The broadcaster did the game a favour this week by calling out years of mismanagement at the NRL. It might just prove to be a turning point for rugby league, writes Phil Gould
My opinions were well documented long before the events of this week. It is a view that I have been victimised for expressing by those trying to protect themselves. Yet, this has not deterred me from saying what needed to be said.
Right from the outset, during this difficult period, I have used the phrase that it’s no good "crying over spilt milk". There has been no "I told you so". It is what it is. We need to deal with it. Panicking and pointing the finger of blame at past regimes or individuals wasn’t going to help the game. The time for review can come later.
Firstly, I refer to what I’ve just written above. The NRL and sections of the media trying to represent Nine, the NRL clubs and the players as the bad guys in this predicament. Not on. It gets to a point where you’d actually be doing them a favour by saying "no more". And if he is a true friend, you’d take some positive action to help them realise the error of their ways and help them to manage their money better in the future. If your friend failed to take this advice, there is not much else you can do for them.
It doesn’t stop there: calling on corporate partners and sponsors to prepay future financial agreements to assist in the NRL’s failing cash flow; applying for loans from financial institutions to cover short-term deficiencies, only to be knocked back; short-changing NRL clubs and players, misrepresenting the game’s financial position to them to talk down their demands or needs.
More importantly, they’ll be discussing how our game can best survive this challenge, what rugby league looks like in the future and how the broadcast partners can assist in the creation of a new world for rugby league.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Awkward NRL reply to brutal Nine sprayThe NRL has responded to a scathing attack from broadcast partner Channel 9, declaring the league intends to “fulfil its contractual obligations”.
Read more »
Project Apollo splutters as Nine gets out the whacking stickOpinion: Barely anyone on the NRL's innovation committee knew about a May 21 restart to the season — nor did broadcaster Channel Nine. And now it's getting ugly | SMHsport
Read more »
Slow cooker bread hack you need right nowA simple recipe for basic white bread, baked in a slow cooker. What? Check out this six-ingredient slow cooker bread recipe.
Read more »
Long game needed for victory over virusFor most nations, this is going to be a marathon, not a sprint. | EDITORIAL coronavirusaus
Read more »
So you've been fined for being outside. Here's what you can do nextMany people are unaware of their rights and options if they receive a penalty notice.
Read more »
The long, lonely journey of infertility in the bushIt's a secret of unspoken heartache doing the rounds in rural Australia.
Read more »