A meeting of NRL Chief Executives today has put its unanimous support behind the Toyota Cup competition and the importance of it remaining linked to the Telstra Premiership ‘game-day’.
In a wide ranging CEO’s meeting that looked at maximising game-day club revenues and ensuring the best possible game-day experience for fans, the Chief Executives group highlighted the importance of the Toyota Cup in providing continuity for fans and in the way it prepared athletes for a professional career.
The task of growing the VB NSW Cup competition and maintaining the InTrust Super Cup was also listed as key priorities.
“The NSW Cup is an incredibly important part of the game and the clubs want to support the NSWRL in growing its profile,” Rabbitohs Chief Executive, Mr Shane Richardson, said today.
“There have been some really positive steps of late and we need to continue to provide a strong second tier in both NSW and Queensland.
“Second tier competitions provide a great development program for players over 20 years of age, many of whom will have come from the Toyota Cup and continue to grow in the game.
“Rugby League is incredibly fortunate to have a unique platform such as the Toyota Cup as well as strong second tier senior competitions.”
A key part of today’s meeting was a focus on clubs maximising game day revenues through an enhanced game day experience.
There was considerable discussion on a more strategic approach to stadium usage, a better understanding of what fans and corporate partners want from being at the game, marketing opportunities and the best ways of extending membership and fan interaction.
“The result is that clubs will workshop a number of ideas between now and the next meeting,” Australian Rugby League Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said today.
“There is a real wish to work together and drive benefits that leave fans in no doubt that the place to be is at the game.
“At the same time the clubs recognise that they need to be actively looking at ways to grow their revenue opportunities by being more cost effective in what they do and in being more innovative in what they offer.
“It is a really positive area in which all clubs can work together. It is not about putting a total end to suburban grounds, there was no suggestion of people wanting that as an outcome, but it was about taking a game wide approach to where the game is played, ensuring that the blockbuster games are able to attract big crowds in big venues and working with fans in achieving that outcome.”
