Re: Expansion done right : Tue Sep 06, 2016 9:07 am  

Why do we keep talking of expansion when in reality we are struggling with the momentum of contraction in many facets of our game specifically here in the UK.

Re: Expansion done right : Tue Sep 06, 2016 9:10 am  

Whilst we haven't seen a decent level of expansion at SL level, we have at grassroots. Junior & Open Age amateur clubs have sprung up all over the place in the past 10-15 years or so. Have a look on twitter, or on the RFL club locator and you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Wrencat above sums it up, we need the broader appeal. The best way to do this is a consistent International Calendar that Joe public is able to follow. We've taken the first step in doing that with the World Cup on a set 4-year cycle at long last. We now need to figure out what the best thing to do with the intervening three years is. We also need to spread games out more, as at the moment we shoehorn a few games in late October/November. We should have a 3-week International break around June.

With a successful & competitive International game, the media/public attention will follow.

Regards to the club game, sides like Toulouse & Toronto need supporting, as in order to really grow, we need clubs in big cities and the commercial revenues they could potentially pull into the sport.

Re: Expansion done right : Tue Sep 06, 2016 9:11 am  

Judder Man wrote:

Why do we keep talking of expansion when in reality we are struggling with the momentum of contraction in many facets of our game.

Which facets?

Re: Expansion done right : Tue Sep 06, 2016 9:20 am  

DGM wrote:

Whilst we haven't seen a decent level of expansion at SL level, we have at grassroots. Junior & Open Age amateur clubs have sprung up all over the place in the past 10-15 years or so. Have a look on twitter, or on the RFL club locator and you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Wrencat above sums it up, we need the broader appeal. The best way to do this is a consistent International Calendar that Joe public is able to follow. We've taken the first step in doing that with the World Cup on a set 4-year cycle at long last. We now need to figure out what the best thing to do with the intervening three years is. We also need to spread games out more, as at the moment we shoehorn a few games in late October/November. We should have a 3-week International break around June.

With a successful & competitive International game, the media/public attention will follow.

Regards to the club game, sides like Toulouse & Toronto need supporting, as in order to really grow, we need clubs in big cities and the commercial revenues they could potentially pull into the sport.

I think that The Aussies are partly to blame on this.
Nothing happens on the International scene without their blessing and they always appear to put their domestic game above all else, which ultimately is not helping the game to grow elsewhere.
I agree about International fixtures in that they need to be given a higher priority. However, we are stuck with too few options, with only 3 top tier nations, plus 5/6 second tier teams and an improvement with France (a strong Toulouse club would help) is the first step in giving GB a meaningful mid season game.
Without them, we should be playing Aussie and NZ in alternate seasons.

Re: Expansion done right : Tue Sep 06, 2016 9:26 am  

DGM wrote:

Which facets?

Ask Brian Barwick, report back when he gives you a sensible progressive way forward.

Re: Expansion done right : Tue Sep 06, 2016 9:29 am  

Judder Man wrote:

Ask Brian Barwick, report back when he gives you a sensible progressive way forward.

Mine was a genuine question, appreciate this reply. Informative.

Re: Expansion done right : Tue Sep 06, 2016 9:37 am  

wrencat1873 wrote:

I think that The Aussies are partly to blame on this.
Nothing happens on the International scene without their blessing and they always appear to put their domestic game above all else, which ultimately is not helping the game to grow elsewhere.
I agree about International fixtures in that they need to be given a higher priority. However, we are stuck with too few options, with only 3 top tier nations, plus 5/6 second tier teams and an improvement with France (a strong Toulouse club would help) is the first step in giving GB a meaningful mid season game.
Without them, we should be playing Aussie and NZ in alternate seasons.

Agree on the Aussies. If they're intent on their Origin Series, it should be done over a three week break coinciding with an International break in the SL/NRL. Everyone else can play against each other. Maybe in year 1, the Northern hemisphere teams travel and play the Southern Hemisphere in a couple of test matches, in Year2 reverse it.

Whilst we only have 8/9 tier 1/2 nations, it should be all countries that are playing games in this period, all that are affiliated with the RLEF/RLIF.

Re: Expansion done right : Tue Sep 06, 2016 10:57 am  

spegs wrote:

You've been trying for 35 years. Using the word parochial does not add any strength to the failing argument that Super League is / would be better off with teams from outside the heartland.

Does that argument need any strength adding to it? Seems pretty self evident to all except, well, the parochial

Re: Expansion done right : Tue Sep 06, 2016 10:58 am  

Judder Man wrote:

Why do we keep talking of expansion when in reality we are struggling with the momentum of contraction in many facets of our game specifically here in the UK.

perhaps the lack of expansion and the momentum of contraction are linked. Perhaps a stronger game, nationwide, with a bigger tv deal, more sponsors, more visibility etc wouldnt see contraction in its heartland.

Re: Expansion done right : Tue Sep 06, 2016 11:30 am  

Why do we keep talking of expansion when in reality we are struggling with the momentum of contraction in many facets of our game specifically here in the UK

Maybe you've answered your own question.