Quote: Zoo Zoo Boom "Cycling is popular because we have thrown a heap of money at it that has been wisely invested in top coaching and innovative technology in equipment. The riders are not that well paid.Whilst ever we continually get beat at the international level in RL - we haven't beat the Aussies in series or WC since 1972 - yes 1972 - the interest will always be low. Look at the attendances for test with NZ we struggle to get 25k.
I agree about expanding the game outside of its traditional heartland - that needs money. The sport is without money and cannot seem to attract any for its major competitions. All the money seems to go to the players - coaching is poor, conditioning is poor, facilities are poor - where do you start?'"
All very true but you have missed my point the only way we will get wider coverage thus bring more money into the game is by playing international games. Look at Union a game that is boring in the extreme, they can fill their national stadia 10 times a year charging £50 plus per seat. A lot of those spectators will not go to club games. It has become something to do, why? Because it is international sport & the media & sponsorship is only drawn to international games. Association football is probably the only sport to buck that trend in Europe. That is why I am so angry at the attitude of the cowards in the NRL.
There is a lot more to play out here as Australia has made it dam near impossible for thei own subjects to leave or return to the country, many ordinary people sre increasingly angry that sports people & celebrities seem to be able to travel. Also will our cricketers go out in October if they can’t take their families? (We allowed the Indian cricketers to do that). Can you imagine the abuse the Aussie press will hurl at them if they won’t play the ashes.
