www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/ ... 5804908450 About farking time... This is good news for rugby league world-wide.

www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/ ... 5804908450 About farking time... This is good news for rugby league world-wide.

was going to post this.

the article confirms we will be expanding by 2 new clubs in 2013.

welcome back bears, we need you.

ill still maintain id like to see another queensland team in over perth this time but if perth do get back in i can live with it.

it is good to see the storm have found financial backers for themselves, they need to become more financially independant.

RL has survived the past 10 years on the scent of an oily rag whilst union and AFL have had millions to play with. despite this unfair advantage weve held our own. when we get what we deserve its bye bye AFL.

from the article :

"A new television deal and the expansion of the game will be top priorities. The current deal with Channel Nine and Fox Sports expires at the end of 2012 and many believe the last contract was undersold. The AFL has already started negotiations with all free-to-air networks and rugby league will be left behind unless talks get underway soon for the next deal.

Channel Seven boss David Leckie has confirmed his network will be challenging Channel Nine for the rights but is waiting for News Ltd's exit before he enters into serious discussions. Two new clubs - possibly from the Central Coast and a second team in Brisbane - will be added to the premiership by 2013. This will provide an extra game and extra television programming.

The rights could be divided among two free-to-air networks and Fox Sports to maximise revenue, like Ten and Seven sharing AFL broadcasts. State of Origin and representative football will be sold separately. The new deal could be worth as much as $1 billion."

we are on the verge of a golden age. thank you david gallop.

Gallop, Ribot, Love.... deja vue anyone?

If the commision deliver a massive TV deal it will be a great step forward for RL in Australia. WIll be interesting to see how any conflict between the leagues owners (the clubs) and the commision will be resolved.

Meet the new boss....

look what the ARL did running the game

and look what news ltds involvement did for the game.

ARL anytime baby

looks like youll have to move to queensland or nsw to watch an nrl club in any year up to 2018

go to queensland mate, we dont need you

yep you may be right! Or maybe I will just stay here and follow a national sport and let you corkhatters enjoy your suburban football!

id rather follow the code which is international.

so which A league team you following?

the NRL has a team which play in New Zealand.

AFL doesnt

if you spent less time following AFL you would know this

I'm sorry I thought you meant a proper international code. Perth has a team in every pro sport (except RL) played in the Australia I could follow. You must get off this AFL fixation!

not bad. i thought you might be going that way with the national sport comment, but thought, nah he couldnt be that intelligent to set me up like that.

shame the lack of intelligence doesnt go for sporting preferences but there you go

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/l...1129-jyzi.html Quote Independent body not all good News for avaricious code JACQUELIN MAGNAY November 30, 2009 COMMENT Wild dreams of pots of gold from broadcast rights fees are underpinning a push from certain elements of rugby league for an independent commission to run the code. While having the one body pushing the code in a cohesive direction can only be good for the game, there are some dangers in allowing the current cash cow - News Limited - to walk away. And the key one is money. Many people in the game believe the NRL has previously been stymied in television contract negotiations by News Limited's half-ownership and the conflicts of interest in securing pay television rights fees from Fox Sports, part-owned by News Limited. But it could be argued that the game's second-largest revenue raiser - major naming rights sponsor and internet rights holder Telstra - is most involved in the code because of its part ownership of Foxtel, alongside News Limited. The NRL might have boosted its television rights fees in the last negotiations - but not as much as its fierce rival, the AFL. And that had more to do with posturing from media moguls than any commonsense analysis of return on investment or the reach into key commercial markets. In essence, the pay television deals had nought to do with the differences between the code's contracts - but the free-to-air rights did. Significantly, all of the rights for the NRL - sponsorship, broadcast, radio, internet and new media - are up for renewal at the end of 2012. This was done deliberately by NRL executives to try to extract a premium from a telco or media company which might pay more to buy a whole product, and which could then subcontract out bits and pieces. Yet within the NRL there are subcommittees already working hard against that principle, preparing to split the game further than it already is - auctioning the State of Origin, or Monday Night Football, or Test matches into separate parcels. The theory is that perhaps the sum of the pieces will be greater than the whole, but this, too, is a gamble. Will a company that has only a small piece of the game leverage harder to promote it? Insiders say having everything available at the one time simply allows any negotiations to be maximised as various combinations can be put forward. The global financial crisis has caused a shift in the fortunes of media outlets such as Channel Nine, which has a first and last right of refusal for the free-to-air NRL broadcast rights. If Channel Seven and Ten successfully bid for the AFL rights - which critically expire a year before the NRL's - then the number of bidders for rugby league might be restricted. But of course the NRL has a great product which repeatedly draws in the ratings - a magnetic lure for television stations, even ones that are struggling. Let's hope that the blazer-wearing types that end up overseeing the game are business savvy, because the rainbow is a slippery slope indeed. Maybe the question should be posed: If the game is so robust, why is News Limited running out the door? '"

