RL is winning the battle of the codes, and what we see from a spectators point of view is highly paid players getting the big crowds in comparison to rugby. It screams success. But on the flip side the statistics show destruction of some players on the way.
Don’t get me wrong RA needs a shake up and a clean out. In the past 8 years poor decisions have had massive detriment to the game. There needs to be more money coming in so that smart investment is directed at growing the numbers in rugby. We need the money first, and the only way for that to happen is at the top end which is RA. Recruitment and retaining good talent is governed by the dollars. QRU appears to sign fewer numbers on a decent contract, rather than the masses on a contract that holds no security or future. This is what I believe is managed well. Don’t get me wrong, the more money, the better opportunity for better sustainable recruitment. From a viewer of both codes, I would much prefer to have my son coming through the ranks in rugby. Rugby will become great again. We just need a change in power.