Mascord: NRL should buy the ARU

[DIEHARD]

NRL should buy a stake in ARU to increase code's marketability
Steve Mascord

As we look towards 2015, Australia is actually one of the less interesting territories where rugby league is played, even if it remains the most significant.

In England, we have a revolutionary structure where two leagues divide into three midway through the season. In New Zealand, there is a push for a second NRL team and a buoyant national side.

And in places as diverse as Canada, the United Arab Emirates and the Pacific – the latter of which will field four teams full of professional players in mid-season Tests – things are growing very quickly.

We might even get an International Federation office and CEO this year (which I've been writing for roughly a decade).

By comparison, in Australia ratings and crowds may not be as poor as some have suggested but they have stagnated. The Sydney market is more cosmopolitan and choosy than at any time since 1908 and there is frankly an oversupply of matches each winter.

An oversupply of matches probably means an oversupply of clubs. If we are determined to keep the same number of clubs, perhaps we need to do what `80s rock bands do and play together on the same bill, with more double-headers and festival events in Sydney, to increase attendances and profit margins.

And of course, there is a good prospect – no, an imperative – to stage more events in new areas, given that American and European sports are increasing their presence in our backyard. We either get on board the globalisation express or allow those sports to marginalise us further with each passing year.

The merger with touch football is yet to bear fruit, even if rugby league's numbers in Australia shot up – technically – by a million in one swoop. Perhaps a summer Nines circuit featuring recently retired players and rookies could do more to bring the sports closer, although the one thing separating them – tackling – is a rather big hurdle.

Discord believes the NRL should actually consider using its $1.025 billion TV money (the next deal will be much, much more despite the challenges) in a rather daring way. I'd like to see rugby league in Australia buy a stake in rugby union.

The ARU's financial challenges are well documented. Roughly 12 months ago, every club in the country was asked to pay $200 to keep head office afloat.

If rugby league were to buy a stake in the ARU, it could knock down many barriers which currently force players to other codes. For a start, the Australian "rugby" team at the Olympics could be drawn from both codes (that will probably happen with some Pacific countries), which would make the NRL so much more attractive to athletes.

Rugby league in Australia is a club sport needing to strengthen its international component. Rugby union is the opposite. If rugby league were to launch a summer Nines circuit, it could also draw players from both codes.

If clubs can field teams in both sports – as happens in England – then the next logical step is for governing bodies to share resources.

Rugby union is not in a position of strength in Australia right now. As a former banker, NRL CEO David Smith should know that makes it vulnerable for a corporate takeover.

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Many thanks for all your support in 2014.

My plan for the year ahead is to do more of this – writing – and less of dashing around to four matches a week.

I seriously believe that many of the things a lot of us have been arguing for over a long period, such as expansion and a focus on international competition, are gaining widespread mainstream acceptance as we look ahead to a new year.

Rugby league is no longer isolated from the wider world in our interconnected society. It cannot rely on its old support networks in traditional territories. It has to look at itself as outsiders see it, and improve that image.

I have seen things like jersey launches, teams Tuesday, minor nations internationals and even the pre-match coin toss become social media obsessions after years of only anoraks and trainspotters caring about these things.

If the meek shall inherit the earth, the geeks will inherit rugby league.

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/

[DIEHARD]

Pretty wacky stuff. But fun to read after the ARU crowing about the imminent death of Rugby League over a decade ago.

[kioli]

Pretty funny stuff, but don't want to have a go at Mascord, he's just putting ideas out there...

Would prefer the NRL's money be spent on looking after RL though .

[DIEHARD]

Pretty funny stuff, but don't want to have a go at Mascord, he's just putting ideas out there...

Would prefer the NRL's money be spent on looking after RL though .

I feel the same way.

[Toads]

The idea isn't as silly as it first appears (IMO). If it was done right (as a complete takeover), and managed properly, it could develop into something quite good. The major hurdle I see is Dave Smith 'n Co having the nous to actually pull it off successfully.

It'd be a huge gamble, but it could be done.

[Mexican titan]

Mascord is one of the better thinking journos that write about the game and a refreshing change from idiot Rothfield and that bag Rebecca Wilson. However this idea is from left field, even outer universe perhaps.
I doubt if the Union mob would sell any stake to anyone connected with League no matter how broke they are.

[Titanic]

The question should also include: why shouldn't we buy Netball, Ice Hockey and Cricket = because we are rugby league.