Hey y’all. As you probably have gathered from previous articles here at Pastime Viewpoints, I am a Parramatta Eels fan who has been disgruntled for the longest time. My team has been a shell of itself from past days of glory, and are the laughing-stock of the National Rugby League (NRL). We are currently in a “rebuilding” stage and have 2014 to hope for a miracle. Now I know being an Eels fan, I may show some bias on occasion. However I am a fan of the underdog and hope all teams can be a chance. Last year was terrible for rugby league. There was only ever four teams that had any chance of winning. This year will be much the same. Worse thing, the NRL operating staff don’t seem to care nor worry. If anything, it is “justified”. Let me explain.
Last year, the best teams in the competition were Melbourne Storm (as per usual), Manly Sea Eagles (again), South Sydney (after years and years of rebuilding), and the Sydney Roosters (SBW, the NRL’s prodigal son whom was always going to win). At the bottom of the ladder, you had Parramatta (again), St George Illawarra (a team struggling to regain its footing), Wests Tigers (transitioning and rebuilding), and Canberra Raiders (who really tried this season).
Looking through the draw, I note the top 4 teams play the bottom 4 teams almost twice, whereas barely play any other competitive teams the same. If it is, it is during Origin when no one cares. I don’t like the Tigers, Dragons, and this year especially, the Raiders, yet they have absolutely zero chance this year of rebuilding with the odds stacked against them.
In response, the NRL’s General Manager of Operations, Nathan McGuirk, has said “We don’t put any weighting within the Draw that takes into account a team’s previous year performance. We have seen many teams in the past turn around performance within a year, from the bottom of the ladder to then make the finals.” What a bunch of garbage!! You virtually state you do not care about team’s that are struggling.
In comparison, when asked about the Broncos cushy “Friday Night Fever”, the response was much differing. McGuirk said of Broncos many Friday Night games, “I’m sure you would agree that Channel 9’s financial commitment to the game over the next four years should allow them to select match-ups that maximize their commercial return on investment. 2014 will see the Broncos appear a maximum of 18 times on Free To Air”. Easily put to those who do not follow; $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.
Money speaks all languages when it comes to football. teams such as Dragons, Tigers, Parramatta and Canberra are not financially credible. Where Manly, Melbourne and Brisbane are best for business. We are watching a game that is pre-determined by cash flow and it sickens me. My team will suffer in the “rebuilding” stage until they are worth an investment. As if facing AFL out Western Sydney wasn’t hard enough, the NRL doesn’t even believe in the West. Same goes for Penrith, another team who really tried their backsides off last season to no avail. I bet if another team bought a high profiled player like Sonny Bill Williams, they would get a much favorable draw and spotlight…
There you have it peeps. Thanks for reading my thoughts on the NRL 2014. I will soon see how right I was. Make sure to like, subscribe, and favorite all our stuff, and check out all things entertainment here at Pastime Viewpoints.
Regards.
Zell
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