Internationals 2021 Rugby League World Cup

[Sup42]

Island tests will sell out large stadiums here in NZ no problem.

The idea Australia is the sole money earner is backward.

That has changed, people want to see these games more than they want to see that stale Origin shit.

The problem is the world bows to Aussie because they cannot imagine doing things differently.

That is changing.

Get on it Dean Lonergan / Karl Budge.

 

[Noitall]

Island tests will sell out large stadiums here in NZ no problem.

The idea Australia is the sole money earner is backward.

That has changed, people want to see these games more than they want to see that stale Origin shit.

The problem is the world bows to Aussie because they cannot imagine doing things differently.

That is changing.

Get on it Dean Lonergan / Karl Budge.

There’s nothing profound in that breakdown of funds produced by who. Aussie has all the nrl games, origin, presumably the tv deals for viewing and NZ has a couple of nrl games with the Warriors in the comp and a test here and there. NZ showed in 2017 that this was a goldmine for ticket sales with Tonga on the bill and likely Samoa would be the same. Admittedly covid came along but nothing has been done to capitalise on this by the powers in RL and with all the lip service over the last couple of years, the Warriors support has been poor too. It’s no wonder Aussie generates majority of the money when all the league is held there.

 

[Jaffa J]

What Samoa has done this World Cup is amazing and great for the game but the fanbase needs to calm down abit going after Australia isn't gonna fix anything also Congratulations to Australia

 

[dean]

Island tests will sell out large stadiums here in NZ no problem.

The idea Australia is the sole money earner is backward.

That has changed, people want to see these games more than they want to see that stale Origin shit.

The problem is the world bows to Aussie because they cannot imagine doing things differently.

That is changing.

Get on it Dean Lonergan / Karl Budge.

NRL and SOO are the commercial product which generates the money. The person holding the cheque book makes the rules.
League is almost dead here and shows no signs of recovering, there is no money.
Hoping to fill large stadiums here with predominantly Island supporters is probably not worth the commercial punt. Look at the warriors pre covid. Crowd size depended on performance.

 

[Wigan Warrior]

NRL and SOO are the commercial product which generates the money. The person holding the cheque book makes the rules.
League is almost dead here and shows no signs of recovering, there is no money.
Hoping to fill large stadiums here with predominantly Island supporters is probably not worth the commercial punt. Look at the warriors pre covid. Crowd size depended on performance.

Haven't Tonga sold out Mt Smart twice now? A series against the Kiwis would be a big sell surely?

 

[Hardyman's Yugo]

Chrichton’s first conversion

 

[Hardyman's Yugo]

 

[Brother Faisal]

I think part of the problem with aus is that if they’re not making money they don’t want you to make money for yourselves. Tests between Tonga Samoa and nz will sell out if you announced it today I bet you. The problem is you can’t until the nrl determine their cba their schedule etc and then they want a piece of the broadcasting etc to tie in with the overarching nrl brand governing it.

Ultimately the greatest hinderance is origin.

The only way I see things changing is if origin was after the nrl season. You would then get a month of international league going along side origin. Every other way you cut it up it won’t work. Until that happens. Nothing much changes

 

[Hardyman's Yugo]

 

[JaggedJ]

The problem in regards to more tests for NZ, Tonga, Samoa, Eng, and Fiji should be included in this discussion - is that the self interest from NRL clubs will trump all and players will pull out if pressured.

It's not an Australia thing as much as a self interest thing from clubs - the same reason we were never able to get a kiwi roots or NZ vs Pacifika match off the ground.

Origin is the elephant in the room now. Said the same thing about a decade ago. The money it generates is too valuable, but it's reached its ceiling how far it can grow the game as anybody who cares about Origin already cares. For everyone else an exhibition game between QLD and NSW is meaningless and somewhat confusing compared to country vs country matches.

The rise of Tonga and Samoa will probably increase the issue with Origin as passionate PI fans would rather watch their own country now ahead of Origin.

Unless the head buried in the sand brigade get their way and ban players from playing for both Samoa/Tonga and QLD/NSW at which point SOO will become the gun aimed at the head of players and could cripple the progress made by Tonga/Samoa/Fiji.

 

[Mr Brownstone]

Haven't Tonga sold out Mt Smart twice now? A series against the Kiwis would be a big sell surely?

Yeah but the odd game that sells out a 25k stadium doesn’t count for shit in terms of generating profits. It’s all about broadcasting rights - and despite what some on here like to think, that’s always going to be dominated by NRL and, at least for the foreseeable future, Origin.

Also re the Origin eligibility rules - again I think the motivation has been more about trying to protect the authenticity of that series - keeping it to what it was all about back in 1980 when big Artie led Queensland out and thumped Mick Cronin. I don’t think the current eligibility criteria is correct, however it’s a complex issue and I don’t think it’s about weakening the Kiwis.

 

[Fonzie]

Would that high figure for Aussie be anything to do with tv deals for nrl etc?

Those figures are based on the total size of the economies, nothing to do with league. But it shows you where the money is for crowds, sponsors and broadcasters.

Edit: https://m.statisticstimes.com/economy/oceania-gdp.php

 

[Noitall]

Those figures are based on the total size of the economies, nothing to do with league. But it shows you where the money is for crowds, sponsors and broadcasters.

Edit: https://m.statisticstimes.com/economy/oceania-gdp.php

Sorry, I thought those stats were something to with RL. I guess by that logic it shows why they are trying to take the game to the states rather than grow it in NZ.

 

[Beastmode]

I don’t get it. Why is everyone blaming Australia for their world problems ?

