Players poll reveals exodus fears

[Gruff]

Hurrah! Someone gets it at last!

 

Look, RLW isn't my baby anymore, but shooting the messenger as many appear wont to do in this thread is just daft. It was the players' union itself, 1eague3, that conducted the poll of its members. RLW is publishing the results. Make of them what you will. Or you can stick your heads in the sand if you prefer.

 

For the record, it may stun some people to know that the publication dates of RLW are set at least 12 months in advance, and are not deliberately timed to scupper a press launch in Salford. That would just be silly. RLW folk are big fans of Dr Koukash and his Salford revolution, which is why the mag carried a massive 6 page interview with the man himself just 3 issues previous. You all read that, all you guys in the positivity brigade, didn't you? Hey, didn't you?? Also, RLW editor Gareth Walker has been tweeting away positively from the Salford event all morning, and we've retweeted these on both the @rlworld and @leagueexpress twitter accounts too.

 

We always tie in our promo for each new issue to coincide with the online edition going live, which is always the day before the print edition appears in the shops. This month, that falls today. There's no dark or doom-laden conspiracy going on.

 

Go on, be positive, buy the mag, have a read, you might surprise yourself to discover how well-written it is and how passionate about the game everyone who contributes to it is. Or you can just indulge your own negativity (sound the irony klaxon) by ignorantly slagging it off here.

 

Is there a player exodus fear?

 

Normal people see that 75% of players would move elsewhere for more money.  Why wasn't the headline "RL players want more money"

 

RLW see this as a player exodus.

 

Terrible sensationalist journalism perpetuated by a negative spin.  There is a lot of positivity that could have been reported, but instead they made something up.

[ckn]

Hurrah! Someone gets it at last!

 

Look, RLW isn't my baby anymore, but shooting the messenger as many appear wont to do in this thread is just daft. It was the players' union itself, 1eague3, that conducted the poll of its members. RLW is publishing the results. Make of them what you will. Or you can stick your heads in the sand if you prefer.

 

For the record, it may stun some people to know that the publication dates of RLW are set at least 12 months in advance, and are not deliberately timed to scupper a press launch in Salford. That would just be silly. RLW folk are big fans of Dr Koukash and his Salford revolution, which is why the mag carried a massive 6 page interview with the man himself just 3 issues previous. You all read that, all you guys in the positivity brigade, didn't you? Hey, didn't you?? Also, RLW editor Gareth Walker has been tweeting away positively from the Salford event all morning, and we've retweeted these on both the @rlworld and @leagueexpress twitter accounts too.

 

We always tie in our promo for each new issue to coincide with the online edition going live, which is always the day before the print edition appears in the shops. This month, that falls today. There's no dark or doom-laden conspiracy going on.

 

Go on, be positive, buy the mag, have a read, you might surprise yourself to discover how well-written it is and how passionate about the game everyone who contributes to it is. Or you can just indulge your own negativity (sound the irony klaxon) by ignorantly slagging it off here.

I think you're missing the point of some of the rants.  (we seem to be disagreeing a bit lately

 

I certainly wasn't targeting RLW, or the other media sources linked in the OP, I was blowing off a little frustration that the players union just doesn't get the abysmal timing of the survey results.  In fact, if RLW didn't cover it then there'd be something startlingly wrong.

 

RLW =  great stuff.

Daft survey results published at a daft time by people outside of RLW's control = idiot stuff.

[Dave T]

The issue here is that the players union are actually stitching themselves up and contributing to the issues in the game.

 

Their press release has led with the senstaional 'players exodus' thing which has then been picked up by all the media, including RL World. Surprise surprise a Union shouting about wages!

 

So the players, who want more fans, sponsors etc in the game are shouting from the rooftops that they all want to leave the game - why the hell would people invest?

 

At my place of work we have regular colleague opinion surveys, the results are not published in the media - and we have around 80% of people not happy with their salary - they are used to shape decisions and make people happier.

 

Can't the Union see that this is actually contradictory to what they claim they actually want?

Edited September 5, 2013 by Dave T

[Gruff]

The issue here is that the players union are actually stitching themselves up and contributing to the issues in the game.

 

Their press release has led with the senstaional 'players exodus' thing which has then been picked up by all the media, including RL World. Surprise surprise a Union shouting about wages!

 

So the players, who want more fans, sponsors etc in the game are shouting from the rooftops that they all want to leave the game - why the hell would people invest?

 

At my place of work we have regular colleague opinion surveys, the results are not published in the media - and we have around 80% of people not happy with their salary - they are used to shape decisions and make people happier.

 

Can't the Union see that this is actually contradictory to what they claim they actually want?

Couldn't agree more.

 

I would have loved to find out why the players think as a sport we cannot attract more sponsorship/money so they can get better paid, and what they think needs to change.

 

Unfortunately we are treated to false headlines and a RL beat up.

[Northern Sol]

I think it is a case of 1eagu3 struggling to be relevant. They might have been better taking the results to the RFL and discussing them privately but at the moment they are desperately trying to be noticed by the rugby league public and this is them trying to grab the spotlight. Hence they needed to do it before the Salford Red Devils or the RLWC or the SL Grand Final buried all other RL news.

