New Zealand 2 will deal a massive blow to NZ rugby

[Brian potter]

I think the bid or posters on here were suggesting possible double headers with the Crusaders. That would be like a death sentence for the Crusaders having that direct contrast, like when you get hit with a school zone driving.

That’s not a bad shout.

they could definitely play a few games at the new stadium for sure especially against the warriors, broncos, storm and souths.

 

[Canard]

Why are people saying the PNG govt are supporting bid financially? Where is this stated by anyone in the press, bid team or NRL

And even if they were, they have no money to give.

 

[Colk]

This.

a strong NRL is good for the pacific nations and their budding athletes.

Look I don’t have anything against PNG or Pacific Islands but the aspect of government money as opposed to some wealthy individual is problematic for a couple of reasons.

1. You are trusting government and the external factors around it. Now forget about politicians as such because often they are conveniently attacked but government, like any other institution or person is at heart backed by self interest. It will only be done so long as it is in their interest to do it which then goes to the second point

2. You attach sovereign risk to the whole enterprise which I am not a fan of at all. For example, if the government pulled funding for voter backlash or there was a whiff of corruption or simply because China was no longer deemed a risk that is way more damaging than not giving them a side

I personally would love a PNG team and for it to work but there is a massive risk in this perceived venture particularly with the government involved.

 

[Get Rid of The Donkeys]

Okay, don't hand them the licence, but don't drag it down if it on the up and up.. its a shame that we are so negative to jump on helping a foreign country achieve something great, this could very well be a game changer for png, for us its meh

I have concerns about Albo's proposal, but I'm optimistic that it could work under the right circumstances. Regardless of whether PNG gets an NRL licence, we've now got the PNGRFL receiving the funding and personnel it needs to grow the game across the entire country. That in itself is a huge victory for the game.

I do believe rugby league can play a role in lifting some Papuans out of poverty. Making the Digicel Cup a professional competition would allow hundreds of Papuans to make a living from the game.

 

[Wb1234]

Look I don’t have anything against PNG or Pacific Islands but the aspect of government money as opposed to some wealthy individual is problematic for a couple of reasons.

1. You are trusting government and the external factors around it. Now forget about politicians as such because often they are conveniently attacked but government, like any other institution or person is at heart backed by self interest. It will only be done so long as it is in their interest to do it which then goes to the second point

2. You attach sovereign risk to the whole enterprise which I am not a fan of at all. For example, if the government pulled funding for voter backlash or there was a whiff of corruption or simply because China was no longer deemed a risk that is way more damaging than not giving them a side

I personally would love a PNG team and for it to work but there is a massive risk in this perceived venture particularly with the government involved.

How did private backer go for Newcastle (tinkler) and Gold Coast United (palmer)

 

[final say]

Albo is backing PNG, the Bears and now I read the Jets..
It's almost as though he's a politician who says whatever he thinks people want to hear.

 

[Thatwasnthighref]

That’s not a bad shout.

they could definitely play a few games at the new stadium for sure especially against the warriors, broncos, storm and souths.

I reckon both codes could benefit from that.

NZ’s a small market and each code already has their rusted on fanbase that’ll attend games no matter what. The additional bums on seats they’re both chasing are the ones who prefer to stay at home flicking channels because they enjoy both codes. So why not get them out of their lounges by working together?

A double header event featuring NZ2 vs. Warriors and Saders vs. Blues in CHCH’s new covered stadium would be a pretty epic I reckon. I’d travel for that.

 

[Canard]

I reckon both codes could benefit from that.

NZ’s a small market and each code already has their rusted on fanbase that’ll attend games no matter what. The additional bums on seats they’re both chasing are the ones who prefer to stay at home flicking channels because they enjoy both codes. So why not get them out of their lounges by working together?

A double header event featuring NZ2 vs. Warriors and Saders vs. Blues in CHCH’s new covered stadium would be a pretty epic I reckon. I’d travel for that.

I've always wondered why they didn't do something similar in Melbourne also, with the Rebels and Storm.

Obviously probably a bit late for that now.

 

[jim_57]

I reckon both codes could benefit from that.

NZ’s a small market and each code already has their rusted on fanbase that’ll attend games no matter what. The additional bums on seats they’re both chasing are the ones who prefer to stay at home flicking channels because they enjoy both codes. So why not get them out of their lounges by working together?

A double header event featuring NZ2 vs. Warriors and Saders vs. Blues in CHCH’s new covered stadium would be a pretty epic I reckon. I’d travel for that.

Wouldn’t they already be banking on a sell out every year for South Island V Warriors though? So why split the gate with Crusaders?

Same weekend but on different days works though.

Could save the double header idea for some lower drawing games if the conditions can be agreed upon.

 

[mongoose]

I've always wondered why they didn't do something similar in Melbourne also, with the Rebels and Storm.

Obviously probably a bit late for that now.

I don't think League and Union will ever work together in Australia...

 

[Canard]

I don't think League and Union will ever work together in Australia...

Agreed, but in Melbourne, some Victorians treat the two codes as the same thing anyway.

 

[SpaceMonkey]

I think the bid or posters on here were suggesting possible double headers with the Crusaders. That would be like a death sentence for the Crusaders having that direct contrast, like when you get hit with a school zone driving.

All the more reason for it to happen. If the Union people back their product, bring it

 

[SpaceMonkey]

Wouldn’t they already be banking on a sell out every year for South Island V Warriors though? So why split the gate with Crusaders?

Same weekend but on different days works though.

Could save the double header idea for some lower drawing games if the conditions can be agreed upon.

You can price a double header higher- or even have the two games separate but on the same weekend to maximise travelling support.

 

[flippikat]

Wouldn’t they already be banking on a sell out every year for South Island V Warriors though? So why split the gate with Crusaders?

Same weekend but on different days works though.

My thinking too - plus there's the factor of ground turn-around (markings, signage etc) and even though switching between league and union is possible, it's not optimal if done at lightning speed on the same day.

 

[Wb1234]

Nrl round 3 warriors bs easier dad christchurch has sold out

the South Island loves its rugby league

 

[SpaceMonkey]

My thinking too - plus there's the factor of ground turn-around (markings, signage etc) and even though switching between league and union is possible, it's not optimal if done at lightning speed on the same day.

Easy solution- do one game Saturday night the other Sunday Afternoon. Or even both on a Saturday but with a 2 hour gap to re-mark the field and let the different fan groups enter/leave or go and get a drink/bite to eat if they’re doing both. The stadiums central location will aid that.

 

[final say]

Nrl round 3 warriors bs easier dad christchurch has sold out

the South Island loves its rugby league

Holy crap! I just checked, it's a month away! Sold out!
When else does that happen? A month out?

 

[Matiunz]

Nrl round 3 warriors bs easier dad christchurch has sold out

the South Island loves its rugby league

Small stadium capacity has dudded a bigger crowd. Not just a South Island thing Warriors pulled similar numbers in Wellington,Napier and significantly more in Hamilton last year

 

[SpaceMonkey]

Small stadium capacity has dudded a bigger crowd. Not just a South Island thing Warriors pulled similar numbers in Wellington,Napier and significantly more in Hamilton last year

The real excitement will be if they can repeat it with the new stadium next year. If the team goes well in 2024 I think they will

 

[Wb1234]

The real excitement will be if they can repeat it with the new stadium next year. If the team goes well in 2024 I think they will

That’s the fear with all the hype on them they revert to the warriors of old and lose all the momentum

I maintain rts needs to be fullback their best attacking weapon.