DeeGan
06-02-06, 12:37 PM
Titans: Should we look at a 'sister' club in the UK?
Once we got the go ahead from the NRL on May 27, 2005, I was all for the Rhinos as my first choice name with the big picture in mind - to link to the Leeds Rhinos in the UK.
Some might say this was a Leeds fan looking the best of both competitions and whilst there is some element of truth to it, I was thinking we could in some way combine with the Rhinos and 'share' ideas as we head into the the unknown in 2007.
Fostering relations with a Super League club has many benefits:
1. We get a foot into the UK market that is neglected by the current 15 NRL clubs. UK fans love their footy as much as we do though on a smaller scale due to the Premiere League. The fans that are there are every bit as passionate about their club though you don't see nearly as many UK fans being vocal in their support of NRL clubs as fans here do. Is there anything bad that can come of getting UK fans to adopt us as there NRL club of choice? None I can come up with. There is a market there for an NRL club to get in to, why shouldn't it be the Titans who will be the 'flavour of the month' this time next season.
2. Player developement in two countries. Adopting a 'sister' club in the UK opens the door for advanced player developement - and in works both ways. We could send Academy players to the UK and vice versa. Experience like that cannot be brought, if anything, the UK club comes out on top pitting their young stars against the best we off in the QLD cup or lower grades.
3. Management free to exchange ideas re: marketing, sponsorship, recruitment, facilities etc. Michael has already being doing that to an extent with some UK clubs and Collingwood FC - why not make it an open door policy that continues for many, many years as we look to continually get better at what we do off the field.
4. Coaching benefits The meeting of like minds at a professional coaching level in rugby league is rare. Sure, NRL coaches get together a little and talk though having 'a sounding board' to discuss new ideas, strategies etc. would be something both parties would relish.
The above is only the tip of the ice-berg for two professional clubs looking to work together in two different hemishperes.
Thoughts?
Once we got the go ahead from the NRL on May 27, 2005, I was all for the Rhinos as my first choice name with the big picture in mind - to link to the Leeds Rhinos in the UK.
Some might say this was a Leeds fan looking the best of both competitions and whilst there is some element of truth to it, I was thinking we could in some way combine with the Rhinos and 'share' ideas as we head into the the unknown in 2007.
Fostering relations with a Super League club has many benefits:
1. We get a foot into the UK market that is neglected by the current 15 NRL clubs. UK fans love their footy as much as we do though on a smaller scale due to the Premiere League. The fans that are there are every bit as passionate about their club though you don't see nearly as many UK fans being vocal in their support of NRL clubs as fans here do. Is there anything bad that can come of getting UK fans to adopt us as there NRL club of choice? None I can come up with. There is a market there for an NRL club to get in to, why shouldn't it be the Titans who will be the 'flavour of the month' this time next season.
2. Player developement in two countries. Adopting a 'sister' club in the UK opens the door for advanced player developement - and in works both ways. We could send Academy players to the UK and vice versa. Experience like that cannot be brought, if anything, the UK club comes out on top pitting their young stars against the best we off in the QLD cup or lower grades.
3. Management free to exchange ideas re: marketing, sponsorship, recruitment, facilities etc. Michael has already being doing that to an extent with some UK clubs and Collingwood FC - why not make it an open door policy that continues for many, many years as we look to continually get better at what we do off the field.
4. Coaching benefits The meeting of like minds at a professional coaching level in rugby league is rare. Sure, NRL coaches get together a little and talk though having 'a sounding board' to discuss new ideas, strategies etc. would be something both parties would relish.
The above is only the tip of the ice-berg for two professional clubs looking to work together in two different hemishperes.
Thoughts?