Corona Virus and NRL Games

[hazzbeen]

Balanced post mate, but cant agree that survival of the code is dependant on a restart. In fact under the current conditions the media partners will squeeze the fook out of the NRL, a deal that the code will have to live with for years. That will have a real impact on the game.

Having little leverage financially now, we may end up with a long term agreement based on assumptions relating to Covid19. Once signed off on, that deal is there for the tenure of the agreement. Fox / 9 whoever, will not willfully pay the NRL more whenever some semblance of normality resumes.

In addition, if the game resumes and God forbid there is an outbreak leading to suppliers, trainers, contractors, family members, etc contracting the disease then the NRL may well find itself back in court.

Said the same mate , if an outbreak did happen then the NRL will be shot for good ......

 

[Dragon David]

Said the same mate , if an outbreak did happen then the NRL will be shot for good ......

For the game to have longevity well into the twenty first century, the people concerned with bringing the games back on in May must tread very carefully and their decisions on all matters league brought to the table with common sense prevailing. Do not panic and make unrealistic decisions and goals just to make a buck now, give it time for the virus statistics to be more than stable.

If an outbreak did happen when the games have started too soon, then woe be tide the NRL in my opinion.

 

[BLM01]

You think it smart business and I think it is a complete farce and grandstanding.

Exactly which health care workers are we talking about here? All of them from every state and if not why not as after all the article says they are doing it for “them”?

So does that mean that the NRL is going to get all the workers to come from all over Australia and pay their fares and associated costs or does it mean only those that are living close to the proposed venue?

Who is going to relieve them from their vital jobs while they “all” go to the footy or has the NRL decided that the emergency will all be over by then?

If the health care workers said sorry we can’t make it as we are all a tad busy saving lives do you think the NRL would cancel it lol?

Playing SOO for “them” is a sentimental crock of shit to gain public sympathy and if there was any credibility as I said before they would play for nothing and donate all their match payments and do you think there is any chance of that?

If as reported by the SMH the players get $30,000 / SOO that would equate to
$30,000 x 34 x 3 = $3,060,000 and that doesn’t allow for coaches or ref payments

A SOO series reportedly pulls in $100m for the NRL and they are going to give up a few free seats but doing it all for the “health workers” FMD they should have just said nothing and what they did say is simply farcical and self serving.

OT I love this poles apart debate thing. and your 1st line and point is correct.

 

[JohnnoMcJohnno]

Firstly, I repeat that I'm not a fan of the NRL kick starting games again whilst cases of COVID and deaths of oeopke are still happening. To try and predict how things will be in 5 or 6 weeks time is fraught with danger.

Secondly, 'the virus' gas effectively exposed 'the virus' that was endemic within the NRL, especially where 'funds' are concerned. One high profile exec has already gone.

Thirdly, the frailty that is the NRL's financial position is now clearly evident and the rush to restart is a direct result of that. Self-serving? Perhaps, however, without a restart and a renegotiated media package, the is/was a very real possibility of the entire collapse of the NRL, which ultimately would see the collapse of clubs, junior comps and even and even grass roots football. Imagine an inverted pyramid, the NRL the apex, delicatly balancing the game of rugby league in Australia. If it cracks and crumbles, everything else will come crashing down.

Therefore, it appears the game has to start, if only to remain as a viable entity. Foolish or foolhardy, yes, but the alternative of extinction is very real. We have ti look at not just now, but future seasons as well.

V'Landys is a good operator, but hes been here 5 mins, lets see if he can steer this ship out if the fog it's currently enveloped in before reverting to self preservation assumprions.

I understand what you are saying, how the NRL finds itself in a difficult position, albeit it's not any different to many many businesses around the country.

Personally I am finding Vlandis is not so much a good operator, as an arrogant so and so. He was the first sports CEO to put his hand out for money, and he appears to be continually trying to white-ant Governments and pre-empt their decisions. It has a bad smell about it and it's putting me right off the NRL.

Vlandis only has to think about whats best for the NRL. Governments have to think about whats best for all. Vlandis should at least start treating Governments with a bit of respect.

 

[Old Timer]

The implied threat is always that the game will die.
That's what the media and the HO big nobs want you to think.

As a result of that people live in fear and potentially compromise those things they normally would not such as health.

The fact is the game will not die it will simply change from the unsustainable beast that it is today to a far more normalised affair potentially similar to what we had in the 70's - 90's.

FFS our team is comprised of highly paid full time footballers yet TBH I enjoyed my footy games much more when most of them had other jobs to supplement their smaller footy incomes.

What will change however is the fact that most of the people with their snouts in the trough will have to find alternate employment, the players on the big salaries will have to lead a different life style or choose alternate employment and fans might have to get off their arses a bit more to get to games that might not be televised.

