Membership race kicks off with $400,000 prize pool
For the first time, NRL Club members will have the opportunity to decide how to spend the winnings from two club membership races, with a prize pool of $400,000.
There will be two Club Member Races based on attracting the most new members from the start of the race to the end of the race.
There will be a total prize pool of $200,000 across each race, consisting of $100,000 in cash and $100,000 in advertising grants.
In the first race, prize money will be offered to the three clubs with the greatest increase in their total membership number by Tuesday 20 May.
Race two will reward the top three clubs with the greatest percentage increase in their total membership number, during the same period.
"We are having two races to ensure that clubs with a larger membership base as well as those with smaller membership numbers can compete," NRL Head of Commercial Mr Paul Kind said.
"We thought that it was important to give our club members a say in how they would like some of their prize pool is spent.
"It’s a great way to get the members excited and hear their thoughts on investment.
"Suggestions might include a member’s party, new club facilities, charity donations and interstate travel rewards."
2014 NRL Membership Race Starting Points
Rabbitohs - Race starting point: 25,832 (2013 Numbers 27,392)
Broncos - Race starting point: 18,704 (2013 Numbers 26,140)
Dragons - Race starting point: 14,741 (2013 Numbers 19,748)
Knights - Race starting point: 14,300 (2013 Numbers 16,506)
Eels - Race starting point: 12,957 (2013 Numbers 17,162)
Bulldogs - Race starting point: 12,319 (2013 Numbers 15,508)
Storm - Race starting point: 11,172 (2013 Numbers 15,020)
Roosters - Race starting point: 11,582 (2013 Numbers 13,842)
Cowboys - Race starting point: 10,352 (2013 Numbers 10,991)
Sea Eagles - Race starting point: 9,352 (2013 Numbers 11,006)
Panthers - Race starting point: 7,806 (2013 Numbers 6,143)
Warriors - Race starting point: 6,013 (2013 Numbers 10,386)
Sharks - Race starting point: 6,273 (2013 Numbers 7,589)
Titans - Race starting point: 7,068 (2013 Numbers 10,319)
Wests Tigers - Race starting point: 5,790 (2013 Numbers 11,660)
Raiders - Race starting point: 6,300 (2013 Numbers 8,898)
The Prize Pool for each competition is as below
1st $25,000 Cash + $50,000 Advertising Grant + $25,000 prize for Members to decide how to spend
2nd $15,000 Cash + $30,000 Advertising Grant + $15,000 Cash prize for Members to decide how to spend
3rd $10,000 Cash + $20,000 Advertising Grant + $10,000 Cash prize for Members to decide how to spend
Total prize pool across both races is: $200,000 cash + $200,000 Advertising Grant = $400,000 in total.
