Re: Time to wave the white flag. : Fri Oct 21, 2016 7:39 am  

rafsanjhani wrote:

So thats it then?are we all done?merger it is back to uncle union.Weve gone through 2 world wars 3 centuries and we just roll over like a lovable old labrador

Like most things the answer is simple.

Employ an able ambitious CEO and give him TOTAL power for at least five years.

No need to sack those already there because experience counts, just let them know in no uncertain terms that the are subordinates and will be sacked if their own self interest comes before the game.
There is only ONE boss.

The clubs and especially the Chairman of the clubs be stripped of any say in the game because these men bring nothing but self interest to the table.

Fans on here shut the F up and just support the game. Oh and somebody gag Jamie Peacock.

If the RFL had this enviroment to work in over five years even a half decent one would work miracles, but it's sadly not the British way.

[Jimmythecuckoo]

Re: Time to wave the white flag. : Fri Oct 21, 2016 7:58 am  

Sadly a lot of this comes down to finance and influence. We seem to struggle with both.

Premiership rugby union gets an 8pm slot on a Sunday evening, and yes I watch it.

The Super League show is on at some late hour on a Monday when we have moved on to the next match.

But the nagging doubt is whether we make the most of what we have got and the resources and personnel we have.

Re: Time to wave the white flag. : Fri Oct 21, 2016 10:38 am  

Jimmythecuckoo wrote:

But the nagging doubt is whether we make the most of what we have got and the resources and personnel we have.

I think this is the key issue. I wonder sometimes if the RFL has adequate processes in place to maintain the level of efficiency and quality control needed to make the most of what RL does have.

I don't want to keep banging on about the organisation of the four nations, but they left it relatively late to announce the dates and venues and when they finally did some of the decisions were poorly thought out. They should have had a rough plan for the tournament before the even bid to host it, then from the moment they confirmed it they should have worked through established options to firm it up, that way they can get sensible times and dates. There is no real shortage of venues, it just needs good planning. The game in London should have been on a Saturday afternoon rather than a Sunday afternoon so it could be sold as an event. The double header in Coventry should have been timed differently to allow people to get the train home afterwards. There should have been somebody at the RFL doing a simple sense check, someone who thinks about the fundamental experience for the customer and asks "is this the optimal way in which to sell tickets given that we've struggled to sell the international game in recent years"? If the answer is no, then go back to the plan and fix it. It's not rocket science, it's just getting basics right first.

And it's not just the RFL, I think some of the clubs are little better. I take my son to the mini's section at the local amateur RU club and find they are better organised than some of the professional RL clubs I've had experience of.

Re: Time to wave the white flag. : Fri Oct 21, 2016 10:40 am  

The standard of rugby, facilities and climate that games are played in are much better these days and it makes you question why the sport’s growth remains fairly static. Personally I think for all the positive changes RL has made I believe it was a mistake dropping two knockout cup competitions all those years ago. Forget all this talk of players being fatigued, a good cup run was an easy way to reinvigorate local interest and gain new support. I understand the argument of players making too many appearances but isn’t this why teams have squads of 25 players? I have to question if this was just used as an excuse for continually failing to beat the Aussies rather than just admitting they're at a different level to us. Cup competitions are an opportunity to share out more success in the sport which ultimately is what attracts people to follow a club. More money, sponsorship, National TV exposure and local interest. It’s a no brainer for me because knock-out competitions are exciting and entertaining for the fans.

Re: Time to wave the white flag. : Fri Oct 21, 2016 3:50 pm  

How can you expect anything from a game that encourages short-term success over long-term gain? Clubs basically gambling to stay in Super League. Sure, P&R was entertaining this year, but at what cost to Hull KR and Salford to a degree. What happens if Leigh go down the following year? Unfortunately, the cold harsh truth is that Super League needs to be a close shop for a good 10 years or so to get its house in order. Whether it's 10 or 14 clubs, I don't really care. Also, the game is crying out for England to win a meaningful competition or test series when it really matters. Hopefully this starts with the 4Nations...

Re: Time to wave the white flag. : Fri Oct 21, 2016 5:10 pm  

Madderzahatter wrote:

How can you expect anything from a game that encourages short-term success over long-term gain? Clubs basically gambling to stay in Super League. Sure, P&R was entertaining this year, but at what cost to Hull KR and Salford to a degree. What happens if Leigh go down the following year? Unfortunately, the cold harsh truth is that Super League needs to be a close shop for a good 10 years or so to get its house in order. Whether it's 10 or 14 clubs, I don't really care. Also, the game is crying out for England to win a meaningful competition or test series when it really matters. Hopefully this starts with the 4Nations...

Franchising wasn't all it was cracked up to be, though. It made the competition dull - bottom clubs thought they could just coast through the season with poor recruiting and bad coaching. Cas are a perfect example of this.

Re: Time to wave the white flag. : Fri Oct 21, 2016 5:28 pm  

No matter what, people moan. The quality of the rugby, the set up, the governing body...moan moan moan. When we had franchising people said it sterilized the competition, when we did away with franchising people began to say it discourages long term planning which is ruining the game.

The game just doesn't have a lot of money. I sometimes wonder what people on here expect, when we have to negotiate sponsorship deals or what not it's going to be based on cold hard facts and figures. The average attendances are X, the primary audience is X..... 'we can't justify more than than x mount.' Most of the games you see on sky are played in front of 1/3 or half empty stadiums.

Relatively speaking tickets to events are peanuts. Look up the prices for the Four Nations. Furthermore people than want special offers and discount codes. In an era of an economic squeeze people can't be bothered to pay the meager prices to go to games because the entertainment just doesn't justify the extra money and effort to get there.

Re: Time to wave the white flag. : Fri Oct 21, 2016 5:53 pm  

FlexWheeler wrote:

Relatively speaking tickets to events are peanuts. Look up the prices for the Four Nations. Furthermore people than want special offers and discount codes. In an era of an economic squeeze people can't be bothered to pay the meager prices to go to games because the entertainment just doesn't justify the extra money and effort to get there.

It is hilarious when people ask for discounts on international tickets. It's so funny it hurts to laugh.

Re: Time to wave the white flag. : Fri Oct 21, 2016 6:37 pm  

This depressed rant is the kind of rubbish I hear from immigration officers at Manchester airport every time that I fly in.

There is a bright side. Toulouse is in the Championship and heading for Super League. Toronto Wolfpack is in League One and heading for Super League. Gregory Bird is signed with Catalans and heading for Super League. Things are finally looking up.

Re: Time to wave the white flag. : Fri Oct 21, 2016 7:13 pm  

I think for the sport over here to progress England need to win this 4 nations series and stop being losers every time. Easier said than done but another gallant effort and hard luck story isn't going to cut it I'm afraid. It's decades now since we won an International tournament or series against the aussies. This has impacted negatively on the sport here and I can't see any change until we can somehow pull something out of the bag. I think this failure at International level doesn't just affect attendances, it's also sponsorship, TV revenue and more kids taking up the sport.

You could have the best CEO and marketeers in world sport but they will be limited to what they can offer if people always consider us an inferior rugby league nation with an inferior domestic competition