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Rugby League Re-Structuring

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(@frankg)
Noble Member

An Australian and former Hull Chief Executive, Shane Richardson, has circulated proposals to the NRL and some SL clubs on proposals to re0structure the game. His main intention is the proposals are intended to promote the international games in order to have a viable world-wide game. Without these changes, he foresees that game in the UK at all levels, going part-time within two years.

His proposals include an independent body to run the UK game in order to get away from the current fractured structure, with those running the game having a self-interest in their own clubs rather than making decisions for the good of the game. He has also proposed a 10-team SL (including two French teams, a Welsh team and Newcastle), but more importantly a properly funded second tier with promotion and relegation.

I have no idea who Shane Richardson is or what his interest is in the UK game, but his proposals at least should be addressed by those running the game.

He is right about the fractured state of the UK game; the benefits of having a viable international game that could promote the game world-wide; the need to move away from the UK game being run for the benefit of a few SL teams; and the need for a viable second tier in the game with promotion and relegation.

The most sensible suggestion from someone in the game that I have heard for some time.

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Topic starter Posted : 26/06/2021 2:06 pm
widneslatic
(@widneslatic)
Reputable Member

An Australian and former Hull Chief Executive, Shane Richardson, has circulated proposals to the NRL and some SL clubs on proposals to re0structure the game. His main intention is the proposals are intended to promote the international games in order to have a viable world-wide game. Without these changes, he foresees that game in the UK at all levels, going part-time within two years. His proposals include an independent body to run the UK game in order to get away from the current fractured structure, with those running the game having a self-interest in their own clubs rather than making decisions for the good of the game. He has also proposed a 10-team SL (including two French teams, a Welsh team and Newcastle), but more importantly a properly funded second tier with promotion and relegation. I have no idea who Shane Richardson is or what his interest is in the UK game, but his proposals at least should be addressed by those running the game. He is right about the fractured state of the UK game; the benefits of having a viable international game that could promote the game world-wide; the need to move away from the UK game being run for the benefit of a few SL teams; and the need for a viable second tier in the game with promotion and relegation. The most sensible suggestion from someone in the game that I have heard for some time.

Shane Richardson was the CEO of the original Gateshead Thunder club, he "saved" Hull FC from going bust at the end of the 1999 season by "merging" the 2 clubs, the new club carried on as the Hull FC we know today, but with a vastly improved squad and no mention of Gateshead! ...much to the derision of the Thunder supporters, who in defiance, set up a new Gateshead Thunder club, which entered into the Northern Ford Premiership in 2001.

He is right about the UK game heading back towards part time, but his 10 team Super League idea is a joke.

He's just another in a long line of "dodgy saviours" with even dodgier ulterior motives...

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Posted : 26/06/2021 10:36 pm
(@sandgroper)
Noble Member

After looking at Wane's England side and having the advantage of watching regular Aussie games plus the SoO does anyone think that we are ready for the World Cup?

To play the Aussies or NZ would be another drop in our street cred.

Grab the chance to defer it until next year!!!

 

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Posted : 27/06/2021 7:06 am
(@royston-vasey)
Honorable Member

An Australian and former Hull Chief Executive, Shane Richardson, has circulated proposals to the NRL and some SL clubs on proposals to re0structure the game. His main intention is the proposals are intended to promote the international games in order to have a viable world-wide game. Without these changes, he foresees that game in the UK at all levels, going part-time within two years. His proposals include an independent body to run the UK game in order to get away from the current fractured structure, with those running the game having a self-interest in their own clubs rather than making decisions for the good of the game. He has also proposed a 10-team SL (including two French teams, a Welsh team and Newcastle), but more importantly a properly funded second tier with promotion and relegation. I have no idea who Shane Richardson is or what his interest is in the UK game, but his proposals at least should be addressed by those running the game. He is right about the fractured state of the UK game; the benefits of having a viable international game that could promote the game world-wide; the need to move away from the UK game being run for the benefit of a few SL teams; and the need for a viable second tier in the game with promotion and relegation. The most sensible suggestion from someone in the game that I have heard for some time.