[hindle xiii]

John, I sent a PM to Rugby League World, not about this subject though, who gets the PM?

[John Drake]

The issue here is that the players union are actually stitching themselves up and contributing to the issues in the game.

 

Their press release has led with the senstaional 'players exodus' thing which has then been picked up by all the media, including RL World. Surprise surprise a Union shouting about wages!

 

So the players, who want more fans, sponsors etc in the game are shouting from the rooftops that they all want to leave the game - why the hell would people invest?

 

At my place of work we have regular colleague opinion surveys, the results are not published in the media - and we have around 80% of people not happy with their salary - they are used to shape decisions and make people happier.

 

Can't the Union see that this is actually contradictory to what they claim they actually want?

 

Maybe the players are just sick of being ignored and want to kick up a fuss to get someone to take note of what they think? And given the contempt with which some in this thread seem to hold their views, or even their right to hold any opinion at all, who can blame them?

 

If you carry out a poll like this, of course you want people to sit up and take notice of it. That's the whole point.

 

The players depend on the game for their living. Maybe, just maybe, their views are worth listening to?

 

If not now, when?

[ckn]

Maybe the players are just sick of being ignored and want to kick up a fuss to get someone to take note of what they think? And given the contempt with which some in this thread seem to hold their views, or even their right to hold any opinion at all, who can blame them?

 

If you carry out a poll like this, of course you want people to sit up and take notice of it. That's the whole point.

 

The players depend on the game for their living. Maybe, just maybe, their views are worth listening to?

 

If not now, when?

Post season.  When there's absolutely nothing to compete with the views and results of the survey.  Alternatively early to mid season when it's fairly quiet in terms of big news.

 

Allow a proper debate on it and maybe have a follow-up survey to fill in holes in the original.  For example, "if you said you could be be tempted to leave, what would change that?" and leave a blank box for them to fill in.  If the overwhelming response were "lots more money in my wage packet" then that's a bit of a bummer for the sport as there's no more money available.  If they got responses that are more constructive then that allows for the union to take leadership in helping clubs and the game change for the better.

 

As mentioned by someone else above, if the timing of it had been after the World Cup then the best of the players could be pointing their agents to this survey and giving big hints based on their performances in the tournament.  As it stands, it's naive at its best interpretation.

[Gruff]

Maybe the players are just sick of being ignored and want to kick up a fuss to get someone to take note of what they think? And given the contempt with which some in this thread seem to hold their views, or even their right to hold any opinion at all, who can blame them?

 

If you carry out a poll like this, of course you want people to sit up and take notice of it. That's the whole point.

 

The players depend on the game for their living. Maybe, just maybe, their views are worth listening to?

 

If not now, when?

I don't think anyone holds the players views in contempt, are everyone is quite happy to listen to the players.

 

What the gripe is, is that players saying they would leave to go elsewhere has been reported as a player exodus fear.  It is not a fear, it's the players saying they want more money.  Too right.  Everyone wants more money.

 

What would have been interesting would be a follow up question - have you been approached by RU or the NRL within the past 3 years.  if a high percentage said yes, coupled with the above question, then there is a legitimate right to be fearful of an exodus.

 

However, I am more than confident to state that the majority of SL have never been approached by RU or the NRL, therefore regardless of whether they would move for more money, they couldn't.  Therefore no fear of an exodus.

 

The timing could have been done better.  Why not a Monday?  Why today?  As mentioned on a previous post I think it was in an effort to piggy back on Salford's news, and it make one eague three look amateurish at best.

[Northern Sol]

I wouldn't look too deeply into the motives of the players. They were asked questions so they answered them. No need to analyse it deeper than that.

The motives of 1eagu3 in carrying out the survey and releasing its contents now and the motives of RLW in headlining it the way that they did are completely separate issues.

[John Drake]

Post season.  When there's absolutely nothing to compete with the views and results of the survey.  Alternatively early to mid season when it's fairly quiet in terms of big news.

 

You mean when it would be virtually ignored?

 

Whenever a poll like this was published, there would be the usual chorus of disapproval that greets anything remotely 'off-message' these days, as if Rugby League was some fragile ornament that could be shattered by a story in a newspaper or magazine. It isn't, and it won't be, and there is nothing whatsoever to fear from hearing what the players have to say, IMO.

 

These aren't people who hate the game and want to run it down. They are its lifeblood. If 75% of them think they aren't earning enough money to play it, and are looking elsewhere for opportunities to earn a better living, that's not an issue that ought to be swept under the carpet in a professional sport, is it?

[John Drake]

The timing could have been done better.  Why not a Monday?  Why today?  As mentioned on a previous post I think it was in an effort to piggy back on Salford's news, and it make one eague three look amateurish at best.

 

I've already answered this point earlier. The timing of the Salford press call is a (Salford) red herring here. The publication date of this issue of the mag was set in stone 12 months ago. The player poll has been in planning for months, since the new ed took over, and well before anyone knew there would be a press call about anything at Salford today. To repeat myself, the mag promo goes out online to coincide with the publication of the online edition, and that goes online the day before the print edition hits the shops, ie today. The exact same story with the exact same headline appears on page 3 of this week's issue of League Express, which was published on Monday, four days before Salford's press call.

