The bunker can get ****ED.

[Ripken]

I totally agree with this thread , is it pi#%ing me off with all league games at the moment . The millions they have spent on the bunker have not helped the game one bit. I remember the other year they brought Luke Patten in as they wanted an ex players feel for the game, well I reckon that hasn't worked. Just get the best man for the job and if the current ones aren't good enough, sack them and give someone else a go.

[Double]

@ The Axe,

I don't disagree with what you're saying in the main but I do feel you're missing a crucial and key realisation in your posts above. The NRL hasn't simply evolved into any less of a game than it once was through accident or mis-management. It is not a WIP. When the decisions in the back rooms and out on-field made repeatedly defy the rules and spirit of the game we all love then realise this is no longer the game we love. In fact this is no longer a game, but managed entertainment. All that is of concern to the NRL is corporate sponsorship, product licensing and rights administration and overall attendances.

It is in the same manner as any very much-for-profit corporate.

Teams like the Roosters and coachs like Trent and generous benefactors like Nick simply sell readership when they squeal. And the NRL's brand increases in value as a result. Much like the Eels ATM. Any form of publicity is the ultimate goal. The NRL simply shift the pawns (clubs) around on the war-table.

[The Axe]

@ The Axe,

I don't disagree with what you're saying in the main but I do feel you're missing a crucial and key realisation in your posts above. The NRL hasn't simply evolved into any less of a game than it once was through accident or mis-management. It is not a WIP. When the decisions in the back rooms and out on-field made repeatedly defy the rules and spirit of the game we all love then realise this is no longer the game we love. In fact this is no longer a game, but managed entertainment. All that is of concern to the NRL is corporate sponsorship, product licensing and rights administration and overall attendances.

It is in the same manner as any very much-for-profit corporate.

Teams like the Roosters and coachs like Trent and generous benefactors like Nick simply sell readership when they squeal. And the NRL's brand increases in value as a result. Much like the Eels ATM. Any form of publicity is the ultimate goal. The NRL simply shift the pawns (clubs) around on the war-table.

Regrettably Double, I'm also coming to this conclusion.

I think the final litmus test is if it was proved thatmatches were rigged, how would the man in the street respond?
If outraged, it is considered a sport.
If not, entertainment.
Consider this rule with RL and Professional Wrestling.

RL has become about big business. But I still hope it maintains a resemblance of sport and outrage if the litmus test is applied.

Thanks for responding to my thread with dignity, unlike some other poor silly on this site.

[Double]

Everything nowadays is explained away no matter how damning unfortunately... isolated incidents, bad apples etc

In a similar context to this discussion, it is interesting to note the only team able to defy the 'game managers' attempts to manipulate were Manly in 2008. From the moment Smith was cited for that tackle, Manly applied pressure on the NRL to walk the walk and not just talk the talk on grapple tackles. The 40-0 scoreline is history and 'Can't touch Smith' had to watch from the sidelines.