We are a full funding cycle behind them in terms of the level of funding both codes now enjoy, they had much more money in the pot to parachute in new teams even in pretty disadvantaged markets for them. Meanwhile we were ran on the smell of an oily rag for 15 years. Also the AFL manage excellent crowds in their heartlands but I would hardly call their "derby" crowds in NSW and QLD inspiring and these are the crowds which are a true barometer of the popularity of that sport in Sydney and Brisbane.
Yes i agree with all you have said. But the simple fact remains, the AFL have huge derbies in their heartland cities, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.
The NRL does not, and leaving Brisbane out in the cold has done our code little favours.
Brisbane as it has grown Origin into a huge Australian contest and rivalry, can also add enormous figures to the crowd numbers and viewers if they had another two teams.
Having 6 teams in Queensland, 3 in Brisbane, opens up around a extra dozen derbies or more for Queensland teams.
And that is how you can grow the game. It would hardly cost the game much as well, your growing teams in your heartland where companies are screaming out for a team to support.
Queensland rail (Aurizon) one of the states biggest investors cant even get a look-in at the moment. Investors are lined up waiting for the NRL to act.
These teams have virtual crowds ready to just step in, bigger than the Raiders, 30 thousand support some of these expansion teams.
Its a no-brainer.
Gallop held the game back, superleague is dead along with the raiders.
Pink is the new green. Raider would look "Pretty in pink".
