Why is the NRL currently booming?

[Homo man69]

I've noticed the NRL is currently going through another 90's boom stage. Im not bias and prefer the AFL, which is currently struggling. It's odd cause 5 years ago it was the opposite.
My job involves going from worksite to worksite and the NRL craze is definitely back. They all have tipping comps and NRL posters. Can also sense it with crowds and general buzz
One theory i keep hearing is Penrith and there large catchment area but I'm leaning more towards better administration

 

[Pneuma]

I've noticed the NRL is currently going through another 90's boom stage. Im not bias and prefer the AFL, which is currently struggling. It's odd cause 5 years ago it was the opposite.
My job involves going from worksite to worksite and the NRL craze is definitely back. They all have tipping comps and NRL posters. Can also sense it with crowds and general buzz
One theory i keep hearing is Penrith and there large catchment area but I'm leaning more towards better administration

I think it’s because I have beer and there is footy again. It’s also possible you are a piss take account. And other things as well. I hope that helps.

 

[Yosemite Sam]

Because it's the most entertaining sport in the country by a mile. If it ever lived up to its potential it would dwarf the AFL, as it did in the early 90s.

 

[Colk]

Because it's the most entertaining sport in the country by a mile. If it ever lived up to its potential it would dwarf the AFL, as it did in the early 90s.

We need to become a national competition and add another side outside of Australia and we could be well positioned to do that.

 

[Homo man69]

I think it’s because I have beer and there is footy again. It’s also possible you are a piss take account. And other things as well. I hope that helps.

It's a genuine question, if anything your response is a piss take

 

[Floodwaters]

Because Australia done unnecessary lockdowns and bubbles the past two seasons for a disease the world over reacted too and now people are free again.

 

[Pneuma]

Because Australia done unnecessary lockdowns and bubbles the past two seasons for a disease the world over reacted too and now people are free again.

Potato

 

[Desert Qlder]

Perth is a must.

The idea of a Pasifika team is ridiculous. We want Pasifika supporters supporting their local club, not concentrated on one on team.

 

[Floodwaters]

Potato

Its the reason entertainment is booming at the moment, like it or not, even if you think the reaction to Covid was warranted, the fact it isn't a thing anymore is the reason currently entertainment is booming which the OP asked. I've been to 5 concerts in the past 6 weeks, why is there so many atm? because there allowed to do them again.

 

[Pneuma]

Its the reason entertainment is booming at the moment, like it or not, even if you think the reaction to Covid was warranted, the fact it isn't a thing anymore is the reason currently entertainment is booming which the OP asked. I've been to 5 concerts in the past 6 weeks, why is there so many atm? because there allowed to do them again.

Cauliflower

 

[T to the T]

Expansion in being good for the sport shocker. Who would've thought that a growing sport would create optimism and a feel good factor.

Bring in Perth, NZ2 and Brisbane3 just in time for the 2032 Olympics and the good times will continue rolling.

 

[Diesel]

Crowds have looked good, the Dolphins have added more interest. Covid restrictions over also would be helping

 

[Mr. Shaman]

It’s the start of the season Homo

 

[Colk]

It’s the start of the season Homo

That’s true also

 

[Homo man69]

It’s the start of the season Homo

With that avatar, it's the pot calling the kettle black. The surge started last year and it's not just start of the season hype

 

[blukablu]

I've really noticed this in Brisbane. A lot more talk about NRL at work and with friends from school (Rugby school, not traditional league supporters). I've been seeing NRL apparel EVERYWHERE as well.

My theory why -

1. Super Rugby is basically dead (in Australia at least) so we've taken most of their supporters. Red's used to average 20 - 30k, Waratahs 35k+, Brumbies got 15-20k. They are currently getting about 1/3 of that, maybe even less. Where have they all gone? NRL.

2. The NRL has really cleaned up its act and is more attractive to a non-traditional audience. Not too long ago a lot of people thought Rugby League was a thuggy sport watched by bogans. Off-field dramas are much less, thug-like behaviour on the field has been stamped out, NRLW would have helped and the addition of 'higher class' sponsors have shed the low-class stereotype the NRL had and have made it much more attractive to upper and middle-class fans.

 

[Munky]

It's because the entire Australian male population are all Homo men born 1969.

Of courses they love hyper fit dudes running into each other in 4k.

 

[Colk]

It's because the entire Australian male population are all Homo men born 1969.

Of courses they love hyper fit dudes running into each other in 4k.

Not that there is anything wrong with that

 

[docbrown]

Entertainment options are now almost limitless. Everybody’s watching something different. We’re not all just watching the same three channels. But the one thing that is still uniting millions of people on one topic of conversation is live sports. And the NRL is putting out a quality product week after week that people want to see that is already engrained into the popular culture.

 

[docbrown]

I've really noticed this in Brisbane. A lot more talk about NRL at work and with friends from school (Rugby school, not traditional league supporters). I've been seeing NRL apparel EVERYWHERE as well.

My theory why -

1. Super Rugby is basically dead (in Australia at least) so we've taken most of their supporters. Red's used to average 20 - 30k, Waratahs 35k+, Brumbies got 15-20k. They are currently getting about 1/3 of that, maybe even less. Where have they all gone? NRL.

2. The NRL has really cleaned up its act and is more attractive to a non-traditional audience. Not too long ago a lot of people thought Rugby League was a thuggy sport watched by bogans. Off-field dramas are much less, thug-like behaviour on the field has been stamped out, NRLW would have helped and the addition of 'higher class' sponsors have shed the low-class stereotype the NRL had and have made it much more attractive to upper and middle-class fans.

If you look at Super Rugby TV audiences it’s clear that they now watch NRL.