http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/how-league-is-losing-battle-of-the-west/story-e6frep5x-1226103011847
The AFL are not going to go away, so the NRL needs to act and not just sit there on their hands.
Rugby League is losing the battle in the we
posted on 28/7/11
Of course the NRL needs to actively continue to expand both ends of the game in western Sydney - by encouraging even more junior participation and keep being aggressive in marketing the existing NRL clubs each weekend. They have a huge head start and despite the mediocre / poor perfomances of the 4 NRL clubs this year they are still attracting decent crowds to matches. The Clubs are also doing pretty nicely as they have for decades now.
I admire the way the AFL has targeted Western Sydney and wish them some luck - but don't forget there is some opposition from some Sydneysiders who believe that a second team may be too much too soon. You only have to see the crowd drop off after the Swans lose a few matches; then have to claw back support on a regular basis.
Also, GWS have yet to play a match. Like the Gold Coast Suns, a lot will depend on how they fare next year. If they struggle (most likely), then they will be hard pressed to compete with one, let alone 4 x NRL matches each weekend.
Finally, if GWS do get off to a good start - then I'm sure there is room for another club from another code. Many of us do watch or follow all 4 codes and it's not unusual for some to go to a NRL match on a Friday night, rugby on Saturday... and a Swans (or Giants) game on a Sunday afternoon.
Note, I said 'some'... not everybody!
posted on 29/7/11
I don't mind the AFL, I'll watch probably 1 game a week if it looks like it will be a close contest and on free to air.
I also feel the west of Sydney is big enough for both codes to play side by side without either code trying to place good games against each other in an effort to draw bigger crowds etc.
However I feel the Tigers and the NRL are letting the huge population of south/west Sydney down by only staging 3 games a season at Campbelltown. (take the game to the kids)