So if you don't like someone you shuold never ever agree with them? That makes for sensible decision making doesn't it!!! :roll:
The Rah Rah team at Perth WILL suceed, because the ARU will make sure of it. What does it need to do to suceed? well, drawing some sort of crowd is about it, because the ARU relies very very heavily on TV money from News Ltd, and there would be no bottomline needed from local gate in the same way that a RL club might.
ARU will promote the crap out of it, and they will get some sort of numbers at games. Remember, S14 doesn't require 6 months to complete like the NRL/AFL comps. So more of an event atmosphere can be gained.
Interesting comments re Melbourne from Gould. he is dead right -the NRL, Storm and league Community in general hardly make a peep where it is needed in Vic. Dave Gallop or Geoff Carr shuold have been in Madden's ear re getting an equal deal for the Storm.
But the previous reader (name on another page so I can't remember who it was) that suggested that TV ratings are a pointer is spot on. The Storm DO generate interest in League - which is evidenced in their response to the GF. Clearly, there is a market down there, and the NRL is right to keep plugging away. It took about 15-20 years before Sydney warmed to the Swans. How anything not in a Gestapo uniform could warm to John Ribot is beyond most of us - with him removed, tehre is a chance!
However, Gus is dead right about the difference the 2 codes handled things. Again, League stuffed up due to gross incompetence! Again, The ARU takes a League opportunity.
And to think, had Super LEague not come along, Perth would be a League city (besides AFL), and Union would be stuck back at Trumper Park with a few toffs sipping cognac!