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But without the personal investment in a particular side will it only be a curiosity - that's my point I grew up supporting NSW but since having lived in Melb I have found I can take or leave it - what will happen with people who weren't brought up following either NSW or QLD - or as happened in AF once it became truly national interest also went - if and when the NRL becomes national and there are players from SA, WA or Vic that could be the best will they really want to represent NSW or QLD??? I wouldn't want my son to because it's not HIS state.Cracker wrote:I disagree. Melbourne will follow any sport, including rugby league, and with passion. The core supporter group for the Storm is excellent. It may not be as big as say Collingwood (who's is?) but it's there. Melbourne fans also recognise the value of a rivalry, and Rugby League State of Origin is the biggest. They also recognise that it's a game. An event as well, but it's not an event alone. It's rugby league. It stands right alongside Aussie Rules as a great game, and genuine sports fans know it.Swans4ever wrote:No doubt it is an 'event' but interest does not translate into participation in the sport or sponsorship or even money - in the southern states it is a curiosity only - it may in time develop into an understanding of the sport and a following at club level - but as for actually developing a passionate following or even identifying with the teams, in time interest will wain where there is no attachment - hence it will only have those qualities in NSW/QLD!Cracker wrote:I did say "generally" competitive, Swans4ever. I think you know as well as I do that there are no figures available for individual clubs - for any elite level club let alone NRL. The State of Origin ratings clearly show that there is major interest in rugby league, and it gets capacity crowds as well.Swans4ever wrote:Yeah and tell me what precise number in the TV ratings represent a club???Cracker wrote:And yet the television ratings are generally competitive, and add in the State of Origin factor and your argument falls short of the mark.adamj1300 wrote:no the NRL has always had shit crowds and always will. the point in advertising and expecting people to pack stadiums, is something the bumsniffers need to stop dreaming about. the NRL has never had the revenue, sponsorship, membership or crowd figures to half what the AFL has. its not a matter of spending a billion on a new air con/heated, leather launge chair/ free wifi filled stadium or stop broad casting live games. it simple the NRL does not have the support or following as what you flogs think it does.Cracker wrote:No they wouldn't at present. They prefer to sit at home and watch the game on television. The venues are not attractive to attend on a regular basis.
However I will say that the first step needs to be ceasing free to air transmission live against the gate.
One of the big issues that may explain the issue is the NRL's conduct towards expansion of it's interests. I already mentioned in another thread the abandoning of the Adelaide Rams. Throw in the Reds as well. These should have been pursued. The Krushers should have been as well but that is now being rectified.cos789 wrote:Obviously wrong but we know what you mean.Cracker wrote:I disagree. Melbourne will follow any sport,
But' it's a question of degree isn't it.
Most people, most Australians, most Melbournians will find an attraction with some sports to some degree.
That degree is determined by a lot of factors. History being the largest. Immigration being another.
AFL is big because historically it is big but also it's a spectacular product capable of attracting new devotees.
If you look at sports at perceived areas of growth you must ask is this an internal or external influence.
In Perth there has been a constant influx of people. The population has more than doubled in the same time that
Adelaide has reached one million. It's status quo in Adelaide with relatively no influx of expats for rl or even AL.
In the same time there has been a steady of expats into Perth. They seem to attend an nrl game for nostalga sake
then forget or are converted. I don't see any evidence of home grown support for rl outside of Sydney and Brisbane.
And I see evidence for the growth of AF in these areas.
or anywhere else for that matter.ParraEelsNRL wrote:Who cares about Adelaide unless you are in Adelaide and want a team?
It is a pity they didn't, because if they did you would be needing to consume a serve of humble pie in my opinion.cos789 wrote:Adelaide would've been a total waste of time money and effort.
Pity they didn't.