Wayne Miller Fan
Juniors
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- 49
The BRL Project has presented a report to the QRL South East Division Promotions Committee. The report details issues that need to be addressed immediately if our game is to be pulled from the dire position it finds itself in.
Sponsors are pulling out.
The NRL is withholding funding
The Queensland Cup is under threat
The report met with mixed reaction from the committee and a further meeting of Project members and the South East Division Chairman is to be arranged in the near future to discuss the report.
Below is the report produced by Mike Higgison and Greg Mallory arising out of a BRL Project Meeting at Redcliffe Leagues CLub.
The following report is a basic outline of issues regarding the promotion of local (non-NRL) Rugby League in Queensland. Primarily issues relating to the three major Rugby League competitions based in Brisbane, the addressing of these issues by the relevant controlling bodies can be adapted for any regional Leagues as well. The issues identified in this report are not to be regarded as the be-all-end-all of areas for the Queensland Rugby League to address to increase the profile of this once great Brisbane/Queensland competition. They are merely some of the major issues quickly identified that can be perhaps easily solved, that the Brisbane Rugby League Project members have discovered while speaking with various parties involved with local Rugby League. These parties include current and past players, current and past club officials, current and past supporters, and the various media outlets. It is hoped that by identifying these issues and including some possible solutions, that the Queensland Rugby League and its relevant Divisions can further discuss, investigate, assess, and actively address the myriad of problems that are hindering the progress, and lowering the profile of Rugby League - <u>our great game</U> - in this state. Additionally, it is hoped that this will be the start of the BRL-Project and QRL working together harmoniously in preserving the history of Rugby League in Queensland, while also promoting the game itself. Regards. Mike Higgison (Pres.) and Greg Mallory (Sec./Treas.) The Brisbane Rugby League Project<u> WEBSITE - (QRL-Online)</U> By current standards, the QRLâs official website, QRL-Online, is far below acceptable. Static and incorrect information, lack of relevant news and match reports, non-friendly user interface, no mention of citings, suspensions, injuries etc, and poor coverage of latest results for local and regional competitions. Perhaps this is the result of the QRL having no webmaster on staff, but it is important to realise this is the primary media of the 21<sup>st</sup> century. To more accurately gauge an acceptable standard for Rugby League websites on the internet, visit the Queensland sections of rleague.com and leagueaustralia.com, easily the two best on the internet. These sites are not run by paid professionals, but rather by simply non-paid but passionate supporters of the local game. This important issue should be addressed immediately. Since the webmasters for these sites are also active members of the BRL-Project, perhaps these sites could be included on the QRL fax distribution list so all latest news can be added to the websites. Results, scorers, citings, injuries and any other news from local and regional Leagues is enthusiastically lapped up by starved local Rugby League supporters who are ever-increasing in numbers visiting the internet.<u> COURIER MAIL & SUNDAY MAIL</U> The current level of coverage for the Bundy Gold Cup in these two local newspapers is nothing short of disgraceful. In fact, the QRL should be disgusted in the local paperâs attitude towards them and the local game. Listing scores in sports classifieds â sometimes not even that - does not signify professional journalism. A number of disgruntled local league fans have recently sent letters to these papers, only to receive an abusive response, or no response at all. The QRL and South East Division would be very interested in the Courier Mailâs response to one of these letters in particular. (See David Rohl) At the very least, discussions should immediately be held with these two newspapers with a view to lift coverage to a minimum of early-1990âs standard. Having spoken to the major clubs personally, we believe they support the initiative also. As it stands, an average reader wouldnât even be aware of the existence of a local Rugby League competition outside of the Broncos. With the advent of two major non-profit Queensland websites, its only a matter of time before they become the source for all printed media material. As it stands currently, the best news sources are on the internet at these sites, which have established contacts at most clubs throughout Brisbane.