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/l...1129-jyzi.html Quote Independent body not all good News for avaricious code JACQUELIN MAGNAY November 30, 2009 COMMENT Wild dreams of pots of gold from broadcast rights fees are underpinning a push from certain elements of rugby league for an independent commission to run the code. While having the one body pushing the code in a cohesive direction can only be good for the game, there are some dangers in allowing the current cash cow - News Limited - to walk away. And the key one is money. Many people in the game believe the NRL has previously been stymied in television contract negotiations by News Limited's half-ownership and the conflicts of interest in securing pay television rights fees from Fox Sports, part-owned by News Limited. But it could be argued that the game's second-largest revenue raiser - major naming rights sponsor and internet rights holder Telstra - is most involved in the code because of its part ownership of Foxtel, alongside News Limited. The NRL might have boosted its television rights fees in the last negotiations - but not as much as its fierce rival, the AFL. And that had more to do with posturing from media moguls than any commonsense analysis of return on investment or the reach into key commercial markets. In essence, the pay television deals had nought to do with the differences between the code's contracts - but the free-to-air rights did. Significantly, all of the rights for the NRL - sponsorship, broadcast, radio, internet and new media - are up for renewal at the end of 2012. This was done deliberately by NRL executives to try to extract a premium from a telco or media company which might pay more to buy a whole product, and which could then subcontract out bits and pieces. Yet within the NRL there are subcommittees already working hard against that principle, preparing to split the game further than it already is - auctioning the State of Origin, or Monday Night Football, or Test matches into separate parcels. The theory is that perhaps the sum of the pieces will be greater than the whole, but this, too, is a gamble. Will a company that has only a small piece of the game leverage harder to promote it? Insiders say having everything available at the one time simply allows any negotiations to be maximised as various combinations can be put forward. The global financial crisis has caused a shift in the fortunes of media outlets such as Channel Nine, which has a first and last right of refusal for the free-to-air NRL broadcast rights. If Channel Seven and Ten successfully bid for the AFL rights - which critically expire a year before the NRL's - then the number of bidders for rugby league might be restricted. But of course the NRL has a great product which repeatedly draws in the ratings - a magnetic lure for television stations, even ones that are struggling. Let's hope that the blazer-wearing types that end up overseeing the game are business savvy, because the rainbow is a slippery slope indeed. Maybe the question should be posed: If the game is so robust, why is News Limited running out the door? '"

www.news.com.au/couriermail/s...003409,00.html Quote Jobs for the boys fear haunts commission ideal Dean Ritchie | November 29, 2009 11:00pm SOUTH Sydney chief executive Shane Richardson last night described rugby league's independent commission as "the biggest step forward in 100 years of the game". "Everyone has to put their egos away – this has got to happen," Richardson stressed. In what shapes as a history-making administration shake-up, the commission is expected to be implemented early next year by current NRL stakeholders, News Ltd and the Australian Rugby League. The Courier-Mail understands all stakeholders in the game have agreed in principle to a commission. The only fear though among clubs is whether too many "jobs for the boys" will be handed out to veteran officials as a sweetener for their support. ARL and News Ltd will nominate the inaugural commission with the 16 clubs to then select the commissioners. Officials were ducking for cover yesterday, reluctant to discuss the matter publicly for fear of jeopardising any potential deal. The commission will however be discussed at an NRL partnership meeting today. "It will be the biggest step forward in 100 years of rugby league. It's crucial," Richardson said. "The biggest advantage AFL has over us is their commission – they have one voice. "It is vital at this stage that the clubs do everything they can to support this. "It would be a huge backward step (if it failed). All the stakeholders recognise how important this is. "Everyone has to out their egos away – and their attitudes – because it's got to happen." League sources fear "nepotism" may sneak into negotiations and that long-time officials will be included in the revised game. Asked about this, all Cronulla CEO Richard Fisk said was: "Everyone is aware we can move forward with one united body but the key will be in the detail and to ensure we have good, fresh and positives ideas brought to our game." There was speculation yesterday former Super League CEO John Ribot was part of a consortium to buy the Melbourne Storm, currently funded by News Ltd, in the revamped game. But Ribot, also a QRL director, said: "I don't want to be involved. I won't be involved. "We (QRL) want an independent commission but no one wants to meet with us. "I wish people would step up to the plate and tell us all about it. We don't know how it's all going to happen if no one wants to have a meeting. It is very unusual." One player manager said: "I'll believe it (a commission) when I see it." The man behind the commission, Gold Coast boss Michael Searle, said he hoped for an announcement by Christmas "if all the stars align". '"

