A meeting of NRL Chief Executives in Sydney today has looked at a range of issues aimed at making the game stronger and more successful.
The meeting began with a briefing and tour of the new Fan Relationship Management Centre (FMRC) which is helping to recruit members for 10 clubs. The scheme has seen a new record for memberships set in 2015 – half way through the Telstra Premiership.
NRL CEO Dave Smith gave an overview of the current status of the game. He confirmed that media ratings are strong, especially for live Sunday afternoon and Monday night football and updated the meeting on current NRL discussions on broadcasting rights and stadia.
Other issues covered included:
Final Series Changes
The clubs will work closely with the NRL on new marketing and other programs to drive bigger crowds during the finals series.
Football Key statistics 2015
NRL Head of Football Todd Greenberg gave an overview of the trends so far in the 2015 Telstra Premiership. The competition is one of the closest on record with an average winning margin of 11 points after 13 rounds.
The preliminary figures show that the changes to the rules have resulted in the ball being in play longer in 2015.
Football projects
Projects are being conducted to increase continuity, reduce collision injuries and more promote more expansive play.
Todd Greenberg said the NRL’s review of the interchange system is under way with a view to presenting a recommendation to the NRL Commission in July.
As part of this review, the NRL is also looking at shot clock technology to reduce stoppage time for scrums and other breaks in play.
Future of the Game
Head of Game Strategy and Development, Shane Richardson gave a wide ranging presentation on his work on the “whole of game” strategy.
Regular updates of the draft content plan will be provided to CEOs at future meetings before it goes before the Commission later in the year for consideration.
