289 replies to this topic

[bobbruce]

RU second tier get £300k plus and is shown on Sky, in winter with an abundance of other sport to screen, 4 divisions of soccer and RU Premiership

In total or per club because they don't show many games.

[Terry Mullaney]

Isn't the Sky deal negotiated by the RFL on behalf of Super League Europe Ltd? If there's a SL2 then maybe funding could be extended.

[sweaty craiq]

In total or per club because they don't show many games.

Per club.

[petero]

As is said time and time again the problem with Rugby League is the whinging 'Heartlanders'. #sigh# I'd say that was actually far worse than the mismanagement of Championship and SL Clubs.



Well said. I really don't understand why 'Heartlanders' don't support the International game. They're like the Aussie Admin's hostility towards Internationals. Successful Internationals are absolutely vital for Rugby League. I've never heard of a [Association] Football fan saying "I don't support England because I support a team in the Blue Square Premier". I just don't get it.

I will admit to not seeing eye to eye with many of your comments, especially on rep selections. But this time I believe that you have in a few words, comparably, laid out a most succinct and telling statement, well done.

That comparison you make between fans of other sports and of R/L is very well termed and accurately describes the difference that exists between fans of R/L and those other games, whose fans on the whole are content to defend and praise their own sport come what may and whether or not they agree with its admin or not.

I am not a fan of the jamboree that is the ' magic weekend?' but I will not decry it especially to non-r/L fans and I would agree that home ground games would be a better alternative, especially where derbies are concerned. Yet I will respect others opinions on this matter.
But, to wish the WC and S/L to fail and vocally as well written say so, is not in my opinion a very compatible way to explain that you are and remain a true Rugby League fan, that is an utterly hypocritical stand to take and defies being explained in any other manner.

[West Country Eagle]

No there aren't. There was one employed by the Eagles, but all the funding came from the RFL, the Chargers and Derby City. That post has now gone with the cuts and we, and the Eagles, are still unclear about what is going to happen, if anything, from April onwards.

OK, apologies for getting that wrong Tim - you know that neck of the woods much better than I do, of course.

[Dave T]

I will admit to not seeing eye to eye with many of your comments, especially on rep selections. But this time I believe that you have in a few words, comparably, laid out a most succinct and telling statement, well done.

That comparison you make between fans of other sports and of R/L is very well termed and accurately describes the difference that exists between fans of R/L and those other games, whose fans on the whole are content to defend and praise their own sport come what may and whether or not they agree with its admin or not.

I am not a fan of the jamboree that is the ' magic weekend?' but I will not decry it especially to non-r/L fans and I would agree that home ground games would be a better alternative, especially where derbies are concerned. Yet I will respect others opinions on this matter.
But, to wish the WC and S/L to fail and vocally as well written say so, is not in my opinion a very compatible way to explain that you are and remain a true Rugby League fan, that is an utterly hypocritical stand to take and defies being explained in any other manner.

Spot on petero.

I think people would get much more respect for their views if they stated things like 'I like watching Super League, but I am not supportive of the lack of P&R'. The problem we have is that due to the lack of P&R, some fans will now mock and criticise the SL at every opportunity. It's as though if they admit they enjoy it they will be betraying their views, when you can absolutely enjoy something but think they could be doing something even better.

[petero]

Spot on petero.

I think people would get much more respect for their views if they stated things like 'I like watching Super League, but I am not supportive of the lack of P&R'. The problem we have is that due to the lack of P&R, some fans will now mock and criticise the SL at every opportunity. It's as though if they admit they enjoy it they will be betraying their views, when you can absolutely enjoy something but think they could be doing something even better.

I will go with that Dave, my points exactly emphasised, thanks.

[Robin Evans]

But, to wish the WC and S/L to fail and vocally as well written say so, is not in my opinion a very compatible way to explain that you are and remain a true Rugby League fan, that is an utterly hypocritical stand to take and defies being explained in any other manner.

In the main, barring the odd exception, most of us who have 'opted out' as it were, have done just that and no more. I haven't wished the WC would fail. I haven't derided the competition - or SL for that matter. Moreover, I have repeated many times I hope those who attend enjoy themselves no end. Most of us have a similar view. I resent the criticism of hypocracy on this issue unless you define a refusal to watch the world cup because of a personal viewpoint is hypocracy..... in which case fair do's!

[Robin Evans]

Spot on petero.

The problem we have is that due to the lack of P&R, some fans will now mock and criticise the SL at every opportunity. It's as though if they admit they enjoy it they will be betraying their views, when you can absolutely enjoy something but think they could be doing something even better.

Well yes, I think some fans will do that. However, in my opinion, the ones I know who have also 'withdrawn inwards', the overwhelming majority are now ambivalent to SL/the international scene. i.e. they have now got out of the habit of going to/watching/subscribing to those games!Is it right?? A subjective opinion!In truth, there won't be that many miserable bug gers like me and as such, the impact minimal if any.Live n let live!