<u> QUEST NEWSPAPERS</U> The coverage of local Rugby League in the weekly Quest Newspapers is the best option at the moment. The biggest problem with the system currently adopted is that only the local club gets itâs match report printed in their respective paper. Ideally, all match reports should be printed in all the Quest papers. The abolishment of the district club system, and the urban sprawl of the population throughout Brisbane sees supporters of various clubs no longer living in their clubâs area. Thus, they cannot follow their local club or its results. The printing of all match reports in each of the Quest papers is possible, as all these papers are printed in the one factory. At the very least, perhaps the competition tables for the Bundy Gold Cup, Quest classifieds A and Colts grades can be printed in these papers. Discussions should also be held immediately between the QRL and Quest on this issue.<u> TELEVISION</U> Some years ago, there was a locally-based program called the Rugby League Roundup on channel nine. A program of this nature is almost a must in promoting the game aside from the NRL. A proposal could be a panel-based program, with various coaches, players and officials, past players and identities, and wrap-ups/previews of local Rugby League. Even the Junior Rugby League and Second Division could be part of this initiative. The BRL-Project has been in contact with community station Bris-31 in the past with a view to having a weekly broadcast show of its own. At the time, cost was around the $500 per episode mark. Surely, with the QRL, itâs various divisions, the clubs, and numerous League and club sponsors, this idea could very easily become a reality. In the past, the local soccer, Australian football and touch football have all successfully run programs on Bris-31. This program would also go hand-in-hand with the ABC weekly televised match. The issue of poor reception of Bris-31 in some areas can easily be addressed, as copies of the weekly program could be distributed to the major clubs and other interested parties, for their own playing purposes. Secondly, the QRL should also push for match scores on the weekend sports reports on commercial stations. Additionally, the QRL could also investigate the potential for a segment on programs such as The Great South East, Brisbane Extra, and Quarter-time, especially around semi-finals and grand final time.<u> RADIO</U> Currently, there are a number of local regular radio programs which cover local news and sports, on stations including ABC, 4BC and a community FM station. An equivalent radio program to the Bris-31 television proposal is also a must for promotion of local Rugby League. An interview, review, preview and general QRL news program surely would attract more listeners than a number of other shows currently broadcast. Secondly, the possibility of radio broadcast of games should also be investigated. If not a broadcast in its own right, perhaps the potential of the audio from the ABC-tv match coverage could be investigated. Potential stations could be ABC, 4BC, 4TAB, and any of the numerous community stations currently in operation. Thirdly, match results should definitely be getting relayed during the weekend on the numerous sports broadcasts. (Even Sydney Rugby Union gets its scores on the radio !!) Most likely, the QRL would have to collate the results and contact the radio stations direct, but other methods for efficient information transfer should be investigated. Perhaps direct faxes from the clubs to the radio stations is also an option. It should be noted that an accurate and efficient website/e-mail system would also be an option.<u> MATCH DAY PROMOTIONS</U> It has been noticed that although the various grades of competition have sponsors, they are nowhere to be seen at local matches. This is surprising, especially as one match each week is televised live. All games need more promotions during the day, but especially the televised matches. Junior promotions, club and League sponsor promotions, local business promotions, even NRL promotions should not only be encouraged, but actively supported by the QRL. Anniversaries, birthdays, important days in history for clubs, players and the League should also play a big part in game day promotions. These ideas do not cost bucket-loads of money, only the time and enthusiasm of those people organising them.<u> MEMORABILIA DISPLAYS</U> Last year, the BRL-Project held a number of highly-successful memorabilia displays at local clubs. The result was much promotion and generated talk of local Rugby League, and the identification of a large support-culture of local football. It also identified that these same people are starved of anything local-RL. Additionally, ABC-tv were keen to interview the BRL-Project at the time, but a number of unforeseen circumstances prevented this from eventuating. The displays were organised and run by passionate supporters with no budget whatsoever. The mind boggles at the potential of more displays, run professionally, and with the assistance of the gameâs controlling bodies and sponsors. (It should be mentioned that the Easts and Redcliffe clubs deserve the BRL-Projectâs thanks for their permission and assistance in these displays.) At the South East Divisionâs conference at the Gold Coast earlier this year, it was identified that all the clubs supported the idea wholeheartedly.