2020 Membership

[Timmah]

So what is the alternative? Just do nothing

Are you capable of arguing like a human being?

Nobody's saying "just do nothing", we're literally saying comparisons to AFL are overwrought and unhelpful to growing the NRL.

 

[Aliceinwonderland]

16,295

For penrith panther. I bought a 6 game fexi membership this afternoon.

 

[ACTPanthers]

So what is the alternative? Just do nothing

FFS mate... That's not what I'm saying, what I'm saying is, maybe, for sanity sake, use a different f**king comparison? Do you just like arguing? I'm not even disagreeing with you mate, just stating that surely there are other comparisons. But I can already see your response arguing with me about something I didn't even say...

 

[franklin2323]

Are you capable of arguing like a human being?

Nobody's saying "just do nothing", we're literally saying comparisons to AFL are overwrought and unhelpful to growing the NRL.

You like to criticise yet offer nothing to the discussion. When you offer something I will discuss it with you. Until then let the adults talk

Why though?

NRL and AFL are both the top 2 rating sports
Both have similar TV deals so have limited control over scheduling
Both are winter sports so have the same issues as far as school/work the next day
Same applies for the weather

So of course there would be good ideas on how to improve such things

 

[franklin2323]

FFS mate... That's not what I'm saying, what I'm saying is, maybe, for sanity sake, use a different f**king comparison? Do you just like arguing? I'm not even disagreeing with you mate, just stating that surely there are other comparisons. But I can already see your response arguing with me about something I didn't even say...

It was a question. Compare with what?

RU that is a one team per city record?
A League that is a summer sport and rates very poorly?
BBL runs when no one is at work
Same to NBL.

There is only run sport running on a Thursday night in the middle of winter in Australia...So why not compare the 2 and see how to grow the one that is behind

 

[Frailty]

Comparing the NRL and AFL memberships gets tiring because of the following reasons:

• AFL has placed greater emphasis on membership for a long period of time. It has had a much longer time to grow as it has always been pushed. NRL's push has only been within the last decade.
• AFL historically is more attached to family. Teams are supported by families through the generations - this is not nearly as frequent in the NRL. Kids follow teams of their choosing.
• NRL is a better TV product than AFL as most of play can occur within the TV screen, whilst AFL utilises are larger field where play off screen is vital to play. As such, attending an NRL is not as critical.
• Melbourne vs Sydney comparisons are pointless - They are the two largest cities in Australia but are very different geographically which has a significant effect of people's ability to efficiently interact with their clubs.

As mentioned earlier, comparisons can be good when identifying a particular initiative or a learning from their experience - but simply NRL vs AFL offers very little knowledge.

 

[franklin2323]

Comparing the NRL and AFL memberships gets tiring because of the following reasons:

• AFL has placed greater emphasis on membership for a long period of time. It has had a much longer time to grow as it has always been pushed. NRL's push has only been within the last decade.
• AFL historically is more attached to family. Teams are supported by families through the generations - this is not nearly as frequent in the NRL. Kids follow teams of their choosing.
• NRL is a better TV product than AFL as most of play can occur within the TV screen, whilst AFL utilises are larger field where play off screen is vital to play. As such, attending an NRL is not as critical.
• Melbourne vs Sydney comparisons are pointless - They are the two largest cities in Australia but are very different geographically which has a significant effect of people's ability to efficiently interact with their clubs.

As mentioned earlier, comparisons can be good when identifying a particular initiative or a learning from their experience - but simply NRL vs AFL offers very little knowledge.

All those are good points.
My point is just that the majority of the issues we mention on here aren’t NRL exclusive. As a winter sport with most of the same issues one is doing better then the other.

So for me look at it and see what incentives/concepts can NRL bring across here to grow.

I have never said or seen anyone say that we should have the same numbers as AFL but merely look at why it is working better

 

[Timmah]

If the AFL comparisons were being brought in with "these initiatives work in AFL, could we look at these", it would probably be worth looking at.

As it stands, they're being brought in for no other reason to cast a negative light on the NRL rather than be productive, so no, they're not helpful. That's my point. So in summary @franklin2323, we probably agree, but you like an argument even more than me, it would seem.

 

[Timmah]

Comparing the NRL and AFL memberships gets tiring because of the following reasons:

• AFL has placed greater emphasis on membership for a long period of time. It has had a much longer time to grow as it has always been pushed. NRL's push has only been within the last decade.
• AFL historically is more attached to family. Teams are supported by families through the generations - this is not nearly as frequent in the NRL. Kids follow teams of their choosing.
• NRL is a better TV product than AFL as most of play can occur within the TV screen, whilst AFL utilises are larger field where play off screen is vital to play. As such, attending an NRL is not as critical.
• Melbourne vs Sydney comparisons are pointless - They are the two largest cities in Australia but are very different geographically which has a significant effect of people's ability to efficiently interact with their clubs.

As mentioned earlier, comparisons can be good when identifying a particular initiative or a learning from their experience - but simply NRL vs AFL offers very little knowledge.

This x 1000.

Few in NRL land talked about membership until around the Centenary season, and the growth since then is actually fantastic. We used to be stoked with the overall number cracking 200,000, now anything less than 300,000 is a failure. It's all relative.

I completely agree with the TV vs attendance when it comes to comparing the sports. Some have dismissed that - each to their own - but NRL is clearly a better sport on TV, while AFL is clearly a better at-the-ground experience when it comes to watching the game. How we can better that for the NRL i'm just not sure.

The Melbourne v Sydney comparisons are absolutely pointless - extraordinarily different geographically. Melbourne is simply easier to get around.

