For too long, RL has been mired in mediocrity.
The time is now for the game to prosper. We'd need smart men and women with smart business acumen to lead the game in to the 21st century.
We have an amazing sport, and people keep talking about the 'sleeping giant' of Australian sport. I don't think it is soccer. It is RL. AFL has expanded its borders, got its sponsorship and TV deals right. But since 1997, the NRL has been neutered. Finally with News Ltd out, and a new 'independent' commission [am actually flexible on the term 'independent'], I hope some good business sense comes in to it.
Tough decisions will have to be made, and the time is now to take the passion out of it a touch and make sure that RL at ALL levels - NRL, reserves, U20s, CRL and grade/juniors - is run properly. The best business decisions need to be made to maximise revenues.
The best thing the players can do, and no offence, but most of them are only in it for the money, are lead by the nose by their managers and aren't the sharpest tools in the shed, is to set up a strong Players Association. Ensure they are getting the best management advice, medical advice, work place protection, maximum revenue from playing, advertising and sponsorship and endorsement. They also need to stop acting like jackasses off the field.
I'd also like the ARLC to maximise its revenues through decent products, fan/game/sponsor relationships, game access (radio, internet, TV, portable/phone). There is so much potential out there. I'd also like to see them set up a proper promotion and media area. Some of the s#it that is written about the game - Weidler & Rothfield spring to mind - needs to be cleaned out. The ARLC doesn't need the bottom feeders covering the game and it's time they put the pressure back on to media outlets.
As for the 'fans'. They should just get to the bloody games. In droves. The product is fantastic and with some hard work over the next 5-10 years, NRL can reclaim its mantle as the best code on and off the field. There also needs to be better communication between fans/members and the ARLC. Some fans have absolutely smashing ideas and we all aren't dodo heads. I'm on plenty of forums, and heaps of fans care. So the ARLC need to tap in to that.
I like this from our new CEO:
''Of course I understand why a question like that might be asked but what I am is an experienced chief executive officer who runs big businesses onshore and offshore,'' Smith says. ''I am not going to dress myself up as something I am not.
''I don't pretend to be an encyclopaedia on any sport. I love watching sport, I love the drama of sport, I love all of that stuff so I think culturally I am a fit, and what I bring to the party is my personality and drive, but I am a business guy at the end of the day.''
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/new-boss-fails-first-test-but-is-a-player-at-the-big-end-of-town-20121123-29yto.html#ixzz2D71iW0vS