www.news.com.au/couriermail/s...003409,00.html Quote Jobs for the boys fear haunts commission ideal Dean Ritchie | November 29, 2009 11:00pm SOUTH Sydney chief executive Shane Richardson last night described rugby league's independent commission as "the biggest step forward in 100 years of the game". "Everyone has to put their egos away – this has got to happen," Richardson stressed. In what shapes as a history-making administration shake-up, the commission is expected to be implemented early next year by current NRL stakeholders, News Ltd and the Australian Rugby League. The Courier-Mail understands all stakeholders in the game have agreed in principle to a commission. The only fear though among clubs is whether too many "jobs for the boys" will be handed out to veteran officials as a sweetener for their support. ARL and News Ltd will nominate the inaugural commission with the 16 clubs to then select the commissioners. Officials were ducking for cover yesterday, reluctant to discuss the matter publicly for fear of jeopardising any potential deal. The commission will however be discussed at an NRL partnership meeting today. "It will be the biggest step forward in 100 years of rugby league. It's crucial," Richardson said. "The biggest advantage AFL has over us is their commission – they have one voice. "It is vital at this stage that the clubs do everything they can to support this. "It would be a huge backward step (if it failed). All the stakeholders recognise how important this is. "Everyone has to out their egos away – and their attitudes – because it's got to happen." League sources fear "nepotism" may sneak into negotiations and that long-time officials will be included in the revised game. Asked about this, all Cronulla CEO Richard Fisk said was: "Everyone is aware we can move forward with one united body but the key will be in the detail and to ensure we have good, fresh and positives ideas brought to our game." There was speculation yesterday former Super League CEO John Ribot was part of a consortium to buy the Melbourne Storm, currently funded by News Ltd, in the revamped game. But Ribot, also a QRL director, said: "I don't want to be involved. I won't be involved. "We (QRL) want an independent commission but no one wants to meet with us. "I wish people would step up to the plate and tell us all about it. We don't know how it's all going to happen if no one wants to have a meeting. It is very unusual." One player manager said: "I'll believe it (a commission) when I see it." The man behind the commission, Gold Coast boss Michael Searle, said he hoped for an announcement by Christmas "if all the stars align". '"

Magnay and Ritchie are two ink-slingers whose opinions count for naught.

It takes a fair lack of self-respect and/or knowledge to post or even read anything from either of those two.

conveniant!

If you say so.

There are very few journos who write without agenda, Magnay and Ritchie aren't two of them.

Read them, take their words in, live by them for all I care but the fact is that they are rubbish journos who garner very little respect in the Rugby League community.

Can't say I disagree with that.

Most of the Australian rags are infested with rah rah types. Product of dodgy old school ties.

Hardly a reflection on the relative popularity of the codes.

The Australian is one example that leaps to mind.

I've never understood why the Australian media is so negative to a sport that is A) the most popular sport in the state and B) owned by the same media. In the West they are generally very positive and supportive of all the teams in the city.

Makes no sense to me!

this should be in your signature about your knowledge of the nrl

The West Australian would run a close second to worst behind The Australian.

