The after effects

[gostk86]

Well Ive heard many people in the media..and on here
saying the now Hunt has gone to the AFL that RL will be soon dead and buried..

Funny though last nights ratings for NRL was one of the highest all year
In Brisbane..ratings for Gold Coast vs Cowboys was 296k and Saints vs Storm in Sydney got 387k..

No doubt though media outlets wont run this story, but talk about the number of juniors that will now cross over to AFL...strange though I thought they've had that option for the last 27 and 21 years in Sydney and Brisbane.

 

[meltiger]

What it shows is besides the free hit of publicity that GC17 will get for the first few games he plays IF he ever plays ... It won't hurt RL in any way.


Given how the Broncos are playing this year ... A few more of their boys should make the switch ... Then the Broncs may be able to get a competitive team on the park

Those Sydney ratings are excellent given only one local team was playing.

 

[Saint KFC]

I'm not here to troll, but surely you are clutching at straws? There are numerous factors that could have came into play.

One game was Queensland v Queensland, the other was 1st v 4th (1pnt behind 2nd)

It's also not out of the question that all of the extra media attention this week as a direct result of the Hunt saga has spurred extra interest in the sport (was the lead-in story for nearly every media outlet, not just in the sports section). I wouldn't be surprised to see a boost to the AFL ratings this round aswell, but I also wouldn't be 'abitrarily' selecting two blockbuster games.

Regardless, I don't want the NRL to die, but I doubt that those who do thought of the Hunt deal as an 'instant kill' of League like you seem to be basing your OP on.

Your 'number of juniors' point isn't very well thought out either; theyv'e had the option for the last 20 odd years, but never in that time period has a league player of Hunt's ilk and status made the switch to not only a rival rugby code, but to a completely different sport altogether in AFL, a sport in direct competition with the NRL. At the very least, some young impressionable juniors will ask themselves, "if Hunt is switching maybe I will aswell", and to suggest otherwise would truly be sticking your head under the sand.

 

[likka]

PR stunt, Hunt will be back playing Rugby in one form or another (ie League or Union) after this three year contract expires.

Guaranteed.

 

[gostk86]

Your 'number of juniors' point isn't very well thought out either; theyv'e had the option for the last 20 odd years, but never in that time period has a league player of Hunt's ilk and status made the switch to not only a rival rugby code, but to a completely different sport altogether in AFL, a sport in direct competition with the NRL. At the very least, some young impressionable juniors will ask themselves, "if Hunt is switching maybe I will aswell", and to suggest otherwise would truly be sticking your head under the sand.

I just dont buy that comment, their are many talented juniors in NSW and QLD that play both codes, but they've had different options for a very long time.

The AFL as well for a long time has offered a 'full national competition' and more money and since the great split..Rugby League junior numbers have always gone up.

But I guess we will wait and see for the numbers on junior registrations next year

 

[Bomber Bears]

Article from Gus in todays Herald
http://www.smh.com.au/news/lhqnews/a-mad-sad-act-of-desperation/2009/08/01/1248977235953.html

 

[Saint KFC]

I just dont buy that comment, their are many talented juniors in NSW and QLD that play both codes

I doubt many juniors in NSW and QLD play both league and AFL. Trainings would conflict (as would some games), and to be honest, in my time playing club aussie rules in QLD I have not met a single person who plays both codes at the same time, same with soccer. I've met many people who have played codes in the past, but not a single person who plays two codes at a club level at the same time.

but they've had different options for a very long time.

This is where your argument falls down. The 'option' has always been there, but I'm sure that many league juniors haven't given it a second thought or if they have, they've decided to stick with League. So what happens when the childhood hero of many young impressionable (key word: impressionable) kids decides to switch to not only union, but to AFL? If you don't think that they will at the very least consider it, then maybe you should reassess.

 

[Exe Gesis]

.

 

[scotty88]

Gould as always, on point with every comment in his article.
What Hasler said on the day of the Hunt news, was also right.
RL needs legends like that involved in the administration/vision of the game moving forward.

Exactly....Gus Gould for CEO

 

[gostk86]

I doubt many juniors in NSW and QLD play both league and AFL. Trainings would conflict (as would some games), and to be honest, in my time playing club aussie rules in QLD I have not met a single person who plays both codes at the same time, same with soccer. I've met many people who have played codes in the past, but not a single person who plays two codes at a club level at the same time.

didnt mean at same time, but guys who would have played both and then stuck with their preferred sport.

This is where your argument falls down. The 'option' has always been there, but I'm sure that many league juniors haven't given it a second thought or if they have, they've decided to stick with League. So what happens when the childhood hero of many young impressionable (key word: impressionable) kids decides to switch to not only union, but to AFL? If you don't think that they will at the very least consider it, then maybe you should reassess.

They've had Paul Kelly and Keiron Jack heavily promoted for AFL to junior RL players. Saying this can be you..

Hunt is doing AFL because he can, he doesnt seem to have a real passion to play, but hey $1 mil can make up for that.

Its really a union vs afl thing..he was already gone from RL anyway

 

[gostk86]

Gould as always, on point with every comment in his article.
What Hasler said on the day of the Hunt news, was also right.
RL needs legends like that involved in the administration/vision of the game moving forward.

fresh start..arl and news ltd out!

