Goose Gould is right for once

[ParraEelsNRL]

http://smh.com.au/news/League/Rahrahs-put-us-to-shame/2004/12/18/1103312787494.html?from=moreStories

Rah-rahs put us to shame
By Phil Gould
December 19, 2004
The Sun-Herald

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The way it is

I don't know about you but I could not help feeling more than a little jealous of the Australian Rugby Union when it announced Perth as the successful bidder for the fourth Super 14 franchise in Australia. To tell the truth, as a devout rugby league fan I felt bloody embarrassed over the whole thing.

The manner in which the ARU reached and announced its final decision this month was a credit to the people involved and an embarrassment to the administration of our NRL.

The ARU showed professionalism, expertise and independence in the way it conducted this very important exercise. When Super 12 rugby officials announced they were increasing their competition to 14 teams, the ARU seized upon the opportunity to expand horizons here in Australia.

It proudly announced it would have a fourth rugby franchise and called for applications.

It didn't ask permission from other Super 12 organisations; it didn't seek approval from media partners and sponsors. On the contrary, it sold the idea to sponsors and broadcasters, in effect telling them: "This is what we are going to do and how exciting is it going to be?"

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AdvertisementThe bidding process was short and sweet. The manner in which the applicants, Melbourne and Perth, used the media to state individual cases was a lesson to rugby league.

The excitement generated over the examination period and the elation and sorrow witnessed at the announcement of the decision was superbly orchestrated.

When you compare this with how the NRL handled the Central Coast, Gold Coast and Wellington bids, you can see how the ARU puts the NRL to shame.

The NRL never called for applicants. Nevertheless, it allowed these three areas to apply and had them believe they were a chance.

They spent millions, approached local, state and federal governments and promoted the idea to fans and junior league organisations.

The NRL subjected these people to 12 months of pressure, stress and false hope, and allowed the media to interfere with the bidding process.

The NRL administration asked the NRL clubs for opinions and preferences.

In the end none of this mattered because News Ltd was always going to have the final say and it listens to only one bloke when it comes to rugby league decisions. This bloke was against the Gold Coast and Central Coast so there was never going to be any expansion.

The NRL wasted the time and emotions of all concerned and the final announcement quite sadly broke the spirit of many enthusiastic people. We are a joke.

But there are some interesting points to come out of all this.

Firstly, the decision to select Perth rather than Melbourne is interesting.

When John Quayle was running rugby league he made the same decision back in 1994. He had cultivated Perth over a number of years and decided the time was right. He knew to steer clear of AFL in Melbourne and knew Perth had a core group of rugby league supporters.

Sadly, Perth then signed up with Super League in 1995 and the rest is history. Like most things Super League touched it was stuffed in a few short years and the players were sent packing to Melbourne and other clubs. Perth was lost to rugby league.

Secondly, it was interesting to note the comments made by the Minister for Sport in Victoria, Justin Madden.

Of the ARU and Melbourne, he said: "Imagine how relieved the AFL would be if you award the team to Perth and imagine how soccer will welcome the announcement of Perth. It will guarantee them No.2 spot in Melbourne."

I don't see the words rugby league anywhere in that sentence. That's right, the Minister for Sport in Victoria is saying AFL, soccer and rugby union all hold pride of place over rugby league. In fact, rugby league did not even get a mention.

So what the bloody hell are we still doing in Melbourne when this is all the impression we have made after six years and millions of dollars?

The Gold Coast and Central Coast are crying out for rugby league recognition. They have the support of local and state governments, not to mention sponsors and fans, but we ignore them and persevere with sinking millions into Melbourne.

During the bidding the Victorian Government pledged $100 million to build a new stadium at Olympic Park if Melbourne was awarded the Super 14 franchise.

Has such a generous offer ever been made to the rugby league?

Has anyone from the NRL ever approached the Victorian Government suggesting it build a new stadium for the Storm?

Since Melbourne's bid failed, has anyone from the NRL approached the Victorian Government to see if that funding is still available?

I read somewhere that this money may still be available for Olympic Park, but we would have to share the ground with other sporting bodies.

Have we spoken to the Victorian Government? Maybe someone has but we haven't heard about it.

