easyWire:Wires71:easyWire:
A few years ago I’d probably say no to an eight team NRL Europe. However, RL is dying a slow death, managed decline, and it needs something radical to grow. I’ll take a strong 8-team comp with the smaller clubs in a reformed lower Suoer League. London, Cats, Warrington, Wigan, Leeds, Saints and the two Hull clubs all in the NRL-E.
NRL branding to keep it sounding ‘national’ and use all their expertise to run it. Grow slowly from there with the addition of another French club when able.
If it doesn’t work we haven’t lost anything really. How much longer can we even stay known outside of the M62 corridor. An ageing fan base, and some prehistoric facilities. Did anyone see the Cas Cats game? It was like watching a VHS of a 1980s Micron video rental.
Im all in.
I'm not disagreeing with you but to have only 7 other teams to play against is going to get tedious.
I wonder if the rumoured format also includes an expanded series against Australian clubs though, after an earlier grand final? I guess we'll see if/when the rumour comes to fruition.
A reduction to 8 UK teams would have to come hand in hand with something radical to get my juices flowing. I get that the benefit might be more secure and increased revenue stream (or why bother) but the sport seems to have a problem with travel costs to Catalans never mind Australia or 'neutral' venues such as the USA if this were to be a regular part of the season rather than a one off, once in a lifetime event.
interesting I guess that we shall all have to wait and see.
