We must kill Sydney clubs to survive
By Nick Walshaw | July 31, 2008
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/sport/nrl/story/0,26799,24103754-5006066,00.html
ROOSTERS coach Brad Fittler has sensationally urged the NRL to kill off some Sydney clubs - insisting expansion into Queensland and regional NSW is the best hope for the code's survival. Speaking with
The Daily Telegraph last night, Fittler said new clubs were needed "tomorrow" on the Sunshine Coast, Central Coast and Coffs Harbour.
And while centenary celebrations might be in full swing, the Bondi Junction boss said relocating or dumping Sydney clubs was the only way it could happen.
"Because right now our game isn't utilising its strongest areas," Fittler said.
"We need less teams in Sydney and more in areas where we're strong - that just makes sense.
"We need clubs in communities like the Central Coast, Sunshine Coast, Coffs Harbour . . . I don't understand why we're not there already."
Expansion has once again become an NRL talking point following the decision of Bulldogs renegade Sonny Bill Williams to walk out on a five-year deal with the Bulldogs on Saturday night.
Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, Central Coast and Papua New Guinea have already been mentioned as possible new franchises - with Fittler now adding Coffs Harbour to that list.
The tourist destination already has an international stadium and, according to the former Origin star, is a better option for league's future than some of the struggling Sydney clubs.
But the obvious question then becomes, which club should go . . . the Roosters?
When pushed on which city clubs should now bite the bullet, Fittler said: "I think it's up to the NRL, they've got to make some tough decisions. Got to look at every Sydney club.
"But you only have to see what's happening up in Brisbane. It's such a great footy area and we've got great support up there, great crowds right now.
"Yet the city has got only one team and a Gold Coast side which was only introduced last year."
One of the game's most respected voices, Fittler said the Williams saga had simply confirmed it was time for the game's leaders to start making some tough decisions on the future of the code. And one of those, he said, was an urgent streamlining of its administration.
"Because right now we've got about 14 boards running the game," he said. "No wonder it's so hard to make a decision."
Yet the retired Kangaroo also supported the move by NRL boss David Gallop and all 16 NRL clubs to pursue legal action against the runaway Bulldog.
"Because you can't walk out of contract," Fittler shrugged.
"If players want to go to French rugby, mate, I don't care. It's their life so the decision is up to them, it doesn't affect me.
"And if a French club is paying blokes more than $1 million per season, well, I don't think there's much we can do.
"So if a player wants to make a lot of money, France seems to be the place to do that. But they shouldn't be able to go if they've signed an NRL contract."
It was a message yesterday supported by Roosters and NSW Origin No. 6 Braith Anasta.
"I don't understand how you can sign a contract for so long and then leave a quarter of the way through," Anasta said. "How can an NRL contract mean so little?
"When anyone signs with a club they should be prepared to stay for the length of that deal. Otherwise there would be no point anyone signing anything."
So has the saga affected Anasta's opinion of the Polynesian superstar he played alongside to win the 2004 NRL premiership?
"No, because I know Sonny Bill well. He's a top bloke and we've been friends for a long time now.
"So I'm certainly not going to come out and bag him . . . especially when I don't know what's going on. Don't know why he left.
"But I will say that things could've been handled a lot better. I mean, I certainly know how tough it can be in the NRL spotlight.
"But, as I said before, I just don't think you can walk out on a contract that you've signed not that long ago."
Anasta also said that any suggestions of a mass exodus were also off the mark.
Despite being an outstanding rugby prospect in his youth, he insisted that French rugby clubs were not about to plunder the NRL playing ranks.
"I can't see too many other players doing what he's done. Because while everyone may say loyalty is dead in rugby league, it's not.
"When you sign with a club, you're connected to that club. To the players. To the fans. You're emotionally involved and it becomes a part of your life.
"And let's be honest, there aren't too many league players who are going to do well over there, anyway. So I don't think anyone is too worried.
"There's been a lot of hoo-hah in the papers but it certainly hasn't changed my opinion of how the game is going.
"I'm quite happy with things and most of the players I've spoken with feel the same.
"There are a few issues to be sorted out but I don't think I can answer them."
