10 replies to this topic

[AndyCapp]

New NRL boss David Smith offers his first one-on-one interview with Sunday Telegraph Sports Editor David Riccio. He talks about his goals, John Grant and growing the game
You start next Friday, what's the first thing you will do as NRL CEO?


Read more: http://www.foxsports...1#ixzz2JAVey0LK

He has a pretty good pedigree and should do well.

[deluded pom?]

I was with him all the way until this.

"You've worked around the world and watched different sports. Is international rugby league where it should be?
Absolutely"

I do agree with this though.

"What it says is we're starting from a strong base. There is nothing I've seen from any other code that can match the competitiveness of rugby league. Since 1998, I think 13 of the 16 teams have reached the grand final and every team has been in the finals the past four years. That's a massive strength."



What's the SL comparison?

[AndyCapp]

I was with him all the way until this.

"You've worked around the world and watched different sports. Is international rugby league where it should be?
Absolutely"

I do agree with this though.

"What it says is we're starting from a strong base. There is nothing I've seen from any other code that can match the competitiveness of rugby league. Since 1998, I think 13 of the 16 teams have reached the grand final and every team has been in the finals the past four years. That's a massive strength."



What's the SL comparison?

Maybe he was being realistic and did not want to be negative in a World Cup year.
I think he is still getting his head around things at this stage.

[John Rhino]

I was with him all the way until this.

"You've worked around the world and watched different sports. Is international rugby league where it should be?
Absolutely"

Yes, does sound a little bit complacent.
Even a few words bout it being a priority would have been helpful.

Australia are the ones with the money (for now) and its up to them to lead the way.

[Just to be clear]

"What it says is we're starting from a strong base. There is nothing I've seen from any other code that can match the competitiveness of rugby league. Since 1998, I think 13 of the 16 teams have reached the grand final and every team has been in the finals the past four years. That's a massive strength."

What's the SL comparison?

Just to be clear, competitiveness of Super League compared to any other code:


Super League Grand Finals (since 1998): 4 winners from 6 finalists. 4 total champions from 22 teams during SL era.

Scottish Premier League Titles: 2 champions from 19 teams since formation (1998-99).
Premier League Titles: 4 champions from 43 teams during SL era (since 1996-97 season).
Celtic League Grand Finals (2001-03, 2009-current): 3 winners from 4 finalists. 5 total champions since formation (2001-02) from 15 teams since Welsh regionalisation (2003-04 season).

English Premiership Grand Finals (since 2000): 6 winners from 9 finalists. 7 total champions from 21 teams during SL era.

[Pie tries]

Some gentle pressure should be applied with the convicts, it's in all our long term interests for the international game to thrive. The Aussies should set up a southern hem dev federation, like what we have up north. They should be taking the game to Japan china etc. bring back lions tours and give the game back the profile it deserves

[JohnM]

biggest issues facing rugby league? Hardly...he didn't mention single-season points-based P and R once!

[barrowraiderskid]

Just to be clear, competitiveness of Super League compared to any other code:


Super League Grand Finals (since 1998): 4 winners from 6 finalists. 4 total champions from 22 teams during SL era.

Scottish Premier League Titles: 2 champions from 19 teams since formation (1998-99).
Premier League Titles: 4 champions from 43 teams during SL era (since 1996-97 season).
Celtic League Grand Finals (2001-03, 2009-current): 3 winners from 4 finalists. 5 total champions since formation (2001-02) from 15 teams since Welsh regionalisation (2003-04 season).

English Premiership Grand Finals (since 2000): 6 winners from 9 finalists. 7 total champions from 21 teams during SL era.

I don't think your post was very clear. It had a few stats but no real clear point behind them.

[AndyCapp]

Some gentle pressure should be applied with the convicts, it's in all our long term interests for the international game to thrive. The Aussies should set up a southern hem dev federation, like what we have up north. They should be taking the game to Japan china etc. bring back lions tours and give the game back the profile it deserves

The two things that have damaged the International game are the long domestic seasons and the lack of any success by England or France for more than many can remember.

[CANETMAN]

The two things that have damaged the International game are the long domestic seasons and the lack of any success by England or France for more than many can remember.

I agree the season in the UK is far far too long and kicking off a summer league in February when the 6 nations is about to start is madness.We need a far shorter season i would start at the easter weekend however with so many clubs relying on gate money this is never going to happen unless some real reality sets in.As for England and France well enough said.CM

[deluded pom?]

Just to be clear, competitiveness of Super League compared to any other code:


Super League Grand Finals (since 1998): 4 winners from 6 finalists. 4 total champions from 22 teams during SL era.

Scottish Premier League Titles: 2 champions from 19 teams since formation (1998-99).
Premier League Titles: 4 champions from 43 teams during SL era (since 1996-97 season).
Celtic League Grand Finals (2001-03, 2009-current): 3 winners from 4 finalists. 5 total champions since formation (2001-02) from 15 teams since Welsh regionalisation (2003-04 season).

English Premiership Grand Finals (since 2000): 6 winners from 9 finalists. 7 total champions from 21 teams during SL era.

Just to be clear, point taken but two wrongs don't make a right.