I think its time for an open discussion about Toddy G. Let's have a quick look at the changes he has made during his time as CEO, but also had a heavy influence in during his time as Head of Operations:
The good
- Biggest TV deal in history (including simulcasting)
- Increase in club memberships
- Reduction of the interchange
- Introduction of HIA
- An increase in grassroots attendance
- Introduction of NRLW
- Return to more suburban venues
- Introduction of the 9s
The bad
- The bunker
- The handling of the Matt Lodge situation
- Sucking up to Cameron Smith and his wallet (diamond ring for his wife, and "testimonial game" anyone?)
- Defending Greg Inglis on his drink driving charge
- The state of officiating
- Moving State of Origin out of their states of Origin on a yearly basis.
- Removing of Monday night games (No more football for 5 nights a week)
- Auto sin bin for punches (and slaps, apparently)
- Crowd averages dropping since 2012
- Introduction of a second Friday night game at an earlier time slot
- Shoulder charges = banned
- Drop in viewership
- Handling of the Sharks Salary cap saga
- The 7 tackle set
- Handling of the Bulldogs mad Monday
The debatable
- The no fault stand down policy (conscious that this is probably split down the middle as to those in favour and those who aren't).
- Introduction of a "challenge system" (of which the effects are TBC)
What have I missed, as I feel like I have only scratched the surface?
My initial response was "A politician and, like most, a dud."
But others have bought in so I'll play.
1. Would've happened anyway.
2. Not sure how much was his fault.
3. No-brainer.
4. Good call.
5. I presume you're talking about playing numbers. As someone else said, it's taking over touch etc, a smoke and mirrors trick not much better than the afls auskick illusion.
6. Controversial initially leaving out Souths and Cronulla. Expansion must come, first with two rounds, then with extra teams. But generally well-managed.
7. The grounds policy is like a dog's breakfast.
8. As someone else said, somebody else drove it, the NRL took it over and they're off to a bad start IMO.
1. Bunker's a good concept but poorly run.
2. Very poorly handled.
3. Disgraceful, a diamond ring for the wife FMD.
4. Very poor judgement.
5. Not sure what he could do about ref's decisions but the blokes he's picked to run it have been duds until Annesley.
6. Great move.
7. Correct decision, but Thursday night's no better.
8. Poorly thought through and ruthlessly exposed by nigglers who need smacking.
9. I don't think they care and it shows.
10. Sounded alright but a complete flop.
11. Had to happen.
12. The buck stops with him.
13. Can't remember. I thought Smith ran that.
14. It happens.
15. The Integrity Unit's performance has been bloody ordinary generally.
The NFSD had to be done but you're never going to please all the people all the time.
The Challenge system should have come in years ago, they've really dragged their feet over that.
Others:
Expansion - Massive fail, one excuse after another.
Stadiums Debacle - Wankbest is terrific but the NRL really got bent over and taking it like a bitch over the other two.
Failure to improve the game - lots of little things here, trainers spending more time on the field than most players, Allowing players to get their breath back with excessive times for dropouts, scrums etc, lack of a taunting/niggling rule to operate with the No Punching rule etc
Pandering to the elite players - Burgess, Smith, Inglis etc.
Bending over to Nein at every turn. They're our partner not our parent.
Failing to organise the draw to have Melbourne at home before the afl starts each season. Teams playing each other twice in 5 weeks etc.