<u> MATCH PROGRAMS - Rugby League News</U> The content of the local weekly program lacks in one area in particular â professional journalism. All the sections currently printed in the RLN deserve their space, but there is no journalism as such. Interviews with current and past players, coaches, and officials, and reports on last weekâs games are all nowhere to be seen. Fan-friendly items such as questionnaires, polls, "trivia corner", "25 years ago", competitions, letters/feedback, have all gone by the wayside as well. These areas are what many League fans have told the BRL-Project they enjoy. Addressing these areas will surely increase itâs readership and help raise the gameâs profile. Additionally, the BRL-Project would like the opportunity to supply regular articles for printing in the RLN. Secondly, are these programs accessible away from the games themselves ? Memories are vivid of being able to purchase the weekly programme at newsagents in the early-1980âs. <u> GRAND FINAL DAY</U> As the showpiece of local Rugby League, turning this day into the great event it once was should be a priority. Certainly, the halcyon days of the 60âs-80âs are gone, but there is no reason for less than 15,000 patrons to attend grand final day. Currently, there is almost no promotion at all for the gameâs biggest day. The day needs more than one Queen Street Mall appearance by a handful of players. There are many ideas worth investigating, including : <ul> [*]A night grand final [*]Junior grand finals earlier in the day [*]Free admission to patrons (Costs of programs, food, drinks etc would replace gate takings) [*]Free/reduced admission to club members, juniors, juniors in club jerseys, parents accompanying juniors, juniors accompanied by parents. [*]Meet certain big-name players on the day (Broncos or past greats) [*]Local district shop-front competitions [*]Massive paper, radio and television exposure in week leading up to match [*]Potential for segments on The Great South East, Brisbane Extra, and Quarter-time television programs [*]Grand final promotions at each of the major clubs[/list]<u> </U> <u> MEMORABILIA</U> A number of people have also mentioned the lack of non-ability to purchase the various clubsâ gear. For example, supporters have no way of purchasing local club jerseys, shorts, socks, hats, or any other collectibles of interest to club fans. There appears to be some market for this within the local Rugby League community, and it is a surprise to some that the QRL hasnât latched on to it. Further to supporters gear, there also seems to be some market for copies of programs, photographs, all forms of Rugby League publications, and videos of current and past Queensland matches. This is certainly an area for discussion by the QRL, in light of the tight budgets touted by officials from time to time. <u> BULIMBA CUP</U> The historical Bulimba Cup competition is still a talking point among local Rugby League supporters. Irrespective of the name "Bulimba", it is synonymous with intercity Rugby League between the Brisbane, Ipswich and Toowoomba Leagues when talking to local Rugby League supporters. Currently a representative Brisbane A Grade side play the Ipswich Diggers for the unofficial Bulimba Cup. Additionally, Ipswich plays Toowoomba on a challenge basis. The infrastructure is therefore already in place for a competition of this nature to be formalised. Also, the formalising of this competition has been put to a number of players within the three Leagues, and they all support it unanimously. I also cannot believe the Ipswich and Toowoomba Leagues would not support the initiative. Difficulty of programming one extra game (ie Brisbane v Toowoomba) into the current A Grade season has been mentioned by the Brisbane contingent, citing a number of reasons. However, a competition of this nature can be scheduled a number of ways, alleviating these issues. Additionally, a number of players from the current Brisbane side were asked how they would feel about another representative match, and they all supported the idea, describing it as an "opportunity". The history of the original competition would be a major portion of its promotion, remembering the Ipswich and Toowoomba sides are their own elite players.<u> REPRESENTATIVE MATCHES - Television Coverage</U> It is quite astonishing that the only representative match which receives television coverage is the annual City v Country match. There are at least two others each year in the Brasch-Bellew Shield match and the Queensland v New South Wales residents match, played as a curtain-raiser to State-of-origin games. It seems that these matches are video-recorded for citing and injury reasons, but are not called and then presented on television. Surely, there is enough interest in these games from the local League fraternity to justify even late night broadcast through ABC-tv. Perhaps the possibility of them being shown after the Bundy Gold Cup match, or even after the state-of-origin match from that night, could be investigated further by the QRL.
