Originally Posted by
Laner
Thoughts off the top of my head:
- I like the franchising system and wish the RFL had the balls to push it through all those years ago. Clubs that don't meet a set criteria shouldn't even be given time to turn it around. We tried that and we still have to visit places like Cas and Wakefield many years later. They simply ignored the need to develop their stadia. Somebody mentioned Widnes and Tolouse as cat B clubs, but if stadia are a requirement they are certainly ahead of the clubs listed here.
- We, the RL community, have to give up what we know and like to move the game forward and compete with other sports. Any change is difficult, but it needs doing.
- I hope IMG will help clubs do more around ticketing and the match day experience. Even at Saints, the 4 times champions, a few cheerleaders and a bloke in a dog suit is shocking. Somebody mentioned US college football games and what they produce - it is fantastic. Fanzones are a must.
- Ticketing has to be part of the solution and another poster mentioned the idea of 500 tickets. I would go further and offer all away fans free tickets to away games if a system can be set up to support it. An empty away end it a lost opportunity and okay the club doesn't get gate money, but it will get revenue in food/drink and local businesses will also benefit.
- RL banked on SKY been in it for the long term and as a broadcaster they have, however, their investment and commitment has declined over time and if IMG are willing to go all in across their business portfolio, why wouldn't we listen?
- Salary cap changes - yes
There are probably loads of other things