Shane Richardson was the CEO of the original Gateshead Thunder club, he “saved” Hull FC from going bust at the end of the 1999 season by “merging” the 2 clubs, the new club carried on as the Hull FC we know today, but with a vastly improved squad and no mention of Gateshead! …much to the derision of the Thunder supporters, who in defiance, set up a new Gateshead Thunder club, which entered into the Northern Ford Premiership in 2001. He is right about the UK game heading back towards part time, but his 10 team Super League idea is a joke. He’s just another in a long line of “dodgy saviours” with even dodgier ulterior motives…

You have taken a dislike to the man so all of his ideas must be rubbish ?

Why is a ten team top tier ‘a joke’ ? F you’ve seen the proposals and operations plan for the league can you let us know what the joke is ?

The game is dying on it’s feet - I think all genuine proposals to look at restructuring the game to try and provide a future for the game should be considered.

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Posted : 27/06/2021 8:48 am
(@sinbad)
Noble Member

He makes some sensible proposals but an independent body running the game would mean the top clubs relinquishing power. Forget it.Good idea but not gonna happen.Too much self interest and it will remain that  way as long as Sky TV are still there and putting money in.

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Posted : 27/06/2021 9:34 am
(@gpo1971)
Honorable Member

Something needs to happen. If I was Saints, Leeds, Wigan & Wire I'd be asking the RFU if I could join them. Watched a few RU games lately and that game is well ahead of us now, used to be just off the pitch where they bettered us but the rugby being served up in their game is of a far better quality now than we get.

The future of the game needs to be taken out of the hands of the few and passed to an independent management team to take it forward. I doubt their suggestions would be palatable to all but, at the moment, to be frank, there isn't a great deal of point to RL.

As for the International game, a major problem as I see it is that there are only 3 teams who play it and 2 aren't really interested. For them, it's not the pinnacle of the sport so it's not that important. This year's WC might get called off this week and I doubt the Aussies and NZ will be unduly bothered.

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Posted : 27/06/2021 9:39 am
(@frankg)
Noble Member

At least someone has actually said what most fans of the game are thinking; that the game is currently mismanaged for the benefit of a few clubs and is slowly, but inevitably, sinking  into oblivion (or at least part-time!). These proposals may not be perfect, but at last need to be considered by those running the game, who must see the issue and that restructuring of the game is needed urgently. The RFL/SL probably won't do anything, but an independent review body should be set up urgently, with a view to considering proposals for the restructuring of the game, with the remit of presenting their findings within 6-12 months.

Personally, I think a  10 team SL is too small and the aim should be a league where teams can play each other home and away over a season. This would probably need a 14 team premier league at least, leaving the remaining 22 clubs to form the second/third tier league(s). Those clubs, who rely almost entirely on central funding to survive, may need to do more to promote local support for their club through increased attendances and sponsorship and using other income streams. It could also mean some clubs accepting that they are not viable on a part-time or full-time basis.

I entirely agree with the suggestion that promoting the international game is the best way to develop the game on a world-wide basis, rather than SL/RFL jumping into bed with any passing millionaire to bring in a fake overseas team into the UK game, with little or no thought to developing the game in that country.  I would guess that at some stage, Catalan and Toulouse will both want to return to a French league if the game expands in France. This would not preclude the possibility of some kind of European competition being developed.

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Topic starter Posted : 27/06/2021 9:43 am
(@jdgsport)
Prominent Member Admin

Something needs to happen. If I was Saints, Leeds, Wigan & Wire I’d be asking the RFU if I could join them. Watched a few RU games lately and that game is well ahead of us now, used to be just off the pitch where they bettered us but the rugby being served up in their game is of a far better quality now than we get. The future of the game needs to be taken out of the hands of the few and passed to an independent management team to take it forward. I doubt their suggestions would be palatable to all but, at the moment, to be frank, there isn’t a great deal of point to RL. As for the International game, a major problem as I see it is that there are only 3 teams who play it and 2 aren’t really interested. For them, it’s not the pinnacle of the sport so it’s not that important. This year’s WC might get called off this week and I doubt the Aussies and NZ will be unduly bothered.

Pains me to say it - but if RL merged with RU, would anyone but die hard RL fans even notice?

