While in principle your argument is sound you have picked a poor example in Manly. Since the Bears departed juniour league has fallen away dramatically in the North sydney region. your argument that if Manly relocated there would be no effect in support is ridiculous - Manly fans would not support a relocated team to the Central Coast and rugby union would be "given" free reign from the bridge to the Central Coast.
All grounds for all major sports are only improved as a result of government funding. The disgracefull state of Brookvale oval is a direct result of unfair distribution of government funds (or corruption). That Leicchardt (3 games a year), Cambelltown (3 or 4? games a year), Kogarah (6 games) can receive the funding they have while Brookvale gets nothing has more to do with Govts improving their chances of re-election than the efficient allocation of govt money. If this type of thing happened in a third world country it would be branded as typical second rate corruption and yet nothing is said in NSW (I guess we are used to it).
If you wanted to apply your argument it would be better used on the sharks or the roosters / rabbits as the juniors of the removed team could be taken over by a close neighbour. Even then, you are dreaming if you think supporters would accept it.
thank you for replying everyone, but to the person i quoted especially.
I understand where you are coming from.
The state of brookvale oval is unfortunate as are the circumstances. The same argument could be applied to any team, not just those you mentioned.
League should support itself more in expansion and more in its heartlands, and that for all the good rl has done, it leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to supporting itself.
One factor of supporting oneself, to coin a concept, is not to have too many children if your income is low. It will severely effect the quality of your life. Applying to the too many teams in sydney situation.
Such is league. Is that good support? Overpopulating a city with teams?