I would love to see a comp where we play 2 games at the 1 time slot 7;30pm on Friday night. Pick which 1 you want to watch and then watch the other 1 as a reply straight after or whenever you want.

3 games Saturday and Sunday all at 3pm same thing as above but record 2. Then if you play Friday 1 week you go to Sat likewise Sat - Sun and Sun - Fri of course a bit of tidy up to accommodate Fri only being 2 games and also the time lag for the Warriors.

Run a fair and equitable comp and sell the game on its merits rather than being dictated to in almost every facet by the media.

Embrace a change that will be ok rather than keep compromising and make some of these arseholes find a life and career outside RL rather than being parasites feeding off it and ultimately turning it into a corpse.

 

[Old Timer]

OT I love this poles apart debate thing. and your 1st line and point is correct.

Would love your answers to the question proposed after the 1st line.
Surely you can't honestly believe the line "we are playing for them"?

 

[BLM01]

For the game to have longevity well into the twenty first century, the people concerned with bringing the games back on in May must tread very carefully and their decisions on all matters league brought to the table with common sense prevailing. Do not panic and make unrealistic decisions and goals just to make a buck now, give it time for the virus statistics to be more than stable.

If an outbreak did happen when the games have started too soon, then woe be tide the NRL in my opinion.

This is what I dont get from you guys and gals.
Do you ever stop think that the NRL are not a law unto themselves about this.
The GOVT is the one giving them the green light....so everyone's alarm should take note of what the GOVT are Ok with rolling back and are sanctioning. If they are all OK with it and as I said ad-nauseum if they are not..it wont happen...so why should we not be?
Can someone answer me that?

Firstly, I repeat that I'm not a fan of the NRL kick starting games again whilst cases of COVID and deaths of oeopke are still happening. To try and predict how things will be in 5 or 6 weeks time is fraught with danger.

Secondly, 'the virus' gas effectively exposed 'the virus' that was endemic within the NRL, especially where 'funds' are concerned. One high profile exec has already gone.

Thirdly, the frailty that is the NRL's financial position is now clearly evident and the rush to restart is a direct result of that. Self-serving? Perhaps, however, without a restart and a renegotiated media package, the is/was a very real possibility of the entire collapse of the NRL, which ultimately would see the collapse of clubs, junior comps and even and even grass roots football. Imagine an inverted pyramid, the NRL the apex, delicatly balancing the game of rugby league in Australia. If it cracks and crumbles, everything else will come crashing down.

Therefore, it appears the game has to start, if only to remain as a viable entity. Foolish or foolhardy, yes, but the alternative of extinction is very real. We have ti look at not just now, but future seasons as well.

V'Landys is a good operator, but hes been here 5 mins, lets see if he can steer this ship out if the fog it's currently enveloped in before reverting to self preservation assumprions.

Yes DS very good balanced post ..so much so the splinters on the fence must hurt.
But you spoilt it with your 1st paragraph IMO. Death is a part of life and more than double had happened from the 2018/2019 summer flu virus from Jan - April 2019. But no mainstream coverage of that. Nearly 800 by October. So cautiously I agree...but we still need to move forward with normality something / anything will do...now that COVID in this country is basically near a control, watch and act stage..and they know it.
Be cautious.. Yes
The world will get through this but the economic fallout will be much worse, harsher and longer than COVID would have or will have produced including this country...
The longer the lockdowns are in place the worse it will be....but will overcome that to..

 

[BLM01]

Would love your answers to the question proposed after the 1st line.
Surely you can't honestly believe the line "we are playing for them"?

But alas! "we are playing for them line" . Yeh that's a media thing and would be the closest i get to agreeing with you. Typical one liners trotted out and we all dont really buy that anymore. Just like playing for the jersey and local area. That ship has long sailed.
No Point arguing the rest. I disagree with most as IMO you are too negative and alarmist and your written arguments or support for your assumptions in your reply confirms that.
But its fun trying to persuade you to my way of thinking.

 

[redv13]

I agree with BLM01. If the government gives the green light to resume in the near future then why wouldn’t V’landys get this moving ASAP??
If it’s ok with the govt and medical experts then it’s all systems ahead. It’s not greedy at all and let’s be honest here, nil games = nil tv revenue = goodbye nrl. It’s just as risky sitting on our hands doing nothing so have a crack ( with green light from the govt etc ) or the game will die anyway!!

 

[jeffdragon]

I agree with BLM01. If the government gives the green light to resume in the near future then why wouldn’t V’landys get this moving ASAP??
If it’s ok with the govt and medical experts then it’s all systems ahead. It’s not greedy at all and let’s be honest here, nil games = nil tv revenue = goodbye nrl. It’s just as risky sitting on our hands doing nothing so have a crack ( with green light from the govt etc ) or the game will die anyway!!

