philip jenningsTimes are changing for NRL
May 16th 2008 14:45
As we head toward the first State of Origin match next Wednesday, with Queensland has favourites, a quick look at the NRL table confirms why Queensland's dominance may be present for many years to come.
The Titans and Broncos are firmly entrenched at the top of the table. Melbourne, although a city in Victoria, is made up of several Queensland players. The Cowboys are an exception to the theory, however have been in the mix around finals time over the last few years. As many rugby league commentators correctly pointed out, they were always going to struggle after coach Graham Murray was sacked before a ball was kicked.
Rugby League is changing and although its spiritual home is in New South Wales, its future may lie in Queensland. Slow pre-ticket sales for Centenary Test at the SCG led many astute rugby league followers to predict that if the game was held in Queensland, it would have sold out Suncorp Stadium.
Sydney's apparent lack of interest may be attributed to the wide variety of sports on offer. Rugby Union, AFL, Football and Rugby League administrators are fighting for a slice of the pie. Victorians are very dedicated to the AFL, hence the Melbourne Storm's constant battle to gain a foothold in the market. Although all four codes are played in Queensland, recent success has been in Rugby League as the Reds (Rugby Union) and Lions (AFL) struggle to gain ascendancy in their respective competitions.
As Sydney becomes to expensive to live in, many young families are moving to a much more affordable state, in Queensland. The dominance of non-Sydney teams is fantastic for the growth of the game. As Sydney's demographics and fan's habits change, NRL CEO David Gallop must remember to nurture the game's heartland by ensuring junior development has the necessary resources and funding to maintain its position as the number 1 winter sport in Sydney.
The Titans and Broncos are firmly entrenched at the top of the table. Melbourne, although a city in Victoria, is made up of several Queensland players. The Cowboys are an exception to the theory, however have been in the mix around finals time over the last few years. As many rugby league commentators correctly pointed out, they were always going to struggle after coach Graham Murray was sacked before a ball was kicked.
Rugby League is changing and although its spiritual home is in New South Wales, its future may lie in Queensland. Slow pre-ticket sales for Centenary Test at the SCG led many astute rugby league followers to predict that if the game was held in Queensland, it would have sold out Suncorp Stadium.
Sydney's apparent lack of interest may be attributed to the wide variety of sports on offer. Rugby Union, AFL, Football and Rugby League administrators are fighting for a slice of the pie. Victorians are very dedicated to the AFL, hence the Melbourne Storm's constant battle to gain a foothold in the market. Although all four codes are played in Queensland, recent success has been in Rugby League as the Reds (Rugby Union) and Lions (AFL) struggle to gain ascendancy in their respective competitions.
As Sydney becomes to expensive to live in, many young families are moving to a much more affordable state, in Queensland. The dominance of non-Sydney teams is fantastic for the growth of the game. As Sydney's demographics and fan's habits change, NRL CEO David Gallop must remember to nurture the game's heartland by ensuring junior development has the necessary resources and funding to maintain its position as the number 1 winter sport in Sydney.
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