Quote ="Chorlton RL"I think while the IRB continue to make great strides the key for RL to catch up is to crack America or China. I have no idea how RL would be able to crack China unless RL cracks America first. With an effort to do this RL could use it as an opportunity to transform how the game is structured.
First off, expand SLE to two conferences of 12, teams play those in their conf H&A, top four teams from each making a straight forward knock out P/Os for the SL title. Creating more places, creates more space for your Fax' and your Fev's as well as expansion clubs like Barca and Dublin. It also reduces the amount of matches players play. Also, makes more room for WCC. Yes there would be an overall drop in playing standards initially, but top end clubs would remain high and standards should raise over time. It could mean less TV money for clubs, but, personally, I think too many clubs are too reliant on Sky money for revenues (it would force them to do more) and if there is greater national and international presence there is no reason why we shouldn't get greater sums of money anyway, particularly with greater presnce in the US market. This also gives your Fev's et al a chance to prove they are competitive as businesses as well on-field even though they are small and questions raised as to whether they can ever be able to compete at the top end.
Then put in place a meaningful WCC challenge; NRL finalists, SL champs, CC champs and then two US rep sides; East (Stars), West (Stripes). Two round robins, playing in respective side of US (East or West), with winners playing in final at a venue in the middle; Denver, Vegas, Texas. Would have thought US TV$ would only really be involved if US compete. Part of $ could be put towards picking up players who miss out on NFL Draft to bolster strength, steer players away from NFL with contracts that include personal sponsorship and marketing deals or put into their governing body's structure.
After that have an annual 4N's without Oz, only play them at WC. 4N's between Eng, NZ, Wales, France, PNG. Where in world held dictates who gets automatic entry, others play for positions, like PNG/Wales have done. Euro/Oceania nations could play each other mid-season, Tour matches and final after WCC.
This could help towards RLIF board restructure; England, Wales, France, NZ, PNG, OZ, USA get two reps and Scots, Ireland, Samoa, Tonga, Canada etc get one. For example anyway. This moves away from Lewis having to fight against two ARL reps and one NZRL rep and is more inclusive of more nations. More Board members making key decisions also means less likelihood of corruption, as some may suggest we've seen with the 22 FIFA officials.'"
This will never happen. There isn't the money. Unfortunately it is a massive pipe-dream.
You need to be a hell of a lot more realistic.
