thoughts of a bulldog

Tonight’s seen a raft of NRL fans, seemingly justifiably so, have a dig at Channel 9 and call the network all sorts of names for not broadcasting tonight’s Broncos v Manly and Bulldogs v Titans matches live.

I’m sick of it and here’s why.

1. While we love, adore and are passionate about this game, and understandably want to watch it live, the NRL is but ONE product/commodity on Channel 9. Fact: commercial networks run on ADVERTISING DOLLARS. With (agreed, crap) A Current Affair and The Block prior to the NRL, both OUTRATE the NRL whether we like it or not, and command greater interest from advertisers.

2. Channel 9 recognise their viewers are creatures of habit. If the broadcast went live at 7pm, there would be a different group of people complaining that they can’t get home in time. Which brings me to the next point

3. The NRL probably need to look at how they deal with the scheduling IMO. The two instances where fans have cried in anger about the games not being live are when the NRL has tinkered with the kickoff time. Kicking games off at 7pm or 6:15pm on a Friday night simply shouldn’t be happening. If a game has to happen in NZ and be on Free to Air, it’s gotta be Sunday. The Brisbane double header is not a Friday concept anymore, it should be shifted to Sat or Sunday itself.

The only fuck up I will concede on Channel 9’s part is on two parts - 1, whoever is writing on their WWOS website, indicating it was live - and 2, the person who put the information in the EPG/tv guide - they’ve claimed it’s live when it’s not.

I understand people’s frustration as NRL fans, but unfortunately the reality is, we aren’t their world at Channel 9 - and they’d survive just fine without the NRL. Any other network would treat us just the same.

And besides - it’s all likely to change in 2013 anyway!

lolerzz:

Chris: We are the first Australian One Direction tribute band. We’re 20 years older than them all but I think Australia’s ready to see a senior One Direction

The Chaser boys on the Logies 2012 red carpet

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Source: nrleaguememes

Source: nrleaguememes

Source: nrleaguememes

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Some Manly fans see reality. Accept it for what it is.

Then, there’s just some delusional ones.

Of course, this all started with #DesGate in late 2011. As history now tells us, Des Hasler is a premiership winning coach at the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles. His name goes into the history books for TWO Telstra Premiership titles, in arguably the toughest and most competitive decade of the competition’s 104-year history.

During 2011, admittedly before his second premiership, Hasler approached the Manly board and asked for a heftier pay packet. Give the side was amongst the top of the competition at the time, made finals appearances in several consecutive seasons and of course the 2008 premiership, one would fairly believe that on a performance basis, Desmond is entitled to ask such a question. And if the answer doesn’t suit him, he’s surely entitled to test his worth on the open market.

The answer didn’t suit him, and he started talking to other clubs. Canterbury, of course, one of them. At this time - I don’t even think Des was across the idea of relocating - simply trying to show Manly he was serious and for them to look more seriously at his (completely fair) requests for more money.

The result is now known. Manly never came to the party and Canterbury signed him swiftly after the 2011 Grand Final.

The blame from fans has gone to various places, most misdirected toward the Canterbury club and Des himself. The Manly board/management, the reason for this decision, have almost escaped scrutiny from much of their own fanbase - it’s easier to look without than within for answers to your failings it seems.

Now we have Daly Cherry Evans announcing he wants a release - because he’s being paid a pittance, according to reports.

Why the hell wouldn’t he want to go elsewhere? If you’re clearly hearing from other places that you’re worth $XXX and you’re currently being paid $XX… why wouldn’t you seek a release?

It’s simply not good enough to lash out at others for the failings of your own club. Why won’t fans hold their own club to account for the lack of sound management?

At worst, the development and worth of the players and/or staff in their keep doesn’t fit within requirements and budget. In that case, footy is a business, people need to make a living and earn their worth. If one company can’t pay you that, and another can, surely you’re entitled to make a decision in your own best interests?

After all, no one person is bigger than a club itself.

lolz

(via big-bang-theory)

funny cuz its true.

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