I guess the Victorian Government might rightly question the NRL on how long it intends to support a Melbourne team before it considers any funding for a rugby league-shaped ground.

Maybe we don't have the answer to that little poser, so it is best we avoid the question.

We shall watch the situation with great interest

 

[littleduck]

Yeah!!!!!!!!

I agree with 99% of that (except for the subtle ARL was better than SL dig).

 

[littleduck]

And while I'm at it...

RL and soccer have been vying for worst run football administration in the country for years, but soccer might slowly be getting its act together under the guidance of Frank Lowy. If so, RL is surging ahead as worst run football administration in the country.

Merry christmas NRL.

 

[robbieando]

He touched on a very good point in regards to the Victorian Government's lack of support towards Rugby League in this state. While its easy to point and blame the Bracks Government for not doing anything for Rugby League in this state, I think the issue is why should the Government do anything when the NRL or the ARL don't ask for help, don't give reasons why support should be given and most importantly of all, don't put in meaningful funding in the way the AFL, ASA and the ARU do.

If you don't ask you don't receive. Nothing should be handed to anyone on a silver platter like many League people will have you believe.

 

[littleduck]

He touched on a very good point in regards to the Victorian Government's lack of support towards Rugby League in this state. While its easy to point and blame the Bracks Government for not doing anything for Rugby League in this state, I think the issue is why should the Government do anything when the NRL or the ARL don't ask for help, don't give reasons why support should be given and most importantly of all, don't put in meaningful funding in the way the AFL, ASA and the ARU do.

If you don't ask you don't receive. Nothing should be handed to anyone on a silver platter ...

Yeah.

 

[BuffaloRules]

Sadly, Perth then signed up with Super League in 1995 and the rest is history. Like most things Super League touched it was stuffed in a few short years and the players were sent packing to Melbourne and other clubs. Perth was lost to rugby league.

He doesn't mention here that he was part of the ARL faction that insisted on Perth ( and Adelaide for that matter) being sacrificed as part of the compromise of getting the two split groups back together again in 1997.

So what the bloody hell are we still doing in Melbourne when this is all the impression we have made after six years and millions of dollars?

Who is the 'we" he is talking about here??

Its News Ltd money, why should he care?? I can't see News Ltd spending this money in NSW or QLD instead....they are trying to grow the game in Melbourne to increase Foxtel subscriptions....

The Gold Coast and Central Coast are crying out for rugby league recognition. They have the support of local and state governments, not to mention sponsors and fans, but we ignore them and persevere with sinking millions into Melbourne.

Does he really think that the interests of the game are better served by giving up on Melbourne and Victoria ( population 5 million) and moving to two already big League strongholds ( each less than 500k populations)??

They will get their chance eventually, but it shouldn't come at the expense of the Storm.

 

[David Votoupal]

And while I'm at it...

RL and soccer have been vying for worst run football administration in the country for years, but soccer might slowly be getting its act together under the guidance of Frank Lowy. If so, RL is surging ahead as worst run football administration in the country.

Merry christmas NRL.

Actually, I would think the administration of Aussie Rules down in southern Tasmania might be able to give them a good run and maybe even beat them in that department.

 

[jerry springer]

excellent article

 

[dr strange]

Cant agree with the cc gc wa bit at the expense of the storm ,with the vrl academy and improving junior results the vics will eventually be the no3 ranked rl state,this will give them the potential to play touring teams,rep matches and even preseason tours of the northern states and eventually a vic will make the aussie team ,victoria due its closeness to nsw has more potential than wa.Gould should have looked at the vrl website b4 going in to bat for other regions.

 

[LebaneseForces]

Cant agree with the cc gc wa bit at the expense of the storm ,with the vrl academy and improving junior results the vics will eventually be the no3 ranked rl state,this will give them the potential to play touring teams,rep matches and even preseason tours of the northern states and eventually a vic will make the aussie team ,victoria due its closeness to nsw has more potential than wa.Gould should have looked at the vrl website b4 going in to bat for other regions.

I Agree the NRL cannot abandon Melbourne and Victoria!!!!!!!!!

