The Storm must be propped up as long as is neccesary. That is a simple fact.
Only insular fools could possibly think otherwise.
The AFL in part get the money they do because they are seen as a national game. Now regardless of the facts around ratings/interest etc, that is a fact. the AFL propped up the Swans for many many years, in order to ensure they had some kind of a toe in the Sydney market.
If RL didn't do the same ... *sigh* Talk about shooting yourself in the foot.
The fact Melbourne have been in the GF for the last 4 years should be largely irrelevant. The money News is giving them isn't giving them an on-field advantage over the other clubs.
Have a think about this for a minute.
Melbourne are being propped up by this $5-6 million a year yes? But how much does Melbourne add to our current and future TV rights? The Victorian market is a big one and I for one think that although the Storms balance sheet looks bad, and are helped by 50% of the NRL, the NRL's balance sheet looks better with Melbourne.
I say that if News Ltd leave the Storm, the new commission should fund the debt that Melbourne may fall into. Melbourne will one day be self sufficiant, but they need help from the stronger Rugby League community, the other clubs. Once Melbourne is strong enough, they will naturally help the rest of the clubs.
I feel the same way if a Perth side was introduced.
Excellent post.
One could also argue Melbourne aren't as profitable as they can be, because they are unable to maxmise their sponsorship potential due to the flat out refusal of the NRL to stand up to Channel 9 and enforce "use it or lose it" in regards to coverage levels in Melbourne.
