RfE wrote:Can't see Broncos management getting on the case with this can you? It would be great if they could, but I don't see it somehow.
Newcastle can probably spot a good opportunity and make something out of it given the chance.
As for London, we have a history of missed opportunities.
How is it a good opportunity for London Broncos?
Firstly, Broncos would be playing a regular home game, their gate receipts are the only thing they financially gain on a game day, so do not want to be sharing this with Toronto and Skolars. You can argue all you like about the millions of Toronto/Sonny Bill fans in London that will flock but when this happens you will see virtually the same gate that London got against St Helens last year. I would actually be surprised if as many Saints fans bother given the fact they came twice last year. Skolars? Well their fan base is made up of many Broncos fans so there is another problem, their cash is being split by two clubs and both clubs lose out.
Secondly, there will be an increase in costs to the hosts. Toronto have a habit of enjoying hospitality and not paying for it (take me to court Vickers if it is not true
) and on top of that there will be 4 extra sets of directors to accommodate in terms of food and drink as well as seating. That is before you start adding up the costs of Doctors etc.
Taking into account that the club were making reasonably small profits on game days last year in comparison to the Northern SL clubs, why is it a 'good opportunity' for Broncos to host this? SKY wont show their game and if you think anyone in London really cares about seeing an over the hill ex NRL player in Sonny Bill then you're asking the wrong people. I doubt 99.9999% of the population in London would go and watch this game if it was free, hence the reason it is moving.
I've no doubt Broncos will step in and do a good job but lets not pretend it is anything other than 3 games being played at a RU ground in West London because one of the 6 teams thinks it is gods gift to the game.
Lets not forget that Toronto still owe London money for the MPG so they are unlikely to be coughing up for bills on that day as the 'hosts' are they?