IN many respects, Manly Warringah’s dominant display to win a thrilling Telstra Premiership was the one constant in what will be remembered as a year of change for the game of rugby league.
OK, so Queensland gave only the slightest indication that their reign as interstate champions may be approaching an end, South Sydney failed to live up to expectations, and drama – both on and off the field – was never too far away; but the game appears to be heading towards a vastly different landscape.
The independent commission has been formed and will forever change the way the game is administered. Rugby league stakeholders will be whittled down and the commission will operate under a mandate to make decisions only for the betterment of the game.
A new television rights deal will be brokered at some stage next year, the final result of which could have a major impact on the way clubs are administered and how fans watch the NRL.
The representative schedule has received some tweaking, with 2012 destined to be the final ever City v Country fixture and to be played alongside the ANZAC Test on a stand-alone representative weekend. After the most-watched Origin Series in history in 2011, plans are to switch the game’s showpiece to Monday nights from 2013.
Club-land will also have a different look to it for many NRL fans, none more so than the fiercely loyal Knights supporters from Newcastle. The community-driven club overwhelmingly agreed to the takeover by mining magnate Nathan Tinkler, whose first order of business was to sign the legendary Wayne Bennett to a four-year deal to coach the club.
No less than six NRL clubs (Knights, Warriors, Rabbitohs, Bulldogs, Dragons and Panthers) will begin 2012 with a different head coach while a vast collection of some of the game’s greatest players and most loyal servants won’t put their bodies through another torturous pre-season.
Many people are afraid of change but, right now, it appears rugby league is happy to embrace it.
This is a game with a proud history and strong ties to its heritage but it is taking bold new leaps to further strengthen its brand and appeal to an ever-expanding audience.
Toyota Cup graduates lit up the NRL Finals Series and represent the game’s fresh new face while the emergence of New Zealand as rugby league’s new stronghold may have significant ramifications for the game in that country.
With the dominance of the Warriors under-20s teams (left) in the past two seasons I truly believe the club is on the verge of a golden dynasty that may remain unbroken for the next decade. Talented rugby union players are starting to jump ship in New Zealand; who knows what they’ll be capable of should the dam wall burst.
Yes, change is on its way, but one thing you can always rely on is that Big League will be there every step of the way, starting with the 2012 Season Preview that will be on-sale from February 23.
Can’t wait!
