Playing Numbers

[ningnangnong]

Some fans still think 2 is left winger...sometimes yes. Sometimes no.

Lol, I do this. icon_smile

 

[Fozz]

Oh boohoo, new fans might not know where someone is playing? Most new fans don't know the difference between a prop and a second rower anyway. Some fans still think 2 is left winger...sometimes yes. Sometimes no.

Entirely true. My point was just that it looks bloody messy on a team list, maybe that is just my OCD speaking but 1-17 looks neater and I think it forms a better impression of a team rather than a bunch of random numbers everywhere.

 

[Coxy]

Hehe. On Saturday, Kevin Gordon and Michael Gordon marked up on eachother in number 5. So it depends on the team.

But yeah, do I care if Josh McGuire wearing 79 smashes Lote Tuqiri in 7.....no.

And Fozz, fair enough...but look at most teams on game day compared to Tuesday? Frankly I think we either go player individual numbers, or all teams are 1 to 17 regardless of what was named on Tuesday.

 

[Je$ter]

Having names and numbers on jerseys would be a good marketing move IMO. Plenty of people will want to buy a jersey with the name and number of their favourite player on the back.

Plenty of people already buy the supporter jerseys (which come with no numbers) and pay extra to get their fave player's # and name on the back anyway.

And it looks terrible because it's not authentic. IMO.

Confusion etc, minor issue. Tradition...more of an argument, though we flipped the forward numbers around about 25 years ago...8 used to be lock.

Kind of like the collars on jersies traditional argument. Funnily enough the only club I can think of with a collar is the Cowboys now!

 

[Coxy]

Exactly. And night grand finals.

traditions can change. No reason this can't work at all.

 

[guppy]

Wasn't Andrew Gee #23 in the Super League days?

That was enough to put me off players choosing their own numbers. #23 will forever be Michael Jordan in my mind. Not Andrew Gee.

If you're a good enough player, your number will always be remembered whether or not others have used it since. Whenever I see #7 for the Broncos, I think of Alfie. If someone in that position comes along and manages to change my mind, we'll all be better off. You should have to own your number through your actions on the field, not by picking it out of thin air.

Imagine the honour of putting on the Broncos #7 for the first time (despite it being jinxed). I think the traditional jersey numbers carry a legacy that current players should aim towards recreating.

Besides, which grub in the league would be the first to choose #69?

At the end of the day, it's not a big deal. It just cheapens the sport a tiny bit in my mind. It's too gimmicky. What next? Letting the players choose the names of their positions?
"I don't want to be a hooker anymore, I want to be the P.I.M.P!" or, Ian Roberts - "oooh can I be a Brokeback?"

The less choice players have in this game, the better.

 

[Coxy]

What next? Letting the players choose the names of their positions?
"I don't want to be a hooker anymore, I want to be the P.I.M.P!" or, Ian Roberts - "oooh can I be a Brokeback?"

The less choice players have in this game, the better.

ROFLSTILTSKIN!

 

[gUt]

What a non-issue. Let's fix something that isn't broken, what salary cap problems?

 

[Browny]

What a non-issue. Let's fix something that isn't broken, what salary cap problems?

Yep there really tackling the big issues :roll:

 

[Professor47]

It's good to have a lighter topic IMO

I wont lie there is a part of me that likes the 1-17 system... as guppy said... if you wear #1 Broncos... it is something Lockyer wore etc etc...

In saying that if there is significant financial and marketing gain to be made here then I don't see why not... but I'd like to add the rule that the club can only retire one number every decade... otherwise you'll have clubs retiring jerseys willy nilly.

That way it would also be a huge honour to receive... as every club announces it every 10 years. Sort of like an extra hall of fame for every club.

I think they should try it but not right now - too much needs to be done before that.

 

[Mister Wright]

I've got no problem with the idea at all. Think it's a great idea actually. And like in Basketball, when they play international matches they go back to the 4-15, same could apply for Rep games where 1-17 is used.

What it could also add to the game is like cricket where players wear the number they have debuted on their cap or shirt, the same could be done for NRL players.

 

[john1420]

ok, first point - this is a mind-numbingly small issue in a time where we have big problems to fix. focus on the importnat stuff for pete's sake!

point 2 - i am a rugby league convert from snooze-ball (AFL) and I love the numbering system in NRL - way better than snooze-ball

 

[Charmamba]

ok, first point - this is a mind-numbingly small issue in a time where we have big problems to fix. focus on the importnat stuff for pete's sake!

Thats the thing thou, its such a small issue im fine with the NRL going "ok done we will do it, clubs work out your numbers"

Even a small issue can add to the game.

 

[Nashy]

How will that add to the game?

Money is the issue they need to be focusing their attention on. Not the numbers on the players.

 

[Flutterby]

But as others have pointed out - individual numbering has the potential to bring more money into the game/to players (esp popular ones). Just one way, but if it does then you should be supporting it.

 

[Bucking Beads]

Shot gun Steve Michaels number!!

 

[Nashy]

I don't support it because I don't like it.

 

[Charmamba]

Shot gun Steve Michaels number!!

Would look weird having -15