With everyone, and their dog, running the NRL right now, we at Zero Tackle are going to take a different tact, and make suggestions we would like to see down the track, to improve the game.
Make no mistake, rugby league is far from broken, however there are always suggestions on the table to improve out game. These are eight weโd like to suggest.
1. One referee system
For reasons I canโt completely understand, the two referee system just doesnโt work. To be honest though, I have seen a slight improvement since the senior referee has taken over the majority of the game, however the inconsistency is still there. Of course one referee cannot referee every game, every week, so there are always going to be inconsistencies, but one referee taking control for 80 minutes is the best way forward. We currently only have four or five good referees in first grade. Iโd like to see the pocket referees taking control of NSW cup games until they are up to first grade. The best refereed games of the season are internationals, games that are taken control by one referee.
2. Lower prices across the board (Tiered ticketing system ala EPL)
I may be in the minority, but I believe NRL games are overpriced. $30 for a general admission ticket to a suburban ground is ridiculous. The Origin prices that came out during the week are a blatant cash grab. Prices are up, crowds are down. Makes sense to me. Iโd like to see a tiered ticketing system implemented. Monday Night games for instance should be much cheaper than Sunday afternoon games. For instance, games that feature say The Sharks hosting the Cowboys should be cheaper than a game that features a clash with the Dragons. Supply and demand. Food and alcohol prices are also insanity. $7.50 for a beer? $5 for a pie? Not horrible when itโs just you heading to the game, but for a family of four?
3. Bush โMagic Weekendโ
Borrowing from the Super Leagueโs idea of a โMagic Weekendโ Iโd love to see an entire round of footy taken to the country. The NRL should subsidise clubs for lost revenue on season tickets, gate takings etc, but itโd be well worth it to expose kids in remote areas to the in the country, and the world. I have written extensively about this in the past so I wonโt go into it in detail, however there are plenty of fans out there who would absolutely love the opportunity to see a live game.
4. Fairer FTA coverage
I fully understand how the free to air coverage works. Itโs all about the ratings. South Sydney and the Broncos rate well as they have large fan bases. I get it. Doesnโt mean itโs fair. The Broncos play in front of a huge audience more often than not, meaning theyโre able to attract third party deals and sponsorships that are higher than the Warriors and Canberra etc. This is never going to change, but if the NRL are fair dinkum about creating an even playing field, theyโd insist on sharing the FTA games during negotiations. Then again theyโd be shooting themselves in the foot, meaning this is unlikely.
5. Afternoon marquee games
Straight up I admit, I love Saturday afternoon footy. There should ALWAYS be a Saturday 3pm kick off time. The sun is out (most of the time), itโs a child friendly time slot for families, and I believe the best footy is played during the day. Iโd like to see some Saturday or Sunday afternoon blockbusters such as the Good Friday game today. Souths vs the Roosters on Sunday afternoon was an absolute blockbuster, played in front of a decent crowd. I realise night games generally rate better, however afternoon games are far more comfortable and I believe would attract bigger crowds over time. Iโd scrap the Sunday evening timeslot and ensure two Sunday afternoon games every week.
6. Trading period to end players signing before season has even kicked off
Honestly, how do Dragons fans feel about Merrin signing for another club before playing a game for his side in 2014? Ditto the Sea Eagles with Foran and DCE signing away so early, when their minds should be on upcoming games? I totally understand clubs and players should be given as much time as possible to decide their futures, however the current system worries me. Although the players mentioned have signed, they can still simply change their mind and re-sign with their current clubs. Canberra had James Tedesco signed last year only for him to pull the plug at the last minute. The solution? Player negotiations start round ten (or 15) and once you sign, the contract is binding (48 hour cooling off period if needed as with other contracts). Itโs only round four and fans are looking toward next season. The focus should be on 2015 for now.
7. Make Origin across three consecutive weeks
I love the Origin games, but I hate Origin time in terms of NRL competition. Players are missing, there are constant byes, and players are forced to back up, or sit games out. Iโm not huge on standalone weekends, as television stations would laugh at the idea having dished out the big bucks, while itโs a long time to simply pause a competition. Iโd play Origin over three consecutive weeks. Players stay in camp and miss three games. Have half the competition rest in week one, then the other half in week two, then itโs game on after the third game. If players canโt back up, fair enough, but at most clubs would be effected for two weeks. Currently it lasts nine weeks and letโs be honest, the NRL takes a back seat to Origin. Iโm not sure thatโs a good thing.
8. NRL and MRC to GENUINELLY get tough on repeat offenders
All the talk this season was about a huge crackdown on lifting tackles. Reece Robinson was put on report for a lifting tackle. It was not horrible, but it was dangerous. He fought the charge and won. Why should any player accept a ban following that decision? Iโm not having a go at Robinson, itโs just the most recent instance of players escaping suspension despite the big talk. Also, how many current NRL players have repeat offences on their rap sheet? Whereโs the accountability? Punishments are only there for expendable players. Sought after players seemingly have unlimited chances. If the NRL sent a serious message, I bet player behaviour would improve both on and off the field.