Correct
We might not have a team to follow.
I for one wouldn't care to much about league if the dragons weren't there.

 

[BLM01]

Correct
We might not have a team to follow.
I for one wouldn't care to much about league if the dragons weren't there.

You know what JD. I have thought about that and 1st grade.
For me it would be like a new beginning...or back to the future.
If St George Illawarra 1st grade dies..I am just as much these days a footy nut than ever and still love being involved in any shape or form.
I believe there will always be a comp to support locally even just back like similar to a NSW cup comp standard...full of part timers.
I will happily go and watch and support like I did at Kogarah in early 70's-90's for my local area team from Wollongong of course nowadays whether it be a St George or Illawarra side or a combo... for a $10 entry fee and purchase a can of New and pie for $10 standing on sitting where you want close to the action and not give a stuff about a super league if it exists.
Problem is by then Mary will be back coaching local sides if he still thinks he is a coach ...and the haunting may continue.

 

[Old Timer]

But alas! "we are playing for them line" . Yeh that's a media thing and would be the closest i get to agreeing with you. Typical one liners trotted out and we all dont really buy that anymore. Just like playing for the jersey and local area. That ship has long sailed.
No Point arguing the rest. I disagree with most as IMO you are too negative and alarmist and your written arguments or support for your assumptions in your reply confirms that.
But its fun trying to persuade you to my way of thinking.

I hope you do realise that I actually have no issue with the code restarting on the proviso the government health officials actually say it is OK to do so.

I think you miss the thrust of my posts in that I can't abide by the NRL and the likes of Fittler "telling people it is ok to play" or getting testy with elected governments that have a different view point to them.

I have seen nothing to suggest they want to get back onto the field for anything other than for purely financial reasons and the fact they have announced a resumption date without fully advising all stake holders (especially the clubs & players themselves) of their proposal just reinforces that belief. The NRL actions to me is a bit like a business bordering on insolvency and willing to burn some more people as they flounder around.

The NRL want an instant revenue stream come hell or high water in an effort to prop up the very industry they bled dry and left in no fit financial position to whether a storm or a 1: 100 year event.

Then in the next minute they look like they are flush with $$$$ evidenced by the way the exited Greenburg and gave him a payout when he had 6 months to go and all at at a time when there is no footy. You would have to ask what was the urgency in doing that and why couldn't he just see the contract out as he was supposedly doing a great job?

 

[Dragon David]

Righto fellas, we have the green light to start rugby league again for this year on 28 May. The Government has given the green light which they no doubt have obtained a clearance from the health experts that all will be ok for the start date to be 28 May. Lets get behind this so that we can enjoy watching the games again. Once the little bits and pieces that have still to be sorted are finalised this week, we will have the guys back in training and rearing to go. Can't wait!!

No need to worry about anything else - just get on with the games. All will be sorted.

 

[redv13]

Righto fellas, we have the green light to start rugby league again for this year on 28 May. The Government has given the green light which they no doubt have obtained a clearance from the health experts that all will be ok for the start date to be 28 May. Lets get behind this so that we can enjoy watching the games again. Once the little bits and pieces that have still to be sorted are finalised this week, we will have the guys back in training and rearing to go. Can't wait!!

No need to worry about anything else - just get on with the games. All will be sorted.

1 more worry: Pi$$ off Mcflop

 

[Dragon David]

1 more worry: Pi$$ off Mcflop

Oh yes, forgot about him! Oh well lets not start the games on 28 May!!

 

[TruSaint]

I understand what you are saying, how the NRL finds itself in a difficult position, albeit it's not any different to many many businesses around the country.

Personally I am finding Vlandis is not so much a good operator, as an arrogant so and so. He was the first sports CEO to put his hand out for money, and he appears to be continually trying to white-ant Governments and pre-empt their decisions. It has a bad smell about it and it's putting me right off the NRL.

Vlandis only has to think about whats best for the NRL. Governments have to think about whats best for all. Vlandis should at least start treating Governments with a bit of respect.

Really like this post.
Well said mate.

From every corner I have heard of late how V'Landy's is our savior. Not by coincidence its those with vested interests to " resume" the game. Kent / Bellamy / etc..

He may end up being a very good leader, but its barely months since his appointment, and as much as he is a powerbroker, I will reserve judgement for now. I think people like his brashness, as if its some trait of success.

 

[BLM01]

I hope you do realise that I actually have no issue with the code restarting on the proviso the government health officials actually say it is OK to do so.

I think you miss the thrust of my posts in that I can't abide by the NRL and the likes of Fittler "telling people it is ok to play" or getting testy with elected governments that have a different view point to them.