Sponsors are pulling out.
The NRL is withholding funding
The Queensland Cup is under threat
The report met with mixed reaction from the committee and a further meeting of Project members and the South East Division Chairman is to be arranged in the near future to discuss the report.
Below is the report produced by Mike Higgison and Greg Mallory arising out of a BRL Project Meeting at Redcliffe Leagues CLub.
The following report is a basic outline of issues regarding the promotion of local (non-NRL) Rugby League in Queensland. Primarily issues relating to the three major Rugby League competitions based in Brisbane, the addressing of these issues by the relevant controlling bodies can be adapted for any regional Leagues as well. The issues identified in this report are not to be regarded as the be-all-end-all of areas for the Queensland Rugby League to address to increase the profile of this once great Brisbane/Queensland competition. They are merely some of the major issues quickly identified that can be perhaps easily solved, that the Brisbane Rugby League Project members have discovered while speaking with various parties involved with local Rugby League. These parties include current and past players, current and past club officials, current and past supporters, and the various media outlets. It is hoped that by identifying these issues and including some possible solutions, that the Queensland Rugby League and its relevant Divisions can further discuss, investigate, assess, and actively address the myriad of problems that are hindering the progress, and lowering the profile of Rugby League - <u>our great game</U> - in this state. Additionally, it is hoped that this will be the start of the BRL-Project and QRL working together harmoniously in preserving the history of Rugby League in Queensland, while also promoting the game itself. Regards. Mike Higgison (Pres.) and Greg Mallory (Sec./Treas.) The Brisbane Rugby League Project<u> WEBSITE - (QRL-Online)</U> By current standards, the QRLâs official website, QRL-Online, is far below acceptable. Static and incorrect information, lack of relevant news and match reports, non-friendly user interface, no mention of citings, suspensions, injuries etc, and poor coverage of latest results for local and regional competitions. Perhaps this is the result of the QRL having no webmaster on staff, but it is important to realise this is the primary media of the 21<sup>st</sup> century. To more accurately gauge an acceptable standard for Rugby League websites on the internet, visit the Queensland sections of rleague.com and leagueaustralia.com, easily the two best on the internet. These sites are not run by paid professionals, but rather by simply non-paid but passionate supporters of the local game. This important issue should be addressed immediately. Since the webmasters for these sites are also active members of the BRL-Project, perhaps these sites could be included on the QRL fax distribution list so all latest news can be added to the websites. Results, scorers, citings, injuries and any other news from local and regional Leagues is enthusiastically lapped up by starved local Rugby League supporters who are ever-increasing in numbers visiting the internet.<u> COURIER MAIL & SUNDAY MAIL</U> The current level of coverage for the Bundy Gold Cup in these two local newspapers is nothing short of disgraceful. In fact, the QRL should be disgusted in the local paperâs attitude towards them and the local game. Listing scores in sports classifieds â sometimes not even that - does not signify professional journalism. A number of disgruntled local league fans have recently sent letters to these papers, only to receive an abusive response, or no response at all. The QRL and South East Division would be very interested in the Courier Mailâs response to one of these letters in particular. (See David Rohl) At the very least, discussions should immediately be held with these two newspapers with a view to lift coverage to a minimum of early-1990âs standard. Having spoken to the major clubs personally, we believe they support the initiative also. As it stands, an average reader wouldnât even be aware of the existence of a local Rugby League competition outside of the Broncos. With the advent of two major non-profit Queensland websites, its only a matter of time before they become the source for all printed media material. As it stands currently, the best news sources are on the internet at these sites, which have established contacts at most clubs throughout Brisbane.