Quote: northernbloke "Not sure why there is an expectation to have global brands supporting the RLWC, RL is not a global sport. As for the competition winners, how many teams have won the SL you could ask the same question why they bother with SL every year?
That discussion aside.
The article basically saying that the WC orginisers were confident that the Comp will go ahead, personally i think that just shows that in reality not very confident at all.'"
I'm no Marketing man, but you don't need to be a global sport to attract a global brand. Coca-Cola do a lot of grass root sponsorship where they see value for their brand. I have no idea if we approached that type of company & were told no thanks or we never bothered.
You are right NB, only 4 teams have won the Grand Final with a further 4 appearing in a final. Not great for a sport that has a salary cap & where the only advantage you would expect 1 club would have over another would be coaching & the quality of the marquee player(s). Maybe there is a Sarries hiding out there in the Heartlands?
Unfortunately the view you espouse about lack of interest in the International game can only lead to decline & decay. I would think if you lived in the north you could get to a game within 30/45 mins travel (not of course Warrington to Hull) if you wanted to have a look. So how or where can it grow? You are not going to get an upsurge in viewing figures on Sky unless the base of the game is broader.
If we make so little profit from the WC, where is the revenue coming from to help those emerging nations to emerge? It needs money & lots of it. We know SL want to keep every last penny for themselves which is why Leigh are having to play with almost 1 hand tied behind their backs next season.
Unless there is more vision & innovation (Coca-Cola love sports that want to innovate) but not in Canada, the only long term outcome looks like smaller deals with Sky & a part time SL. By then I suspect Broncos & Catalan will have gone & Hughes too.
I want to move this great game forward, you are saying NB the Northern Hoards are happy to vegetate. Hope you are wrong.