[Dave T]

Maybe the players are just sick of being ignored and want to kick up a fuss to get someone to take note of what they think? And given the contempt with which some in this thread seem to hold their views, or even their right to hold any opinion at all, who can blame them?

If you carry out a poll like this, of course you want people to sit up and take notice of it. That's the whole point.

The players depend on the game for their living. Maybe, just maybe, their views are worth listening to?

If not now, when?

aye, the way to get a pay rise is by getting the Daily Star shouting about it.

[Dave T]

You mean when it would be virtually ignored?

Whenever a poll like this was published, there would be the usual chorus of disapproval that greets anything remotely 'off-message' these days, as if Rugby League was some fragile ornament that could be shattered by a story in a newspaper or magazine. It isn't, and it won't be, and there is nothing whatsoever to fear from hearing what the players have to say, IMO.

These aren't people who hate the game and want to run it down. They are its lifeblood. If 75% of them think they aren't earning enough money to play it, and are looking elsewhere for opportunities to earn a better living, that's not an issue that ought to be swept under the carpet in a professional sport, is it?

that 75% stat is 80% at my company.

Anybody who states they are getting paid enough is a bit silly imho.

[John Drake]

that 75% stat is 80% at my company.

 

How do you know, did someone ask, and did you then complain at the person who told you the result for bringing you the news at an inconvenient time?

[archibald]

Then the players should or get off the pot. Not happy? Do something about it. No one is forcing them to play rugby for a living.

[John Drake]

Then the players should ###### or get off the pot. Not happy? Do something about it. No one is forcing them to play rugby for a living.

 

Yes, heaven forbid that they should express a view on anything. Shoo! Begone with them all!! Troublemakers the lot of 'em.

 

(Shakes head)

[longboard]

It's not even saying that they want to go. It's just that they would consider going.

 

I wonder if the players were asked if they'd consider staying in SL but playing for a different club. It's one thing to consider doing something, it's quite another to actually do it.

 

Spot on brooza.

[Dave T]

How do you know, did someone ask, and did you then complain at the person who told you the result for bringing you the news at an inconvenient time?

No, of course not, our colleague surveys are done professionally and the results are reviewed by everyone with action plans put in place to address issues.

 

The results are not plastered in the media, and we certainly didn't shout from the rooftops RBS come and get us we are all unhappy!

Edited September 5, 2013 by Dave T

[Larry the Leit]

It does make you wonder what LPL's agenda is. I suppose I'd guess they've seen the negativity and apocalyptic nature of posts on here and decided to jump on board.

To sell papers?

Sinfield winning Golden Boot ring any bells?

[Northern Sol]

You mean when it would be virtually ignored?

 

Whenever a poll like this was published, there would be the usual chorus of disapproval that greets anything remotely 'off-message' these days, as if Rugby League was some fragile ornament that could be shattered by a story in a newspaper or magazine. It isn't, and it won't be, and there is nothing whatsoever to fear from hearing what the players have to say, IMO.

 

These aren't people who hate the game and want to run it down. They are its lifeblood. If 75% of them think they aren't earning enough money to play it, and are looking elsewhere for opportunities to earn a better living, that's not an issue that ought to be swept under the carpet in a professional sport, is it?

No, not at all but the magazine headline is unnecessarily sensationalist.

I welcome the fact that rugby league journalism is treated as more than just copy / pasting an RFL press release, sharing a few anecdotes and if there are a few inches to spare have a pop at the rah-rahs. The RFL should held to account for its decisions. But I think RLW got this one wrong.

[Northern Sol]

No, of course not, our colleague surveys are done professionally and the results are reviewed by everyone with action plans put in place to address issues.

 

The results are not plastered in the media, and we certainly didn't shout from the rooftops RBS come and get us we are all unhappy!

That's because your surveys are done at the request of the company you work for. Had the RFL or the individual clubs done them themselves then the results would probably have been treated in a similar fashion.

If the survey had been done by a trade union, I'm guessing that the management would find the results in the local trade paper.

[jpmc]

Good heavens i wonder what Mike Calvin would make of it all

[archibald]

Yes, heaven forbid that they should express a view on anything. Shoo! Begone with them all!! Troublemakers the lot of 'em.

 

(Shakes head)

Who's saying they shouldn't express their views? This "groundbreaking" survey, conducted by a players union finds that they want more money, earth shattering. If 75% feel that way, then surely we'll see a "lock-out" come play-offs time? Otherwise it's just a group of blokes having a whinge. They could point out that ticket prices have risen while their salaries are still capped, where's this money going?

Edited September 5, 2013 by archibald

[bar red]

Yes, heaven forbid that they should express a view on anything. Shoo! Begone with them all!! Troublemakers the lot of 'em.

 

(Shakes head)

OK John. you are right, everyone else is wrong but you are a journalist so your opinion is more worthy.