 

[CooperCronk]

Gould as always, on point with every comment in his article.
What Hasler said on the day of the Hunt news, was also right.
RL needs legends like that involved in the administration/vision of the game moving forward.

I always enjoy your posts GC as you seem to have a balanced outlook.

Gould's article is spot on. Wish there were more r/l journos out there that would challenge the present administration of the game.

I also agree with what Hasler had to say as well...not to stay in the comfort zone and get our act together with a commission running the game.

 

[Exe Gesis]

.

 

[jaysway]

very well said once again gould

 

[LebaneseForces]

IMO it's pathetic from the AFL... Shows desperation and that AFL moves into QLD and NSW is failing, you guys are following the failed Rugby Union strategy! Hunt DIDN'T PLAY AFL as a junior, he played 5 games at High School it's a publicity stunt that has failed and everyone with a brain knows it... I've never heard so many RL fans and Sports fan in general calling talkback and letting there feelings be known, most didn't mind AFL until that point!

ALSO why would they allow him to play Rugby Union next yr? That shows again it's all a publicity stunt and KMH is being used, let's be honest he can barley kick a RL ball accurately and isn't the fastest player. Good luck to him, i know David 'piss Weak' Gallop will welcome him back but i really think IF he doesn't work out with AFL and wants back in the NRL (Probably go French Union) we shouldn't take him back!

 

[likka]

Or course it is a PR stunt, and a very good one.

It will guarantee:
- more Qld press coverage next year as Hunt "develops"
- big Qld press coverage for GC's debut game
- more Qld press coverage in GC's inaugural season
- more banana benders watching GC games during the first couple of seasons, if only to watch Hunt make a fool of himself.

The AFL is basically bankrolling this and they have more money than NRL can poke a stick at... definitely better than any traditional marketing campaign they could have introduced.

 

[LebaneseForces]

Or course it is a PR stunt, and a very good one.

It will guarantee:
- more Qld press coverage next year as Hunt "develops"
- big Qld press coverage for GC's debut game
- more Qld press coverage in GC's inaugural season
- more banana benders watching GC games during the first couple of seasons, if only to watch Hunt make a fool of himself.

The AFL is basically bankrolling this and they have more money than NRL can poke a stick at... definitely better than any traditional marketing campaign they could have introduced.

Only time will tell... Good luck to the AFL and KMH.

If i were an AFL player and not earning close to what KMH is earning, i'd be filthy... His played 5 high school games to be on 700K - 1 Million (Depending if his incentives are reached), while all AFL players have pretty much played there whole lifes to be on a lot less.

 

[dr nick]

exactly likka.

the NRL's wet dream would be to get an all-australian switching codes to play for the storm lets be perfectly honest.

 

[likka]

If i were an AFL player and not earning close to what KMH is earning, i'd be filthy...

Most players accept this for what it is... PR and marketing for a new club trying to establish some sort of base in a very competitive market.

I'm sure some players may crack the Jimmy Smits, but that is like a Qantas pilot being filthy at the money paid to John Travolta for the promotional flights and ads he does.

Wonder if they'll try it again when they launch West Sydney?

 

[CooperCronk]

the NRL's wet dream would be to get an all-australian switching codes to play for the storm lets be perfectly honest.

Who does the afl all australian team play?

 

[gostk86]

exactly likka.

the NRL's wet dream would be to get an all-australian switching codes to play for the storm lets be perfectly honest.

if that were true..news ltd would have signed up someone in 1998..

their dream is for born and bred victorians to play for the Storm

 

[dr nick]

if that were true..news ltd would have signed up someone in 1998..

their dream is for born and bred victorians to play for the Storm

there certainly isn't the money to even begin contemplating bringing across a marquee player from AFL to play for the storm. They ain't gonna go from 50k crowds to 10k crowds at Olympic park without some sort of substantial remuneration. And also you'd only be able to fit 3 players in a squad at those prices given the NRL's very cheap salary cap.

 

[gostk86]

there certainly isn't the money to even begin contemplating bringing across a marquee player from AFL to play for the storm. They ain't gonna go from 50k crowds to 10k crowds at Olympic park without some sort of substantial remuneration. And also you'd only be able to fit 3 players in a squad at those prices given the NRL's very cheap salary cap.

news ltd own the game..they would have made special cap for the Storm...

why does everyone as well talk about crowds..10k isnt as many as 50k, but its still a atmosphere, remember Hunt is leaving Broncos who get 40k and QLD Origin crowds to ply in front of 15k for gold coast..

money talks to players

 

[CooperCronk]

if that were true..news ltd would have signed up someone in 1998..

their dream is for born and bred victorians to play for the Storm

And that dream will be reality soon as some of our u/18's squad kids are Melbourne born and as more come thru the system, we'll be seeing some of them don the Melbourne Storm Jersey.

 

[Aucklander]

And that dream will be reality soon as some of our u/18's squad kids are Melbourne born and as more come thru the system, we'll be seeing some of them don the Melbourne Storm Jersey.

Which was always just a matter of time despite what those silly trolls said.