Great topic but no simple answer. A plethora of issues within the game none on their own are key critical but collectively they are bringing the game down to the point where I just do not see a long term credible future for the sport. In no particular order here for me are some of the issues that need addressing
Lack of stars within the game. With ST not the player he was I don't think we have one real quality player in the competition. Too many mediocre players and few if any personalities that known outside the traditional areas. The SC has got to be increased.
Too many games that have no importance which leads to lack of intensity and strongly contested matches. Every minute counts my arris.
The magic weekend is an excuse for a booze up which in itself I have no problem with but it adds zero to the sport. Mediocrety is rewarded or at least not punished.
Pool of players to pick from is too small. Historically RU plus Aus and NZ helped fill this gap. This gap just hasn't been filled.
Everything revolves around the PTB. Nothing else matters. Leads to cheating, moaning, scrappy play, lack of imagination etc etc. This is one fault that can be fixed overnight. Refs need apply the rules not just for defence but also attack where no one seems to play the ball correctly or from the correct place.
Lack of reserve team football. The gap from u19s to first x13 is too large. Easily fixed. All teams in SL must have a reserve team and an academy if they don't they forfeit the right to play in the competition.
The current deal with Sky has got be renegotiated. I know the ink is still drying but without increased revenues the game can't attract top NRL stars or keep the few we currently have.
Too many interchanges. Too many Jack of all trade players with zero masters.
Poor leadership from the top. What has Barwick brought to the sport? Wood comes across as useless and unaware of the por quality of his sport.
Exceptionally poor fitness levels. A game now last for 2 hours but most forwards are on the pitch for less than 40 minutes.
No biff anymore. This might upset some but most people want it nay expect it. I couldn't believe it last year when Simms chinned young Williams and not one Wigan player didn't attempt to put Simms on his arris.
Water carriers. I'd gladly see these guys hung drown and quartered.
Coaching. No new newness no freshness.
Sky. Match day ok but all other reporting eg Boots and All has just disappeared. Thursday and Friday matches! Let's get back to Saturday or Sunday games.
Non existent media coverage. This is currently embarrassing but easily sorted with the right expertise in place.
Basic skills replaced with wrestling and moaning. We have "centres" who just can't pass and its accepted as the norm within the game. Mediocrety accepted and rewarded.
I could go on and on. Some are for me easy to resolve whilst others wil take years.
I think the most important is new blood at the top of the sport. We need energy, newness, imagination and raised levels of expectations.
Someone mentioned another Uncle Mo I think we need someone from outside the sport who isn't tainted either Lankie/Yorkie or Wigan/Leeds who will grab the sport by the proverbial short curlies into the future.
Personally I fear for the future unless we get someone from the top drawer to turn the sport around.