I have seen nothing to suggest they want to get back onto the field for anything other than for purely financial reasons and the fact they have announced a resumption date without fully advising all stake holders (especially the clubs & players themselves) of their proposal just reinforces that belief. The NRL actions to me is a bit like a business bordering on insolvency and willing to burn some more people as they flounder around.

The NRL want an instant revenue stream come hell or high water in an effort to prop up the very industry they bled dry and left in no fit financial position to whether a storm or a 1: 100 year event.

Then in the next minute they look like they are flush with $$$$ evidenced by the way the exited Greenburg and gave him a payout when he had 6 months to go and all at at a time when there is no footy. You would have to ask what was the urgency in doing that and why couldn't he just see the contract out as he was supposedly doing a great job?

I agree. Fittler..as I said before I dont listen to those guys as much as the media want us to..unless it is about football on field...then I listen...but
Greenburg had to go. After 9 finally hit him with ll barrels after he let them down about stuff that was going on that blind Freddy could see anyway..his position was untenable. And it was the media that kept him afloat otherwise he would of gone earlier had it been up to the public and NRL faithful supporters.
His push for PC inclusiveness kept him afloat with the media who went easy on the spending because they got to enjoy the spolis of that.
Now the media that he sucked up to and protected him could and would no longer save him.
Covid 19 and its affects brought about Greenburg going now and brought to light the spending of NRL (good timing) because it now suited them to blow the whistle with the economy going to be hit big time.
Dont be mistaken..they are the devil in all this
But of course financial is the reason...it is the reason NRL is a professional sport and run like a huge business it is. And it was bleeding YES thanks to Greenbum and if we wanted it to keep going...good business financial decisions needed to be made and fast and I think they will..finally.

I do get your gripe OT witn the feel good cliches and self interest from some and their jobs...but I believe the NRL heirachy itself (I do hope) will and are making changes to a point where we as supporters at least will see improvement as a product and the media and admin ber un the way it should be.
Self interest in big business will always be there.

 

[Old Timer]

I agree. Fittler..as I said before I dont listen to those guys as much as the media want us to..unless it is about football on field...then I listen...but
Greenburg had to go. After 9 finally hit him with ll barrels after he let them down about stuff that was going on that blind Freddy could see anyway..his position was untenable. And it was the media that kept him afloat otherwise he would of gone earlier had it been up to the public and NRL faithful supporters.
His push for PC inclusiveness kept him afloat with the media who went easy on the spending because they got to enjoy the spolis of that.
Now the media that he sucked up to and protected him could and would no longer save him.
Covid 19 and its affects brought about Greenburg going now and brought to light the spending of NRL (good timing) because it now suited them to blow the whistle with the economy going to be hit big time.
Dont be mistaken..they are the devil in all this
But of course financial is the reason...it is the reason NRL is a professional sport and run like a huge business it is. And it was bleeding YES thanks to Greenbum and if we wanted it to keep going...good business financial decisions needed to be made and fast and I think they will..finally.

I do get your gripe OT witn the feel good cliches and self interest from some and their jobs...but I believe the NRL heirachy itself (I do hope) will and are making changes to a point where we as supporters at least will see improvement as a product and the media and admin ber un the way it should be.
Self interest in big business will always be there.

V’Landy’s comes from the sport of kings where arrogance reigns supreme.

He now finds himself at the helm of a self appointed “greatest game of all” arrogant sports outfit so it will be interesting to see whose arrogance wins out here.

I think V’Landy will do some quick chopping, a bit of nip & tucking and f**k off with a big bonus and leave us in the hands of the media who will finally orchestrate the changes they have so long wanted.

The last rights of RL as we have known it are being played out before our very eyes.

Cricket were lucky in that they had Kerry Packer who transformed the game in so many ways for the better and underpinned it with different formats to engender new supporters and revitalise old ones.

The RL keep introducing changes which disenfranchise the very people who are it’s lifeblood.

Very sad for me to watch all this happen in a sport which once was the home of battlers both on and off the paddock.

 

[Willow]

Righto fellas, we have the green light to start rugby league again for this year on 28 May. The Government has given the green light which they no doubt have obtained a clearance from the health experts that all will be ok for the start date to be 28 May.

Sarcasm?

No confirmation as yet.

 

[Old Timer]

Righto fellas, we have the green light to start rugby league again for this year on 28 May. The Government has given the green light which they no doubt have obtained a clearance from the health experts that all will be ok for the start date to be 28 May. Lets get behind this so that we can enjoy watching the games again. Once the little bits and pieces that have still to be sorted are finalised this week, we will have the guys back in training and rearing to go. Can't wait!!

No need to worry about anything else - just get on with the games. All will be sorted.

Ado - Carr and Latrell Mitchell are on board with you.