[bobbruce]

Per club.

Do you have a link because that's a great tv deal for not many games.

[Ackroman]

Spot on petero.

I think people would get much more respect for their views if they stated things like 'I like watching Super League, but I am not supportive of the lack of P&R'. The problem we have is that due to the lack of P&R, some fans will now mock and criticise the SL at every opportunity. It's as though if they admit they enjoy it they will be betraying their views, when you can absolutely enjoy something but think they could be doing something even better.

I watch a bit of SL. I watch more NRL. I watch even more championship rugby. I watch internationals.

I think the Aussies have their system and we have ours. Trying to copy them has improved nothing regarding our competitiveness.

Thus the world cup offers little opportunity to enjoy success. If you just enjoy RL fine, but I'm an English RL fan, I don't like losing, I'd rather not watch us lose time and time again. I'm 44 and I was 4 when we won it last. I am now happy to move on. I've come to terms with what international RL is.

However I look forward to the documentary "Another Bloody World Cup" with enthusiasm, watching the English team drinking tea and kissing old ladies (beer sponsorship will not be aloud due to the exclusive advertising rights the international team will have with Taylors of Harrogate). It will be enjoyed by thousands on You Tube and we will be able to witness the jaded but delerious fans of the international game mingling with players and officials, with room to spare on the space-coach afterwards to take everyone home.

Until SL/RFL sort this problem out, the more likely I am to read statements like that and conjure up my own fanciful vision of the future equal to Nigel Woods. Thus I am more likely to spend my RLWC 2013 money on a nice trip to Portugal instead.

I will of course watch a bit of SL, but a bit less each season as this lack of "getting a grip" continues.

[Dave T]

Thus the world cup offers little opportunity to enjoy success. If you just enjoy RL fine, but I'm an English RL fan, I don't like losing, I'd rather not watch us lose time and time again. I'm 44 and I was 4 when we won it last. I am now happy to move on. I've come to terms with what international RL is.

However I look forward to the documentary "Another Bloody World Cup" with enthusiasm, watching the English team drinking tea and kissing old ladies (beer sponsorship will not be aloud due to the exclusive advertising rights the international team will have with Taylors of Harrogate). It will be enjoyed by thousands on You Tube and we will be able to witness the jaded but delerious fans of the international game mingling with players and officials, with room to spare on the space-coach afterwards to take everyone home.

Until SL/RFL sort this problem out, the more likely I am to read statements like that and conjure up my own fanciful vision of the future equal to Nigel Woods. Thus I am more likely to spend my RLWC 2013 money on a nice trip to Portugal instead.

I will of course watch a bit of SL, but a bit less each season as this lack of "getting a grip" continues.

I'm not really sure of what your point is. What problem do they need to sort out? Plenty of other teams lose - England Football have done nothing for years, neither have most of the Home Nation RU teams in World Cups, yet they still turn up. As a Wire fan I saw us win pretty much nothing until the last few years, do we all just give up? I find the attitude baffling, but that's your choice fair enough. That isn't the RFL's fault though.

How any RL fan can not be interested in seeing a game like Samoa v NZ at Warrington is beyond me - this isn't a criticism of you btw, there will be plenty of empty seats at the HJ Stadium I suspect - I just find it genuinely amazing!

[Dave T]

Do you have a link because that's a great tv deal for not many games.

I thought the same - if anything I suspect it is wrapped up in a deal with other internationals etc. and that may simply be the amount of central funding each club gets, rather than a direct TV payment.

Don't our Championship clubs get some funding from the RFL - yet there is no paid TV deal?

[Griff]

Some Championship clubs get a bit more than others in 'Development support' for example how many 'Development Officers' also play for Sheffield? and how much money does Sheffield receive from the central funds directly or ortherwise?.

More foot-stamping ? Why don't some of your players apply for RFL funded jobs ? Doesn't have to be in the Fev area. We've got a player working for the Bulls - so what ?

There's some implication here that players get RFL money for just sitting on their backsides all day, playing their Xboxes. The fact is, it's just another job like teacher, butcher, baker, candlestick maker etc.

Whinge, whinge, whinge .........

[Griff]

The connection the world cup has got with disillusioned fans is patently obvious .....

Really ?

Maybe if the World Cup was better supported and had a higher profile - like the Union World Cup - Sky would pay more into the game, enabling the RFL to distribute more to Championship clubs, improving their financial stability and better grooming them to take their place in $uperleague.

Mardy stayaways help no-one.

[gazza77]

More foot-stamping ? Why don't some of your players apply for RFL funded jobs ? Doesn't have to be in the Fev area. We've got a player working for the Bulls - so what ?

There's some implication here that players get RFL money for just sitting on their backsides all day, playing their Xboxes. The fact is, it's just another job like teacher, butcher, baker, candlestick maker etc.

