And Bring back our genuine HOME games ....not these bullshit empty big stadiumsBRING BACK THE BIFF, SHOULDER CHARGE, REAL SCRUMS, TINA TURNER, NEWTOWN, NORTHS, KICK OUT THE SHARKS AND COUNT THE DRAGONS PREMIERSHIPS IN TOTAL, THE CROWDS WILL FLOCK.
I think the evidence suggests there maybe a conspiracy against all NSW teams bar Roosters, Parramatta were robbed no doubt while the rub of the green went to Nth QLD today.Have to say In regards to the bunker in todays game imo the Cowboys got the rub of the green against Sharks when they were awarded the penalty in front of the post to level it ......the Cowboys player lost the ball cold and it wasnt stripped but a poor carry......now whether your a Sharks fan or not like Barrett they have a right to be disappointed......at least this may shut Thurston and the North Qldrs up regarding theres a NSW conspiracy against them playing in the finals
Well said OT.Poor crowd behaviour
Poor player behaviour
Poor refereeing
Poor management
Poor facilities
Poor access to players
TV control everything
The AFL have maintained a great family based atmosphere and make the game day experience pleasurable all round
Their game is suited to big stadiums and ours is not.
Youve hit the nail on the head re the farcical salary cap.....and thats all it is farcical as we all know it was brought in to stop the wealthy clubs buying all the good players....and yet for eg teams like The Brisbane Donkeys have a huge advantage with all the business people in their one team town supplying huge Third Party Deals..and the joke is its legal apparently...Look at the facts! Every semi we have played at alliance or old sfs we always had a near sellout or sellout games. We do draw the crowds when we are on. Perhaps the nrl can fix the farsical salary cap and then
1. The dragons will be more fairly stocked against the shifty clubs of the last decade.
2. The crowds will come back as we will bring them back.
Good post OKB & you nailed many key points in the decline of our game.All jokes aside, the NRL really is in decline and I think the blame lies in 4 areas.
1 - The game is now being run by people with no NRL backbone. They are losing their DNA.
The passion of rugby league is slowly being drained.
They are losing ground to aerial ping pong in many areas.
The game is headed in the wrong direction.
The Central Coast has been screaming out for a team, yet the powers that be, snub the area.
2 - Rule changes to cater to the Bleeding Heart Society, have watered down our once great game.
Real decent solid tackles get penalised straight away, nowadays. It's becoming a game of 'touch & tag'.
Scrum seemly are ok in Rugby but doctors rant & rave about league scrums, funny that. Rugby players have their heads trampled on but that is ok ........... yep, I can see that.
3 - Referees
The whole adjudication of the rules, which were once pretty much black & white, are now a constant grey area. You are allowed things one week and not the next.
Referees will hand out penalties to one side for most the game and then look to even it up towards the end of the game.
The bunker look for every reason NOT to give a try when it should be.
The bunker look to give a try, even if the ball is thrown over the line by the attacking player.
If the attacking player loses the ball over the line, as long as a pubic hair retouches the ball, it is a fair dink-um try ........... bullsh!t.
Try using common sense.
Let the refs adjudicate on the field and stuff the bunker ( just another level is mismanagement )
Do not let the tv cameras show replay after replay of a try scoring play. Move on.
4 - Upcoming Players
The players pool is dwindling because the NRL haven't reinvested in the nurseries of the game.
Before we had, big forwards, little halfbacks and skinny wingers and backs.
Now?
One size fits all.
Players can't tackle anymore.
Some type of players are good when attacking - useless when defending.
Every team is getting more of these type of players.
Its all heading in one direction.
Rant over.
Discontent with referees is now at its peak and don't underestimate this factor in the low crowds. Cricket was improved a heap with the use of new technology but rugby league seems to have become worse and more contentious with every new bit of technology it adds. I am not old enough to really remember the days when fans just accepted what the ref said, maybe those days never really existed, but it's quite a predicament that the game finds itself in now. Hopefully there's a turn for the better but, the day is coming when a grand final is blatantly ripped from a deserving team, if 1999 wasn't this already.
If you watch the semis from late 80's to mid 90's which were played at SFS I think you will find similar crowds as the weekend. It really is too easy to watch it at home. The only thing I would suggest is going back to playing them on a Saturday and Sunday Arvos with double headers in the first week if needed.
Agreed and the Club makes a decision that means Red V jersey is prime home and away Jersey. With a reverse White V and Red jersey for Wollongong games.This Exactly !!
- Play all semis at 3pm on Sat & Sun and the crowds will return.
- ANZ to be used ONLY for the GF, Prelim finals and SOO.
- Dragons to play all home games at Kogarah & Wollongong. (apart from Anzac Day clash)