And so it begins. With the clubs being put in charge of the NRL you can bet that anything that challenges the staus quo will be firmly put down. www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl/n ... 5805908912 Quote No more clubs say league bosses * By Dean Ritchie * From: The Daily Telegraph * December 02, 2009 12:01AM THEY are queuing up to join the Telstra Premiership but all 16 club chief executives have told the NRL to abandon expansion plans. At a club CEOs' conference in Coogee, delegates agreed the existing 16 clubs must have financial stability - and survive - before any teams are added. It is the first time club CEOs have publicly voted against expanding from 16 teams to 18. The move was a nasty blow to the Central Coast, Central Queensland, a second Brisbane side and even Papua New Guinea - clubs wanting entry after the 2012 season. Asked about expansion, Penrith CEO Mick Leary said it would be "difficult at this stage". Broncos chief executive Bruno Cullen added: "That's the most important thing on the agenda at the moment - to ensure the 16 clubs we have continue in the NRL and survive and that we do everything in our power to make sure that happens. "That doesn't mean there definitely won't be an expansion but it isn't something that's on the table." NRL chief executive David Gallop confirmed that his clubs were against an expanded competition. "There was unanimous support that the game needs to be able to grow the existing pie so that we can increase revenue for the existing clubs, increase payments for players and increase the amount we can invest in junior development," Mr Gallop said afterwards. "You can't do those things and invest in expansion ... and until there is a strong business case for any expansion contributing to the growth of the competition, then it will not be part of [the NRL's immediate plans. "A key point remains the success and strength of the competition and the reach we have at the moment." Meanwhile, rugby league's brave new world moved a step closer to reality yesterday when the 16 CEOs agreed the game must be run by an independent commission. That new commission is expected to be finalised early next year. "The parties are certainly trying to support the process," Titans CEO Michael Searle said. "There isn't a firm timeline on it and people may need to be a bit more patient but there are some good signs for what can be achieved in the months ahead." The conference continues today. '"

And so it begins. With the clubs being put in charge of the NRL you can bet that anything that challenges the staus quo will be firmly put down. www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl/n ... 5805908912 Quote No more clubs say league bosses * By Dean Ritchie * From: The Daily Telegraph * December 02, 2009 12:01AM THEY are queuing up to join the Telstra Premiership but all 16 club chief executives have told the NRL to abandon expansion plans. At a club CEOs' conference in Coogee, delegates agreed the existing 16 clubs must have financial stability - and survive - before any teams are added. It is the first time club CEOs have publicly voted against expanding from 16 teams to 18. The move was a nasty blow to the Central Coast, Central Queensland, a second Brisbane side and even Papua New Guinea - clubs wanting entry after the 2012 season. Asked about expansion, Penrith CEO Mick Leary said it would be "difficult at this stage". Broncos chief executive Bruno Cullen added: "That's the most important thing on the agenda at the moment - to ensure the 16 clubs we have continue in the NRL and survive and that we do everything in our power to make sure that happens. "That doesn't mean there definitely won't be an expansion but it isn't something that's on the table." NRL chief executive David Gallop confirmed that his clubs were against an expanded competition. "There was unanimous support that the game needs to be able to grow the existing pie so that we can increase revenue for the existing clubs, increase payments for players and increase the amount we can invest in junior development," Mr Gallop said afterwards. "You can't do those things and invest in expansion ... and until there is a strong business case for any expansion contributing to the growth of the competition, then it will not be part of [the NRL's immediate plans. "A key point remains the success and strength of the competition and the reach we have at the moment." Meanwhile, rugby league's brave new world moved a step closer to reality yesterday when the 16 CEOs agreed the game must be run by an independent commission. That new commission is expected to be finalised early next year. "The parties are certainly trying to support the process," Titans CEO Michael Searle said. "There isn't a firm timeline on it and people may need to be a bit more patient but there are some good signs for what can be achieved in the months ahead." The conference continues today. '"

The Game can't afford 2 new teams yet, let alone 4.

They need to see the next TV rights $'s before making a decision on expansion.

How hard is that to understand?

Would you like me to get it translated into gibberish for you?

where as every othe code is using expansion to drive the TV $'s. We've ben led by the nose by TV for the last decade, looks like nothing is going to change anytime soon.