote: JonB95 "But you were answering to the point that 80k wouldn't attend NSW vs England in Sydney by comparing it to the Lions.
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I was specifically pointing out that a large number of people turned up for a state vs. international game. Do you disagree with that? I think it contradicts the claim that Aussies won't turn up for a (meaningless) state vs international match. What do you think?
Quote: JonB95 "
On the topic
That's the same point that CGD was making, and it seems to come from the same assumption that the Aussies aren't interested, and will never be interested, in anything other than what's already put in front of them. But, as Ganson's Optician pointed out on page 1, even SOO in the three-game format wasn't welcomed warmly, initially. People said it wouldn't work, and the early attendances were pretty ordinary (19k at Lang Park in 1982). It's not as though SOO made it to where it is - selling out ANZ - without a lot of hard work and promotion. So, even concepts that people might be sceptical about can become successful. I think you're being too pessimistic, and underestimating Australian fans.
Even if we accept that all Aussies think of rep RL as a joke, we're hardly going to change anyone's mind without attempting to improve the quality of international RL. And, FWIW, the Aussies I work with aren't RL fans and couldn't give a toss about SOO but - where they'd be bothered at all - would be interested in internationals.
I happen to like the Exiles concept, but there are two glaring problems with it: half the England team are down under, and the better Aussies earn more at home, these days.