 

[littleduck]

Cant agree with the cc gc wa bit at the expense of the storm ,with the vrl academy and improving junior results the vics will eventually be the no3 ranked rl state,this will give them the potential to play touring teams,rep matches and even preseason tours of the northern states and eventually a vic will make the aussie team ,victoria due its closeness to nsw has more potential than wa.Gould should have looked at the vrl website b4 going in to bat for other regions.

when the nrl was formed in 1998 i still firmly believe that having the western reds remain perth was much more preferable than cutting them in favour of the melboruen storm. therefore, i agree with the aru decision to choose perth ahead of melbourne. its the better option. however, the nrl must now stick with the team in melbourne for the long-term.

 

[Hurbie]

He doesn't mention here that he was part of the ARL faction that insisted on Perth ( and Adelaide for that matter) being sacrificed as part of the compromise of getting the two split groups back together again in 1997.

Incorrect. The Reds, much like the ARL crushers, were cut because of mounting debt BEFORE the truce had been called. News promised a multi-million dollar juniors package to the WARL but didn't stump up the cash.

News Limited refused to help Adelaide. The Tigers, with ARL backing, proposed a merger in May 1998. The Rams management agreed (On the News Payroll), the Clubs agreed, but it stalled when the News faction of the partnership said NO. Much like Balmains attempt to Merge with the GC and EC tigers.

Gould is a cad with alterior motives. Funny he doesn't mention the sh*thouse Crowds The Rabbitohs draw (Pumped up by the SCG match...) & ask for them to be folded...

 

[BuffaloRules]

Incorrect. The Reds, much like the ARL crushers, were cut because of mounting debt BEFORE the truce had been called. News promised a multi-million dollar juniors package to the WARL but didn't stump up the cash.

Just about every team by this stage were in debt by this stage weren't they??
Certainly Wests, Balmain, Norths, Nth Qld, Illawarra ,Manly, Newcastle and the Warriors were, but they all survived the cut and were invited back to the combined comp in 1998.
I'm not aware of the WA juniors package, will take your word on this.

News Limited refused to help Adelaide. The Tigers, with ARL backing, proposed a merger in May 1998. The Rams management agreed (On the News Payroll), the Clubs agreed, but it stalled when the News faction of the partnership said NO. Much like Balmains attempt to Merge with the GC and EC tigers....

I'm a Tigers fan, and at this stage the Tigers were being linked with Wests, Manly and Parramatta at one time or another ...everyone was making " policy on the run"....

Don't forget that any merger needed to be agreed to by the members, so If you are suggesting that the Tigers members would have agreed to moving to Adelaide/Gold Coast, I'm not so sure, especially when they had so many other prospective partners to merge with in Sydney.....

What motive would they have had, bearing in mind that they got $8 million to merge with Wests??

Gould is a cad with alterior motives. Funny he doesn't mention the sh*thouse Crowds The Rabbitohs draw (Pumped up by the SCG match...) & ask for them to be folded...

Can't argue with that...

 

[ParraEelsNRL]

Yeah i remember the tig-pies wanting to merg with Adelaide, pity they didn't.

I agree with what goose says about the NRL getting it wrong, but i don't want to see a new team come in that has been taken away from Melbourne.

Poor Balmain was merging with everyone at one stage.

 

[Hurbie]

Buffalo: What Choice would The Balmain Members had if the Club went under and an administrator took over . And who would have honestly batted an eyelid or cried out 'conspiracy', if in June 1998, the Balmain Tigers RLFC went Bankrupt?

The Reds & Crushers both owed over $20m to creditors. All the Other Clubs you mentioned had smallish 7 figure debts (Or, in the Bears case, a 'healthy' six figure debt) that they could service (Though, In the Tiggers and Westies Case, Just Barely) without having $1m per month thrown at them. Illa, NQLD etc* were all basketcases, but not to the staggering extent of those two clubs.

Yeah i remember the tig-pies wanting to merge with Adelaide, pity they didn't.

They should have imo. It's not like the Inner-West Has a club anymore as it is.

Poor Balmain was merging with everyone at one stage.

Much Like Wests, Souths & Cronulla, they were marking time before extinction until SL came along. SL was a stay of execution.