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A
month after meeting with Murdoch, NRL puts expansion plans on ice - 23rd March
2020
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By
Michael Chammas Just
last month NRL powerbrokers flew
to Los Angeles to meet with Lachlan Murdoch to talk shop. Broadcast negotiations
and expansion - the pair work hand in hand. ARLC
chairman Peter V'landys and NRL chief commercial officer Andrew Abdo raised the
prospect of a second Brisbane team and the idea of a new local derby from 2023,
such was the desire to push the go button on expansion for the next TV rights
deal. But
now the game is ready to scrap expansion plans altogether as they brace for a
potential five-year aftershock from the coronavirus pandemic that threatens to
cripple businesses around the world. The
groundwork for a 17th team to enter the competition in the next broadcast cycle
had already been done and, by the end of this year, the NRL was meant to give
the tick of approval to a second team in Brisbane. At least that was the plan. The
bidders had started to line up coaches and discussions were being had about what
roster structure changes would need to be made to ensure there was enough depth
in talent to cover for an additional team. At
best, plans are now on the backburner. But the reality of the situation has many
inside NRL headquarters convinced expansion in 2023 is now dead. Medical
experts will tell you the finish line is nowhere near in sight, that perhaps Australia
hasn't even left the starting blocks. The
NRL won't comment because there is a hope the game isn't severely impacted and
could land on its feet, but something drastic would have to change for expansion
to be put back on the list of priorities. What
was this year expected to be the biggest off-field talking point is now almost
a moot point. The
NRL had formed a special committee at the start of last year to look into its
expansion options, of which Perth has since been discarded. The
game will have its hands full ensuring the survival of its current 16 teams, let
alone worrying about another. TV
ratings on slide NRL
television ratings from round one to two have dropped despite an anticipated 125,000
fans being locked out of venues around the country due to coronavirus restrictions. This
column gathered all the numbers from the first six games of the round (Sunday
figures weren't available at time of publication) to compare the opening two rounds
of the season. It
was widely assumed that having no crowds at games would boost television numbers,
but that wasn't the case. NRL
2020: Thursday and Friday TV ratings 
*click
here for full article and mulitmedia (The
Sydney Morning Herald) Facebook SMH
Sport Greg
Tingle The
NRL and Rupert Murdoch's News Corp is coming around and getting in tune with what
the Australian government and it's citizens expect, if not demand. Rugby League
and other codes of football have given me great enjoyment over the decades, both
as a competitive player and as a fan. At this time in the history of the world
is would seem apparent that the current and future well-being of the human race
take president over the business needs over one or two contact sports. I absolutely
feel for the players and the great game of rugby league. This is not the end of
Rugby League and other sports forever. The pause button needs to be pressed until
the Australian government gives the game on instruction. As was expected without
the live crowds not only did ticket sales become non existent, but television
viewers have stayed away in droves. The NRL business heads will need to smartly
navigate sports and streaming rights deals with the likes on ESPN, and maybe even
a ABC or Turner Broadcasting and others in that realm also. The global Coronavirus
outbreak situation is tough for all of us. Life goes on and down the track Rugby
League and other sports and entertainment endeavour will restart. Perhaps the
NRL management can offer additional overall support, well-being and professional
guidance and training to the players to help them in the evolving career transformation.
A player can so be a teacher, a business strategist, a business owner and so on.
For all of us it's tougher going than usual. Enjoy your family and friends, and
continue to be grateful for what you have. The Australian government is well aware
of the important part that rugby league and other sports are to the fabric and
culture of Australia. We will bounce back. Much respect and thank you to the players
and the league for the entertainment over the years. We look forward to your triumphant
return. Australia will be ready to embrace you will open arms. Stop, pause, and
when the time is right again, charge! | 
