Quote: "Isn't this the whole point though.
Rugby League is stagnating.
- Sky deal reducing
- Clubs in financial trouble
- Less juniors playing the game
- Etc, Etc
If we continue with the same model, then nothing will change, and whilst I disagree with some of the criteria and the weightings, the idea is to not apply focus on the on field performance of clubs as that doesn't help with growth. The criteria is focusing on viewers, stadium facilities, website clicks etc. It is clearly marketing heavy, but you can see the direction is towards trying to grow the sport. Although one absolutely stinking omission is the mentioning of academies.'"
The main selling point of our game (on the pitch anyway) was the open attacking rugby. I know that defences win games, but I also believe there is a lot we can do to improve the attacking side of the sport, to make it a more attractive prospect to new fans. There's nothing better than watching some end-to-end free-flowing rugby that has people on their feet (in the seated areas). There aren't many x-factor players these days, and the ones who are nearly x-factor rarely get the space to demonstrate their skills or pace.