131 replies to this topic

[EastLondonMike]

Its been said many times by others and many times by myself. Rugby League will not get a major blue chip corporation or brand to sponsor the SL until we can offer them the kind of exposure they require. And for that to happen the sport will need a greater presence in the media, both written and visual, as well as being a sport easily recognised by non-sports fans.

A few games on BBC per year plus 250k approx watching on Sky Sports each week isn't going to get the big brands interested.

currently we have zero profile in the national media.

The RFL should be chasing a brand that will want to work with them, can help us grow and who can also increase our visibility.

A case in point, the RFU have recently signed a kit deal with Canterbury. Canterbury are working hard to increase the visibility of the England union brand, because it will be mutually beneficial.

[HappyDave]

How can the RFL get the media on our side? Surely there are no English RU club games on Terrestial and how many people watch Celtic League games when they're on the BBC?

[Futtocks]

Why don't we just wait for an announcement rather than slating any deal that might have been made already...?

What a bizarre notion.

[Railway End]

Its a catch 22 situation, no media profile, no interest from sponsors - no interest from sponsors, no media profile.

This is why the RLWC2013 is so important in my opinion. A well run tournament, showcasing the worlds best talent, played out in front of packed stadia, on terrestrial TV, would appear to be the only way to raise the games profile at the moment.

Instead of Wood and Rimmer pulling a massive salary from the RFL, their wage would be better used employing someone with a proven track record in growing a sport through the media. We just seem to have a string of PR people in situ with no relevant experience. You get what you pay for!

[Wellsy4HullFC]

Its a catch 22 situation, no media profile, no interest from sponsors - no interest from sponsors, no media profile.

This is why the RLWC2013 is so important in my opinion. A well run tournament, showcasing the worlds best talent, played out in front of packed stadia, on terrestrial TV, would appear to be the only way to raise the games profile at the moment.

Instead of Wood and Rimmer pulling a massive salary from the RFL, their wage would be better used employing someone with a proven track record in growing a sport through the media. We just seem to have a string of PR people in situ with no relevant experience. You get what you pay for!

You do realise that Wood and Rimmer have other tasks as well, right?

[Exiled Wiganer]

The unique problem we face is that, because of our name and history, we have an extraodinarily powerful competitor sport against whose interests it would be for us to have the oxygen of publicity.

[Railway End]

You do realise that Wood and Rimmer have other tasks as well, right?

Of course, I just struggle to see how they can justify a salary of £200k+ each when the sports profile is so low. My thinking was that if they were renumerated more in line with how the game is progressing under their guidance, this would free up a hefty sum to allocate to an area that really needs some expertise at the moment.

[South Wakefield Sharks]

The RFL's strategy is that by growing the international game, they can grow the whole game. It is the right strategy, but there are a couple of things that hold it back. Firstly, the vast majority of existing rugby league fans aren't interested in the international game, and secondly, the other key partners in delivering this strategy are the Aussies, and they seem to be much more interested in their own domestic competition.

The RFL have therefore got an upward struggle on their hands, but they need to stick at it, and a successful World Cup in 2013 will help push things along.

[HappyDave]

What irritated me about the RLWC 2013 ticket strategy is selling 1/3 of the stadia then when they sell those tickets then selling the other seats. It would look far better if they had the whole stadia open.

[Dave T]

What irritated me about the RLWC 2013 ticket strategy is selling 1/3 of the stadia then when they sell those tickets then selling the other seats. It would look far better if they had the whole stadia open.

not if you obly have 20k in a 74k stadium.

The approach is sensible and correct imho.

[South Wakefield Sharks]

not if you obly have 20k in a 74k stadium.

The approach is sensible and correct imho.

I agree. The plan will provide for the best atmosphere and "tv image" for whatever crowd we get. If the stadium is only half full, people will be sat together in the seats that will be most visible on telly, rather than scattered all over the stadium.

It's the sort of strategy many have been calling for. It also favours those people who get in early and buy their tickets in advance. Want the best seats? Then don't expect to just roll up on the day and get them then.

[Gav Wilson]

The Jacamo SuperLeague next year, anyone...?

[flyingking]

The Jacamo SuperLeague next year, anyone...?

Love it, the only surprise with the photograph that it is not Gareth Hock being involved with an awful check!

[HappyDave]

I agree. The plan will provide for the best atmosphere and "tv image" for whatever crowd we get. If the stadium is only half full, people will be sat together in the seats that will be most visible on telly, rather than scattered all over the stadium.

It's the sort of strategy many have been calling for. It also favours those people who get in early and buy their tickets in advance. Want the best seats? Then don't expect to just roll up on the day and get them then.

Yeah, very true, it just depresses the hell out of me the thought of only 20K-30k at the semi-final and final.

No idea what it will look like on TV as I'll be watching the players on the field rather than the big screens in the stadia.

I must admit the crowd at this year's Challenge Cup Final irritated me. Far too many empty seats.

[Gav Wilson]

Yeah, very true, it just depresses the hell out of me the thought of only 20K-30k at the semi-final and final.

No idea what it will look like on TV as I'll be watching the players on the field rather than the big screens in the stadia.

I must admit the crowd at this year's Challenge Cup Final irritated me. Far too many empty seats.

So you aren't bothered about how the crowd looks, but at the same time it depresses and irritates you?

I see...

[HappyDave]

So you aren't bothered about how the crowd looks, but at the same time it depresses and irritates you?

I see...

No, I agree that the fans should be sat together. It just depresses me the though of only 20k-30k turning up for the Final/Semi-Final.

[Gav Wilson]

No, I agree that the fans should be sat together. It just depresses me the though of only 20k-30k turning up for the Final/Semi-Final.

If only 20-30k turn up to games, then be depressed.

Until then, I wouldn't worry myself by getting depressed about hypothetical situations that may or may not happen. Life would be a tough old slog if we all did that...

[HappyDave]

Very true. I'm going to be like a Rugby Union fan and love the occasions of being at the Millennium, Wembley and Old Trafford next year for the RLWC.

Edited by HappyDave, 26 November 2012 - 10:51 PM.

[Gav Wilson]

Very true. I'm going to be like a Rugby Union fan and love the occasions of being at the Millennium, Wembley and Old Trafford next year for the RLWC.

Thats the spirit!

I booked my hotel room for Wembley tonight as it happens. Hilton Wembley is pretty cheap at the moment, Maybe they haven't yet twigged!

[HappyDave]

Thats the spirit!

I booked my hotel room for Wembley tonight as it happens. Hilton Wembley is pretty cheap at the moment, Maybe they haven't yet twigged!

I live in Swindon so don't need a hotel for Cardiff or London. Hope I can get a good deal for a Manchester Hotel.