There're already two contact products that a sizeable proportion of the rugby viewing population already watch, and massive proportion of the general public watch. Those eyes and wallets are committed. It's not new eyes or undecided public we are trying to attract.Neither are we, that's the point. That's what we are trying to change
We need a product in Australia that Australians want to watch
What specifically do you propose to offer that steals the committed eyes and wallets from the other two codes?
Why should I bring my money back to rugby to watch a flyhalf that has never developed their core skills to be competitive, when I can watch any number of RL players from 18-25 all deliver exceptional core skills every weekend. I can also see those core skills in any Super Rugby NZ matches and quite a few NPC matches.
Notice how world rugby instagram creams itself with the "diving winger" tries every three weeks on the rare occasion it happens. I can see that 5 times every weekend in the NRL.
I implore you: how do your propose that we have matches that feature high skilled Australian only play week in / week out that steals the viewers and money away from the NRL and AFL without offering any international element? I'm aware you are talking about the champions cup - but you are proposing a local competition aside from that international champions cup that will be amazing and awesome and people will want to watch. How?
Think on this: we already have the threat of a thrashing at the hands of the crusaders or a physical pummeling from the chiefs, and the Australian players are still not motivated to take charge of their own skills development in order to compete. What specific mechanism will the local product offer to ensure that by the time we do play in the champions cup the players can actually execute the basic core skills that all of NZ and SA players can since (seemingly) they were conceived?
Eddie Jones can be blamed for all the selection criticisms for Donaldson for sure - but Jesus F Christ a sizeable blame is at the feet of Gordon and Kelleway for being 10 years too late in developing their own place kicking abilities ffs. Fuck it, I'll throw in the two locks as well who don't wanna be as good as John eales just for a laff. We had a wallaby reject sports psychologists help because basically "wtf would they know".
Another overly opinionated take: this forum is an echo chamber. A shrinking one at that, judging by the size of matchday threads. It is literally my wallet and eyes that you are proposing will just magically return. Please convince me of this products attractiveness.
In short: convince me to help out when the players and RA don't help themselves.