<u> QUEST NEWSPAPERS</U> The coverage of local Rugby League in the weekly Quest Newspapers is the best option at the moment. The biggest problem with the system currently adopted is that only the local club gets itâs match report printed in their respective paper. Ideally, all match reports should be printed in all the Quest papers. The abolishment of the district club system, and the urban sprawl of the population throughout Brisbane sees supporters of various clubs no longer living in their clubâs area. Thus, they cannot follow their local club or its results. The printing of all match reports in each of the Quest papers is possible, as all these papers are printed in the one factory. At the very least, perhaps the competition tables for the Bundy Gold Cup, Quest classifieds A and Colts grades can be printed in these papers. Discussions should also be held immediately between the QRL and Quest on this issue.<u> TELEVISION</U> Some years ago, there was a locally-based program called the Rugby League Roundup on channel nine. A program of this nature is almost a must in promoting the game aside from the NRL. A proposal could be a panel-based program, with various coaches, players and officials, past players and identities, and wrap-ups/previews of local Rugby League. Even the Junior Rugby League and Second Division could be part of this initiative. The BRL-Project has been in contact with community station Bris-31 in the past with a view to having a weekly broadcast show of its own. At the time, cost was around the $500 per episode mark. Surely, with the QRL, itâs various divisions, the clubs, and numerous League and club sponsors, this idea could very easily become a reality. In the past, the local soccer, Australian football and touch football have all successfully run programs on Bris-31. This program would also go hand-in-hand with the ABC weekly televised match. The issue of poor reception of Bris-31 in some areas can easily be addressed, as copies of the weekly program could be distributed to the major clubs and other interested parties, for their own playing purposes. Secondly, the QRL should also push for match scores on the weekend sports reports on commercial stations. Additionally, the QRL could also investigate the potential for a segment on programs such as The Great South East, Brisbane Extra, and Quarter-time, especially around semi-finals and grand final time.<u> RADIO</U> Currently, there are a number of local regular radio programs which cover local news and sports, on stations including ABC, 4BC and a community FM station. An equivalent radio program to the Bris-31 television proposal is also a must for promotion of local Rugby League. An interview, review, preview and general QRL news program surely would attract more listeners than a number of other shows currently broadcast. Secondly, the possibility of radio broadcast of games should also be investigated. If not a broadcast in its own right, perhaps the potential of the audio from the ABC-tv match coverage could be investigated. Potential stations could be ABC, 4BC, 4TAB, and any of the numerous community stations currently in operation. Thirdly, match results should definitely be getting relayed during the weekend on the numerous sports broadcasts. (Even Sydney Rugby Union gets its scores on the radio !!) Most likely, the QRL would have to collate the results and contact the radio stations direct, but other methods for efficient information transfer should be investigated. Perhaps direct faxes from the clubs to the radio stations is also an option. It should be noted that an accurate and efficient website/e-mail system would also be an option.<u> MATCH DAY PROMOTIONS</U> It has been noticed that although the various grades of competition have sponsors, they are nowhere to be seen at local matches. This is surprising, especially as one match each week is televised live. All games need more promotions during the day, but especially the televised matches. Junior promotions, club and League sponsor promotions, local business promotions, even NRL promotions should not only be encouraged, but actively supported by the QRL. Anniversaries, birthdays, important days in history for clubs, players and the League should also play a big part in game day promotions. These ideas do not cost bucket-loads of money, only the time and enthusiasm of those people organising them.<u> MEMORABILIA DISPLAYS</U> Last year, the BRL-Project held a number of highly-successful memorabilia displays at local clubs. The result was much promotion and generated talk of local Rugby League, and the identification of a large support-culture of local football. It also identified that these same people are starved of anything local-RL. Additionally, ABC-tv were keen to interview the BRL-Project at the time, but a number of unforeseen circumstances prevented this from eventuating. The displays were organised and run by passionate supporters with no budget whatsoever. The mind boggles at the potential of more displays, run professionally, and with the assistance of the gameâs controlling bodies and sponsors. (It should be mentioned that the Easts and Redcliffe clubs deserve the BRL-Projectâs thanks for their permission and assistance in these displays.) At the South East Divisionâs conference at the Gold Coast earlier this year, it was identified that all the clubs supported the idea wholeheartedly.