Without Australia there would be no rugby league.

Look at the state of NZRL, the Warriors, and international Rugby league as a whole. We’re a disorganised basket case compared to Australia.

Congrats to Samoa in reaching the final. Exceeded all my expectations. And congrats to Australia. They are rightfully the best in the world at this sport.

This World Cup was a bit of a farce for me. I think a top 6 tournament between

Aus
Eng
NZ
Tonga
Samoa
Fiji

would be awesome to watch…. dont think its much of a money maker in terms of tv deals though … only two nations with any $$$ on that list….

 

[RiceOwl]

My thoughts on the World Cup...

I thoroughly enjoyed it partly because of how terrible the Warriors were this past year, the Kiwis gave me something to be excited about and prideful of. The WC spectacle was decent but was saddened to see the poor crowds likely due to the high ticket prices. I hoped outside of Samoa that another team outside of the big 3/4 wouldve produced an upset here or there but not to be and was largely the status quo.

I am still not convinced that Aus are the best team in the world anymore. They got there in the end, but this lot dont have anything on the Lewis, Johns, or Smith eras imo. In Madges words, the rest are catching up and I believe that to be the case as well. I felt the kiwis didnt have a great all round tournament but the game last week showed me they deserved to be the #1 side (slightly tinted glasses...possibly).

Fantastic seeing Samoa in the final and that really is the success story of the world cup. Sup - I am not fully onboard your line of thinking about the full scale pacific revolution, but you are right in many aspects and that RL has changed and is certainly shifting in that direction so much so that the Powerbrokers of Aus will have to take notice.

Which brings me to my last point after reading a number of posts above about the Australian power and stronghold over the game. Of course they hold the power due to the financial investment and outcomes from the game, but what shits me is there is this arrogance towards not wanting to truly support expansion of the international game and keeping SOO as the 'pinnacle' of the game. Surely this is shortsightedness? Surely if the game grew internationally and especially took hold in the Pacific moreso than union then the game AND the NRL would benefit? But instead this shortsightedness prevents more international games from being played and SOO protected.

Its also the arrogance of the Australian governance that influences the international game, and that is everything from not having neutral refs (such an easy fix and I cant think of any other sport that has such a blatant conflict of interest when it comes to officiating), scheduling, and judiciary etc.

Just my two cents. Enjoy the offseason and heres to backing Webby and the boys next year.

 

[Hardyman's Yugo]

Vossy has enjoyed his trip to the UK.

Gone to meet his mates in Workington and done a Cumbrian Tapas taste test

 

[Wigan Warrior]

My thoughts on the World Cup...

I thoroughly enjoyed it partly because of how terrible the Warriors were this past year, the Kiwis gave me something to be excited about and prideful of. The WC spectacle was decent but was saddened to see the poor crowds likely due to the high ticket prices. I hoped outside of Samoa that another team outside of the big 3/4 wouldve produced an upset here or there but not to be and was largely the status quo.

I am still not convinced that Aus are the best team in the world anymore. They got there in the end, but this lot dont have anything on the Lewis, Johns, or Smith eras imo. In Madges words, the rest are catching up and I believe that to be the case as well. I felt the kiwis didnt have a great all round tournament but the game last week showed me they deserved to be the #1 side (slightly tinted glasses...possibly).

Fantastic seeing Samoa in the final and that really is the success story of the world cup. Sup - I am not fully onboard your line of thinking about the full scale pacific revolution, but you are right in many aspects and that RL has changed and is certainly shifting in that direction so much so that the Powerbrokers of Aus will have to take notice.

Which brings me to my last point after reading a number of posts above about the Australian power and stronghold over the game. Of course they hold the power due to the financial investment and outcomes from the game, but what shits me is there is this arrogance towards not wanting to truly support expansion of the international game and keeping SOO as the 'pinnacle' of the game. Surely this is shortsightedness? Surely if the game grew internationally and especially took hold in the Pacific moreso than union then the game AND the NRL would benefit? But instead this shortsightedness prevents more international games from being played and SOO protected.

Its also the arrogance of the Australian governance that influences the international game, and that is everything from not having neutral refs (such an easy fix and I cant think of any other sport that has such a blatant conflict of interest when it comes to officiating), scheduling, and judiciary etc.

Just my two cents. Enjoy the offseason and heres to backing Webby and the boys next year.

You pretty much nailed it there for me. All about origin (right or wrong) for the Aussies and then when they do play at international level it has to be on their terms. They're already better than the rest without needing to bring their own refs etc etc

 

[Wigan Warrior]

Vossy has enjoyed his trip to the UK.

Gone to meet his mates in Workington and done a Cumbrian Tapas taste test

Galloway's are definitely the greatest pies in the world.

 

[Beastmode]

Its also the arrogance of the Australian governance that influences the international game, and that is everything from not having neutral refs (such an easy fix and I cant think of any other sport that has such a blatant conflict of interest when it comes to officiating), scheduling, and judiciary etc.

Let’s never forget the underarm they pulled on us in cricket…. totally unnecessary and bashfully arrogant.

It’s the farts at the top of the food chain. They’ll happily instate an Aussie ref if it helps them guarantee a win. Sure, it’s going to cause a ruffus amongst the minions. But if it guarantees an Aussie victory. Worth it.

 

[Defence]

Really enjoyed the World Cup but not having neutral refs put a fly in the ointment.
Makes the sport look so amateur.
Was at a farewell party last night for some friends who are moving back to France and while slightly intoxicated promised them we’d go stay with them for the 2025 World Cup so better get saving I guess…..