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- May 15, 2017
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I reckon there’s more to it than just the rule changes. The NRL are obviously trying to shield themselves from future NFL style lawsuits based on concussions that cost the NFL $500m which would bankrupt the NRL (some may say good but it could be the end of the game in Australia - be careful what you wish for).
We obviously don’t want it to become touch or OzTag but the reality is anything above the shoulders can no longer be accepted for medical and legal reasons.
On top of that Australia is a different place today it was 20+ years ago - not only in terms of demographics but interests. I hardly see anyone wearing footy gear these days unless it’s enroute to or at a game. In the past it was far more common to see people out and about wearing their team’s kit. We have everything at our fingertips today - it’s just too easy for people to not bother going to games and to turn Netflix on straight after the game. Footy is caught in the battle for share of wallet and time.
I also reckon the next broadcast deal will result in less revenue. For years the NRL pushed the price up but now the media companies would have some strong arguments to pay less going forward.
So yeah, the game has some big challenges that the brass are going to have to work hard to ensure things don’t deteriorate further. For now I’ll say the game is under observation for a HIA (How Interesting Assessment) but I don’t think it’s ready for retirement or on life support - at this stage.
We obviously don’t want it to become touch or OzTag but the reality is anything above the shoulders can no longer be accepted for medical and legal reasons.
On top of that Australia is a different place today it was 20+ years ago - not only in terms of demographics but interests. I hardly see anyone wearing footy gear these days unless it’s enroute to or at a game. In the past it was far more common to see people out and about wearing their team’s kit. We have everything at our fingertips today - it’s just too easy for people to not bother going to games and to turn Netflix on straight after the game. Footy is caught in the battle for share of wallet and time.
I also reckon the next broadcast deal will result in less revenue. For years the NRL pushed the price up but now the media companies would have some strong arguments to pay less going forward.
So yeah, the game has some big challenges that the brass are going to have to work hard to ensure things don’t deteriorate further. For now I’ll say the game is under observation for a HIA (How Interesting Assessment) but I don’t think it’s ready for retirement or on life support - at this stage.