Certainly in the UK, you could merge the two sports and even the top clubs would probably be accommodated. You put those four teams and maybe Hull in the Rugby Premiership, and you'd have a really nice 18-team competition with a good spread across the country.

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Posted : 27/06/2021 9:10 pm
(@frankg)
Noble Member

Rugby Union is built around a strong international structure. The game at club level does not attract great crowds.

The key difference is that RU have managed to evolve into a more running game than it used to be, when previously it was all about kicking for position and very much a stop-start game (sound familiar?). Having said that, I have watched a couple of RU Premiership games, which were far from entertaining.

RU have also managed to bring money into the game from their tv deal and sponsorship, that puts the RFL/SL to shame with its free pizza deal!  In fact, RL seems to have regressed into being similar to the old RU game!!!

I doubt whether the fans at Wigan, Leeds, St Helens, Warrington and Hull would welcome a move to RU. The aim of RL should be to change the failing management of the game and to challenge RU in areas like London, Newcastle, Leicester, Worcester etc. Maybe if the game can get its act together, RU clubs may be looking to move to RL in the future.

 

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Topic starter Posted : 28/06/2021 8:05 am
(@sandgroper)
Noble Member

The acquisition of RL coaches by the RU has undoubtedly changed their game and made it more watchable.

Adam Pearson in the LE today is expressing concern, as most fans do, and predicts all but a well-heeled few being forced to go Part Time in the next couple of years. He cites a £750,000 shortfall, presumably at Hull!!!!

Other attractions will always grab Sky etc attention, they can't stand still.

Our board are obviously being cautious until it becomes clearer where the game is going.

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Posted : 28/06/2021 11:30 am
(@frankg)
Noble Member

The acquisition of RL coaches by the RU has undoubtedly changed their game and made it more watchable. Adam Pearson in the LE today is expressing concern, as most fans do, and predicts all but a well-heeled few being forced to go Part Time in the next couple of years. He cites a £750,000 shortfall, presumably at Hull!!!! Other attractions will always grab Sky etc attention, they can’t stand still. Our board are obviously being cautious until it becomes clearer where the game is going.

Perhaps it would help all clubs if the salary cap was substantially reduced to reflect the reduced income from Sky; and the central funding to be distributed on a fairer basis to all clubs.

This may well put an end to highly paid imports from Australia, but would give more opportunity for home grown players to progress in the game. It may also result in a more competitive game, not dominated and run for the benefit of a few clubs. This may also promote an exodus of players to Australia or RU, but not all moves have proved successful for some players.

Are clubs blindly heading to financial meltdown by paying players more than they can afford in their chase for SL glory. Surely, now is the time for the RFL/SL to set up an Independent Inquiry to look into the future of the game.

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Topic starter Posted : 28/06/2021 11:53 am
(@sandgroper)
Noble Member

That is a sensible option Frank, but unlikely to attract support from our wealthy few. They are, seemingly, oblivious to the state of the game outside their bubble.

Cetainly when someone of Pearson's standing and sense of just how much outside finance controls our game's top clubs expresses concerns I suspect that he feels that his limit is reached. Compare that to our situation and you can see just how likely we are to challenge for top honours.

In my view we are unlikely to ever become a wealthy man's plaything, competing in an honest competition is adequate for me but I can appreciate that youngsters always want the top honours!

Time will tell, and it maybe this year that some clubs will find that the likely cuts will kill them.

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Posted : 28/06/2021 5:40 pm
 CJ91
(@cj91)
Noble Member

The focus should be on player production above all else.

Lack of players would kill the sport more surely than it going PT.

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Posted : 28/06/2021 6:33 pm
(@gpo1971)
Honorable Member

Reducing the salary cap will ensure that all the best players jump ship to the NRL or to RU.

The game was stronger when it didn't have a salary cap at all. Maybe less competitive but stronger overall.

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Posted : 29/06/2021 7:16 am
Former Chemic
(@former-chemic)
Honorable Member

If the gossip/news reports are to be believed , it looks like Leigh won’t be relegated this season and that Toulouse and Featherstone will join them in SL

That’ll make 14 clubs for 2022 before another proposed re-jig to create 2 SL divisions with 10 teams in each!

Only in RL!!!

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Posted : 30/07/2021 8:51 pm
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