Whinge, whinge, whinge .........

Unlikely to be in the Fev area that Leigh players are looking for RFL funded jobs.

Edited by gazza77, 02 January 2013 - 01:10 PM.

[l'angelo mysterioso]

I resent the criticism of hypocracy on this issue unless you define a refusal to watch the world cup because of a personal viewpoint is hypocracy.

Perhaps I can help.
Ask yourself why you don't want to watch the world cup(entirely your choice). You've used the words 'principle', 'morality', 'fairness' many many tgimes in connection with talking aboput why the game isn't run in the way you want it to be...some would call it taking one's bat and ball home. I doubt whether anybody cares whether you watch these or any other games or not...but you and others like to tell eveybody about it. The point about hypocrisy centres around a duality of standards-having 'principles' when it suits, and ignoring them when it doesn't. Touting oneself as one kind of person, when but being willing to behave in the opposite way-that little errand you ran for a senior official of your club at BOD election springs to mind, and I can think of others.

Everybody is a hypocrite at some time or other. It only bercomes a little malignant when people actively spout about 'fairness', 'morality' and so on when it suits , and not standing up to be counted when it's inconvenient.

Here's a little story-assumed you haven't stopped reading-which of course is fine.

A few weeks ago my grandsonAl came round to see me as he often does(he isn't technically my grandson, but I've always been proud to fulfil that role). He's a fev and wildcats fan due to the influence of me and his stepfather. He's transport manager for a big vehiclr acciodent recovery firm in Leeds, a qualified HGV mechanic(bear with me...this matters: to me anyway), he used to manage William Hill's in Gipton: one of the toughest most deprived parts of Leeds. He's the most enthusiastic, positive person I know and he loves his rugby league. Before work demands took over he played second row for Headingley Hawks and Milford Marlins. He came to see me about thiss year's world cup and what we were doing about it. He's decided to apply to be a volunteer, because he felt there was a lot he could do.
Alex has been blind in one eye and has severely restricted vision in the other. He's my role model even though he is younger than me. His enthusiasm prompted me to start a thread on your club's forum about what people were doing about the world cup. I'm sure you know what the response was.

Rugby League has unique issues to deal with.

It's narrow demographic-eg union has followers from working class right throuygh to the royal family, as do cricket and soccer.

It has far less money than other sports.

It is limited especially at professional level by its geography

As this and other countless threads repetedly show it has a vociferous,maunjy, self serving('it doessn't suit me so I want nothing to do with it') group of narrow minded parochial followers, which have an effect on perceptions on the game often perpetuated by professional northerners, and the media.


We can accept this and wallow in our' gritty northern-ness`, and go down the knurr and spell route,

or we can do our best., and that includes the much derided people at the top, to do something about it.

We can't run our professional competitions on the same lines as soccer, or the same as cricket(where only dozens of people turn up to the county game which has prom and reg) because we dopn't have the money, or the geographic spread.


Mr Mullaney as it happens was right, when he said that only a small number of clubs outside the elite wanted to join it-although his dismissal of the rest as accepting mediocrity was insulting, arrogant and untrue. There are issues regading theswe clubs, one of which is yours and their asdmission to the elite, and again they have been gone over time and time again. It seems odd, but entirely typical to me that people-not 'suits'at( least one of whom-is a former amateur player) as Mr Crowther called them on your 'forum', who are trying to make something of the century old mess are reviled for attempting to do so, just because what they do doesn't suit some people. The people running the game get it wrong-I'm still bemused that no one lost their job in the aftermath of the South Wales affair. But if you want incompetence-or should I say 'jokes', 'laughing stocks' and all the other trite whingeing cliches, then you will find them in abundance in other sports.

And finally: the terms 'friend' and 'mate' have meaning and are not IMHO to be bandied about willy nilly.
cw

[Futtocks]

Thus the world cup offers little opportunity to enjoy success. If you just enjoy RL fine, but I'm an English RL fan, I don't like losing, I'd rather not watch us lose time and time again. I'm 44 and I was 4 when we won it last. I am now happy to move on. I've come to terms with what international RL is.

If you were a Football fan of the same age, you wouldn't have seen England win any silverware at all in your lifetime, and only one serious trophy in the entire long history of the game's existence. However, that sport's fans (whatever their club) show great loyalty and enthusiasm, and would be genuinely baffled by some of the sentiments on this forum.

[shaun mc]

Back to football comparisons and TV monies :

Lower League football clubs receive monies from TV contracts because their midweek games attendances are affected by both Premier League and Champions League on TV. That is in addition to their annual handout from the 'normal' Sky TV contract.
Source - a Div 1 club chairman on local radio.
It seems there are many ways the Sky monies are distributed in football.

Is prize money paid in the first few rounds of the Challenge Cup, or has that gone as well?

[JohnM]

Perhaps I can help...cw

You have put that more eloquently than I could ever have done. Thank you