rlno1

You just have to look at Souths to see how clubs can get their house in order from the 1990s. I have believe Norths and Balmain could have survived and thrived in todays climate remember the salary cap is covered by the grant. Clubs are way better managed today and tap into other forms of revenue its not about waiting for a leagues club grant every year as it once was.

Unfortunately the Roosters want the juniors and Politis has alot of power.

Safe Liberal seat

Documentary on the Bulldogs team that made two grand finals between 2012-14. Features James Graham.

I agree, I was actually more excited by the Papenhuyzen try before the Coates one. A beautifully executed set play which worked a treat.

Plenty of hype around the Coates try. Great athletic effort. What about this great Canberra try from David Grant back in 1984. It's at the 52nd minute. Was back when players were semi pro, props were props and Storm coach Craig Bellamy was playing for the Raiders (no.4) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YuOkmvtaeE

I have no doubt there will be a second NZ team coming in, the stadium just enhances it.

A lot have moved to Australia for opportunity. Also the pathways have now been strengthened for young players coming through.

Rl was only run poorly due to interference from news corp now they have the game it is no coincidence that everything is headed in a positive direction as they are partners now.

Here is the video on the Mighty Bears which gives the reason for the move, both financially and due to the market being closely linked to the Bears. Starts about 43rd minute.

I think one of the major reasons they planned to move to the CC stadium back in the late 90's was the lack of corporate facilities at Nth Sydney Oval.

Pinner opened the Australians up numerous times with his skill in that 3rd Test of 1986, a pleasure to watch. Gt Britain were robbed in this Test by wrong decisions by the ref, one being a try on the 7th tackle.

Deserved the Lance Todd in 1987 saved a try, set up the try for Eadie and dropped a goal.

I think in Australia the broadcasters particularly nine just want origin promoted because it makes money. I think GB suffered after the super league war with not as many union converts coming across and obviously with a smaller player pool then Australia it took them longer to adjust to the new style of game. Also in Australia the broadcasters weren't interested in tests with nine preferring to promote (or should I say over hype) Origin. Though if England can become consistently competitive with Australia which I'm sure they can the potential for growth is huge in both countries.

It is big because it has tradition and credibility with the public. Something our Ashes series once had. Look at the Ashes in the UK from 1982 to 1994 it was growing and had become a huge occasion. Attendances alone had grown for the tests from 67k in 1982 to 140k in 1994 and media interest was massive. Imagine if it had continued that growth what it would be today.

The NRL couldn't make a profit

The NRL have support from News Corp. Had it not been for their money, about $80 million the Melbourne Storm would have folded in the early days.

Watching the Netflix documentary on former Colombian goalkeeper Rene Higuita and low and behold some footage of him from the 1990s and he is getting around in a Great Briatin Lions Rugby League track/shell suit with the old XIII logo on the sleeve and the big Lion on the back. Just thought I'd share for those interested in RL spotted in strange places.

I think the NRL want to build it to sell it to TV. The Tonga v Samoa rivalry sells. NRL sees cash.

I don't think the NRL will let England slip they are too important for the game long term. I think once they set this US income stream up we will then see them take over international RL. What sort of money would a World Cup make from this gambling arm. We also have to remember the NRL is a partnership with the media ie. Fox/Nine and what they want they get hence the relegation of internationals from Origin during the Aussie season as Origin is the cash cow for all.

Was around 7,800 according to a PNG fan on Leagueunlimited. https://forums.leagueunlimited.com/conversations/crowd.280407/#convMessage-311479

I think the NRL can start pumping out propaganda with their media partners. Stop the constant rhetoric about Origin being the pinnacle no need for it we never use to do now we do it all the time. If the leaders of our game want tests to be important put them in during the season but they are at the mercy of the broadcasters. We can go to Vegas to start the season FFS. We lack leadership, Abdo god knows what this clown does, News Corp lackey I'm sure. V'landys is a racing man who is a salesman.

I think it has alot to do with the international game. RL in the UK grew on the back of incoming tours from Australia and NZ in the 80s and 90s. Gt Britain were competitive in these series. Everything flowed down. Once Sky and Murdoch took over the game changed and hasn't been the same since.

But it is in a position of being number one in NSW and QLD