st last month NRL powerbrokers flew to Los Angeles to meet with Lachlan Murdoch to talk shop. Broadcast negotiations and expansion - the pair work hand in hand.
ARLC chairman Peter V'landys and NRL chief commercial officer Andrew Abdo raised the prospect of a second Brisbane team and the idea of a new local derby from 2023, such was the desire to push the go button on expansion for the next TV rights deal.
But now the game is ready to scrap expansion plans altogether as they brace for a potential five-year aftershock from the coronavirus pandemic that threatens to cripple businesses around the world.
The groundwork for a 17th team to enter the competition in the next broadcast cycle had already been done and, by the end of this year, the NRL was meant to give the tick of approval to a second team in Brisbane. At least that was the plan.
The bidders had started to line up coaches and discussions were being had about what roster structure changes would need to be made to ensure there was enough depth in talent to cover for an additional team.
At best, plans are now on the backburner. But the reality of the situation has many inside NRL headquarters convinced expansion in 2023 is now dead.
Medical experts will tell you the finish line is nowhere near in sight, that perhaps Australia hasn't even left the starting blocks.
The NRL won't comment because there is a hope the game isn't severely impacted and could land on its feet, but something drastic would have to change for expansion to be put back on the list of priorities.
What was this year expected to be the biggest off-field talking point is now almost a moot point.
The NRL had formed a special committee at the start of last year to look into its expansion options, of which Perth has since been discarded.
The game will have its hands full ensuring the survival of its current 16 teams, let alone worrying about another.
Woman's r.l. to rival AFL ......absolutely ridiculous
Woman's r.l. to rival AFLW ......... still ridiculous.
Let he who is innocent of ridiculous posts be the only ones to criticise.
Woman's r.l. to rival AFL ......absolutely ridiculous
Woman's r.l. to rival AFLW ......... still ridiculous.
Let he who is innocent of ridiculous posts be the only ones to criticise.
Woman's r.l. to rival AFL ......absolutely ridiculous
Woman's r.l. to rival AFLW ......... still ridiculous.
Let he who is innocent of ridiculous posts be the only ones to criticise.
Um pal, I think Leeroy is pointing out that under the current circumstances it is STUPID to bag the NRL re expansion. Now....... coming from the bloke that it did is not surprising.............in fact it is exactly what I would expect from this clueless, idiotic man without a village.
If you don't understand what I am saying I can't help ya pal!!!
Woman's r.l. to rival AFL ......absolutely ridiculous
Woman's r.l. to rival AFLW ......... still ridiculous.
Let he who is innocent of ridiculous posts be the only ones to criticise.
You do such a great effort with your contributions
please come back
Woman's r.l. to rival AFL ......absolutely ridiculous
Woman's r.l. to rival AFLW ......... still ridiculous.
Let he who is innocent of ridiculous posts be the only ones to criticise.
You do such a great effort with your contributions
please come back
maybe read over your own nrl fans contributions then comment over an afl fans response
but he is right, about the woman's game, but but nrlw will rival aflw
Re: but but but expansion
Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2020 6:07 pm
by NRL&NFLweLaughATafl
Yet we still have 10 more first grade clubs than AFL in 4 more countries hey.
What a global smashing we have over AFL who are yet to get even a reserve grade side outside Australia
Actually the newest expansion has been from Rugby League not AFL.
Toronto Wolfpack started in Canada in 2017.
Re: but but but expansion
Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2020 7:35 pm
by Fred
Australian Rules has a national footprint in Australia played right across the country but indeed does struggle outside those bordered
Australian Rules has a national footprint in Australia played right across the country but indeed does struggle outside those bordered
I find it quite idiotic for NRL fans to skite about rugby league overseas.
Shouldn't rugby league in England be skiting about r.l. in Australia and around the world?
Australians have developed AFL around the world - that's something to be proud of.
Who do we credit with r.l. around the world - the British?
Re: but but but expansion
Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2020 8:27 pm
by AFLcrap1
Developed afl around the world
So many many many lols
Re: but but but expansion
Posted: Sun Mar 29, 2020 1:54 am
by Fred
The point being why would people in Australia be proud or bragging about a foreign game to this country Mekong some minor roads into other countries? The British should be saying look .. a third team football game in this country does well in two states in Australia .. and we have also got some other countries interested.
The point being why would people in Australia be proud or bragging about a foreign game to this country Mekong some minor roads into other countries? The British should be saying look .. a third team football game in this country does well in two states in Australia .. and we have also got some other countries interested.
Look at Fred getting all salty... By the way you can't even spell properly. Is that because your getting so upset at the truth?
Making not Mekong.
What does it matter where there game is from? AFL is more foreign to NSW and QLD than Rugby League anyway.
The simple fact is AFL is constantly getting rejected by other countries, no other nation likes your game. No point playing it down.
AFL is seen as too ridiculous to be taken seriously outside Australia.
As for minor inroads. Having professional & semi professional teams in 5 more countries than AFL is a bit more than minor.
That is a huge gap internationally Rugby League has over AFL.