 

[franklin2323]

If the AFL comparisons were being brought in with "these initiatives work in AFL, could we look at these", it would probably be worth looking at.

As it stands, they're being brought in for no other reason to cast a negative light on the NRL rather than be productive, so no, they're not helpful. That's my point. So in summary @franklin2323, we probably agree, but you like an argument even more than me, it would seem.

NRL smashes AFL on TV. Even in summer RL gets on back page of papers. NRL is a great product I can’t stand AFL truth be told but the outlier is crowds/memberships.

Most teams go overseas for ideas when the answer could be just down South. No reason can’t get 10-20% growth if you bring some ideas over

 

[Perth Red]

Penrith 4th and a chance to crack 20k before the season starts. Unreal considering no finals last season or new stadium this year.

Very impressive, are they doing anything special to achieve this?

 

[Perth Red]

This x 1000.

Few in NRL land talked about membership until around the Centenary season, and the growth since then is actually fantastic. We used to be stoked with the overall number cracking 200,000, now anything less than 300,000 is a failure. It's all relative.

I completely agree with the TV vs attendance when it comes to comparing the sports. Some have dismissed that - each to their own - but NRL is clearly a better sport on TV, while AFL is clearly a better at-the-ground experience when it comes to watching the game. How we can better that for the NRL i'm just not sure.

The Melbourne v Sydney comparisons are absolutely pointless - extraordinarily different geographically. Melbourne is simply easier to get around.

Its interesting when we look at TV as a lot of our TV audience comes from regional NSW (where it might not be easy to attend a game unless you're in Newcastle) and Brisbane (which only has one club which gives no choice for those that dislike the corporate Broncos). So on paper it looks like we have more TV viewers therefore more fans so therefore why not more members, when in reality we might not have more fans in the areas where NRL clubs are based? Just a thought as to why there is a discrepancy between the two codes?

 

[franklin2323]

Very impressive, are they doing anything special to achieve this?

We have a decent enough fan base getting them to games is our issue. The lift in membership I put down to the side actually thinking more like a regional side than Sydney team. Lots of Community engagement is all

 

[franklin2323]

Its interesting when we look at TV as a lot of our TV audience comes from regional NSW (where it might not be easy to attend a game unless you're in Newcastle) and Brisbane (which only has one club which gives no choice for those that dislike the corporate Broncos). So on paper it looks like we have more TV viewers therefore more fans so therefore why not more members, when in reality we might not have more fans in the areas where NRL clubs are based? Just a thought as to why there is a discrepancy between the two codes?

That is probably true. Personally I’d have dirt cheap kids memberships. Make the money on the adults that need to go with them as a starting point

 

[Wily Ole Dog]

If the AFL comparisons were being brought in with "these initiatives work in AFL, could we look at these", it would probably be worth looking at..

so, what do you think they do differently that has led to their significantly higher numbers ?

 

[TheEroticGamer]

Very impressive, are they doing anything special to achieve this?

I think it’s a myriad of things. Our marketing has gone up levels. Our community and schools engagement has gone up levels. Our social media game has gone from mediocre to the best in the country. Ever since Gus came here in 2011 he’s put in the work and almost a decade later we have experienced continuous membership growth every year taking us from one of the smallest membership bases to one of the highest.

 

[Aliceinwonderland]

I think it’s a myriad of things. Our marketing has gone up levels. Our community and schools engagement has gone up levels. Our social media game has gone from mediocre to the best in the country. Ever since Gus came here in 2011 he’s put in the work and almost a decade later we have experienced continuous membership growth every year taking us from one of the smallest membership bases to one of the highest.

Also the memberships are well priced.

 

[Perth Red]

If the AFL comparisons were being brought in with "these initiatives work in AFL, could we look at these", it would probably be worth looking at.

As it stands, they're being brought in for no other reason to cast a negative light on the NRL rather than be productive, so no, they're not helpful. That's my point. So in summary @franklin2323, we probably agree, but you like an argument even more than me, it would seem.

they’re you go again, I showed the massive difference with the comment of what can be achieved when you try. Fan engagement, cheap jnr memberships, decent marketing and membership departments, quality stadiums, game day experience, engagement of kids at school, the list goes on why the afl membership puts ours to shame.

Believe it or not afl and nrl are played beyond just Melbourne and Sydney. Whilst Sydney is undoubtedly a worse city than Melbourne in terms of poorer transport, sports facilities and general apathy to sport than Melbourne how do we explain all the other cities? Why has Eagles got 3 times the membership of Broncos? Or Adelaide double Auckland? Or GWS more than Canberra?

if you want to see a key reason why jump on the sharks forum and read the experiences of fans trying to buy memberships, it’s farcical!

 

[Perth Red]

I think it’s a myriad of things. Our marketing has gone up levels. Our community and schools engagement has gone up levels. Our social media game has gone from mediocre to the best in the country. Ever since Gus came here in 2011 he’s put in the work and almost a decade later we have experienced continuous membership growth every year taking us from one of the smallest membership bases to one of the highest.

great to hear and exactly how you do build them. Penrith always seemed an enigma in massive amount of kids playing the game in the region and massive league club membership but not translating to panthers support. The push to connect with the western regional towns is also a good move. Just need to improve stadium facilities next.

 

[Timmah]

if you want to see a key reason why jump on the sharks forum and read the experiences of fans trying to buy memberships, it’s farcical!

This is such a disingenuous comment. Highlighting a club who has a one (maybe two) season temporary move and the difficulties the club and fans would be facing in managing that isn't a fair comment and you know it.