An example of the risks of expansion

[dukey]

What seperates us from AFL is that we aren't choosing to expand in regions that have shown little interest in our game. Our investments should ADD to our game, not be pipe dreams that could prove to be significant money pits.

I agree. While I have my preferences as to which bids should get the nod, I wouldn't be unhappy with any that are currently on the table. They all seem pretty sustainable.

 

[mrslong]

Of course adding more teams will dilute the quality of the teams. I'd like to see more money poured into player development for a couple of years, a better second tier comp with the new tv deal cash and then once that's been strengthened go and add a couple of more teams where they're needed - second team in brizzy, one in perth.

Adding more teams is also going to dilute the crowds, which isn't a good look.

 

[Bucking Beads]

Maybe we could have a genuine 2nd tier competition which would take the place of the Toyota cup... We could also possibly have a 2nd tier team playing out of WA in preparation for an NRL team.. Would cost money but no more than the Toyota cup IMO. :confused:

 

[Coxy]

I'm not a fan of relocation either. I'm a fan of natural attrition. I think if you stopped propping clubs up with big grants from the NRL and made them fend for themselves a bit more, you'd have at least 2 clubs die quite quickly.

Then you've got room to open new teams in new areas where there's better opportunity to attract corporate dollar and revenue.

 

[Dexter]

Relocating Sydney teams won't work. Would QLD want a relocated Sydney team like the Sharks? LOLZ. I doubt it, they won't warm to it. Same with Perth - They want to be their own, they want to be representive of Western Australia, as if they would want the Rabbitohs. It's sloppy seconds. You want to build from scratch, it's the only way to ensure the long term health of a team. Imagine if the Perth Rabbitohs came into the comp, Perth would behind them for 2-3 years, watch them win a comp maybe and then what happens when they start doing ****? Getting the wooden spoon even? What motivates the fans to support the club? They are a relocated Sydney club, not a Perth club. The club isn't built on the foundations and tradition of a Perth team, it's a hand-me-down from a team in Sydney.

You just cannot relocate!

My solution. Don't expand yet. There is so many paranoid people about worrying about GWS and all that crap. Seriously, if they ever took a trip out to Western Sydney and understood the rugby league culture, they would not be worried at all. It's as strong as ever and only getting stronger.

You mean like Sydney Swans and Brisabne Lions?

 

[Dexter]

Why not? 2 very good examples of how it can work if done properly. Essentially the old team ceases to exist it's just a way of appeasing the supporters to make it happen.