Everybody in this thread is getting side-tracked comparing the NRL to the EPL. Which they can't be.
Back to the initial proposal, I think it has some merit. 10 teams x 7 million is obviously 70 million, and then the second teir comp ... teams could perhaps (pulling figures out of the air) have a cap of 2 million. Thats 90 million all up vs the current 64 million we spend all up.
Only a shortfall of 26 million that surely could be made up through the usual avenues. I'd also advocate a small portion of gate receipts from the top flight contributing to the 2nd teir clubs.
It would be important for lower division sides to be their own entity and not simply a feeder club for the top flight clubs. They are gonna need their own backers and ambition or it won't work.
Not that we want to take it a step further, but for arguments sake, is there anything to stop the premiers in the NSWRL and the QCup going up to 2nd division if their finances are in order ?
The lower division teams could have a combination of youngsters, journeymen, washed up old players ... with the odd couple of top flight standard players thrown in.
I think there would be interest in the 2nd teir comp, and most real fans of the game would adopt a team to follow. If the top flight can't increase crowds in a big way under these guidelines, then we truly have no hope.
working in Legends proposal, a top flight comp of 10 teams would be 18 rounds + finals, and then the WCC to make up the number of home games to comfort the CEO's and give all something to strive for.
A top 5 finals system, top 4 playing in the WCC, bottom 2 dropping down a division, you can't tell me there wouldn't be a lot of games with real importance.
anyway, i like the idea ... email it to the Wok and see if you get any air time
Oink !