<u> MATCH PROGRAMS - Rugby League News</U> The content of the local weekly program lacks in one area in particular â professional journalism. All the sections currently printed in the RLN deserve their space, but there is no journalism as such. Interviews with current and past players, coaches, and officials, and reports on last weekâs games are all nowhere to be seen. Fan-friendly items such as questionnaires, polls, "trivia corner", "25 years ago", competitions, letters/feedback, have all gone by the wayside as well. These areas are what many League fans have told the BRL-Project they enjoy. Addressing these areas will surely increase itâs readership and help raise the gameâs profile. Additionally, the BRL-Project would like the opportunity to supply regular articles for printing in the RLN. Secondly, are these programs accessible away from the games themselves ? Memories are vivid of being able to purchase the weekly programme at newsagents in the early-1980âs. <u> GRAND FINAL DAY</U> As the showpiece of local Rugby League, turning this day into the great event it once was should be a priority. Certainly, the halcyon days of the 60âs-80âs are gone, but there is no reason for less than 15,000 patrons to attend grand final day. Currently, there is almost no promotion at all for the gameâs biggest day. The day needs more than one Queen Street Mall appearance by a handful of players. There are many ideas worth investigating, including : <ul> [*]A night grand final [*]Junior grand finals earlier in the day [*]Free admission to patrons (Costs of programs, food, drinks etc would replace gate takings) [*]Free/reduced admission to club members, juniors, juniors in club jerseys, parents accompanying juniors, juniors accompanied by parents. [*]Meet certain big-name players on the day (Broncos or past greats) [*]Local district shop-front competitions [*]Massive paper, radio and television exposure in week leading up to match [*]Potential for segments on The Great South East, Brisbane Extra, and Quarter-time television programs [*]Grand final promotions at each of the major clubs[/list]<u> </U> <u> MEMORABILIA</U> A number of people have also mentioned the lack of non-ability to purchase the various clubsâ gear. For example, supporters have no way of purchasing local club jerseys, shorts, socks, hats, or any other collectibles of interest to club fans. There appears to be some market for this within the local Rugby League community, and it is a surprise to some that the QRL hasnât latched on to it. Further to supporters gear, there also seems to be some market for copies of programs, photographs, all forms of Rugby League publications, and videos of current and past Queensland matches. This is certainly an area for discussion by the QRL, in light of the tight budgets touted by officials from time to time. <u> BULIMBA CUP</U> The historical Bulimba Cup competition is still a talking point among local Rugby League supporters. Irrespective of the name "Bulimba", it is synonymous with intercity Rugby League between the Brisbane, Ipswich and Toowoomba Leagues when talking to local Rugby League supporters. Currently a representative Brisbane A Grade side play the Ipswich Diggers for the unofficial Bulimba Cup. Additionally, Ipswich plays Toowoomba on a challenge basis. The infrastructure is therefore already in place for a competition of this nature to be formalised. Also, the formalising of this competition has been put to a number of players within the three Leagues, and they all support it unanimously. I also cannot believe the Ipswich and Toowoomba Leagues would not support the initiative. Difficulty of programming one extra game (ie Brisbane v Toowoomba) into the current A Grade season has been mentioned by the Brisbane contingent, citing a number of reasons. However, a competition of this nature can be scheduled a number of ways, alleviating these issues. Additionally, a number of players from the current Brisbane side were asked how they would feel about another representative match, and they all supported the idea, describing it as an "opportunity". The history of the original competition would be a major portion of its promotion, remembering the Ipswich and Toowoomba sides are their own elite players.<u> REPRESENTATIVE MATCHES - Television Coverage</U> It is quite astonishing that the only representative match which receives television coverage is the annual City v Country match. There are at least two others each year in the Brasch-Bellew Shield match and the Queensland v New South Wales residents match, played as a curtain-raiser to State-of-origin games. It seems that these matches are video-recorded for citing and injury reasons, but are not called and then presented on television. Surely, there is enough interest in these games from the local League fraternity to justify even late night broadcast through ABC-tv. Perhaps the possibility of them being shown after the Bundy Gold Cup match, or even after the state-of-origin match from that night, could be investigated further by the QRL.
