Gentlemen,
They say history is a good indicator to the future, consider this -
- Cronulla were the leaders and driving force in women's rugby league before it become political and popular.
- Cronulla signed Ruan Sims to the very first female RL professional contract.
- Cronulla had a six figure sponsorship deal in place for our NRLW Team.
What was the result? Dragons and Roosters.
I am eternally grateful for the 2016 Premiership because MY Team the Cronulla Sutherland Sharks won the competition.
The "political product" we have today for the purposes of "business" and "entertainment" is nothing compared to the finest glorious days when the players were celebrated for their on field achievements and brilliant skills and toughness.
Journalists simply reported the on field play as it happened - no bias, no celebrity and they certainly didn't try and become part of the story.
If indeed, Rugby League does die in its current format and is rebuilt to create new franchises such as Western Sydney Rams , Southern Sydney Lions, Eastern Sydney Rainbows and Northern Sydney Pirates that will certainly be the end of the journey for me.
Interestingly, for those with a keen ear, the new Chairman when talking about suburban grounds referred to Brookvale, Leichhardt, and Southern Sydney.
We are in a love/ hate relationship with the NRL - they need us for the current broadcasting contract, but they would love to see us gone and give it to a greater market.
If the NRL is an equal partnership of 16 clubs, I have some moons rocks for sale.