Why is the NRL currently booming?

[Munky]

On a more serious note I think the six again rule has helped (after the 40m line change).

The Sharks Storm game in 2018 is the most cynical match of professional sport I've ever seen.

Two teams just giving no f**ks about infringements because the penalty allowed a battery recharge.

 

[gerg]

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.

Queenslanders are the worst 'fair weathered' fans in existence. With Cowboys and Broncos on the up and Dolphins joining they suddenly give a shit about the sport again.

 

[some11]

Covid is over for the majority of the population.

Optimism is back baby. Also a new club doing well.

 

[Sky_Is_The_Limit]

I think new stadiums help too - the Roosters and the Rabbitohs have now played to a combined total of 118,391 people in just over 6 months for an average of almost 40,000 per game.

Last year, Parramatta in their still-new stadium became the first Sydney team since South Sydney in 2013 to average over 20,000 in the regular home and away season.

 

[Wb1234]

You should’ve seen rugby league in the period 1989 to 1995

this isn’t at that level

rugby league is just getting back to where it was

and it has a leader who has a good feel for the game

 

[hineyrulz]

It's just the universe trying to get back at Perth Dread.

 

[Ride the Lion to Zion]

Cauliflower

I offered you Turnip weeks ago. By way of a change.

Forget Cauliflower. Makes me think of the ears of Rugby Union players.

 

[Ride the Lion to Zion]

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

That is the key point about this. Polynesian League fans in Oz and NZ support their national teams alongside their favourite NRL club.

Who benefits from trying to disturb those natural affinities?

 

[The Daddy3]

Better stadiums and the Dolphins are a great feel good story for the sport. Which means RL in Queensland is on the up

 

[Pneuma]

I offered you Turnip weeks ago. By way of a change.

Forget Cauliflower. Makes me think of the ears of Rugby Union players.

I have a cauliflower ear from playing union. Please forgive me.

 

[Fangs]

It's just the best product. RU isnt in the conversation and no one cares about AFL outside Melbourne.

And an unpopular opinion: set restarts have made the game better to watch. I've heard it from plenty of neutrals and I feel the same. The intentional penalties were out of control and making football unwatchable at times.

 

[Diesel]

Dolphins getting a lot of coverage in QLD at the expense of RU. Even the Lions aren’t getting their pre-season media coverage at the levels they once got. People also over the cricket schedule and were talking NRL in February

 

[T-Boon]

For some reason everything homoman writes seems like he is taking the piss.

 

[Puig Aubert]

Many clubs, especially the Sydney Roosters, have done a great job promoting our game to people who didn't really care about Rugby League before.

 

[mongoose]

..

 

[docbrown]

I think new stadiums help too - the Roosters and the Rabbitohs have now played to a combined total of 118,391 people in just over 6 months for an average of almost 40,000 per game.

Last year, Parramatta in their still-new stadium became the first Sydney team since South Sydney in 2013 to average over 20,000 in the regular home and away season.

I think a goal should be for the Tigers and the Bulldogs to work towards getting a Parramatta-style stadium that they can be co-tenants. I have always wondered how big they would both be if that stadium at Liverpool had happened.

 

[Wb1234]

Many clubs, especially the Sydney Roosters, have done a great job promoting our game to people who didn't really care about Rugby League before.

You get my vote for best username ever

 

[macca_saint]

Many clubs, especially the Sydney Roosters, have done a great job promoting our game to people who didn't really care about Rugby League before.

Is that you Albert Rosenfeld?

 

[gerg]

Many clubs, especially the Sydney Roosters, have done a great job promoting our game to people who didn't really care about Rugby League before.

I thought my little troll job was fairly good, but couldn't even get a 'rustle' out of the donkey. Yours is next level, credit where it's due.

 

[Fangs]

Welcome back Albert.

LU alumni.