RL Govenance

As I understand it, in the UK there is the SL pro comp and the RFL which is the governing body. SL seems to have more influence than is desirable and the RFL has over time has had its wings clipped to facilitate this shift in power.

In Australia, there is the NRL, which is the pro comp and the ARL Commission which is the governing body. The NRL is now a brand that exists to identify a competition, not a body operating independently like SL does in the UK.

For the international scene, there is the umbrella IRL with the RLEF and Asia-Pacific RLC which look after the two hemispheres. These bodies have to appease those with the whip hand to get anything done, which is generally not very much.

With FIFA, they run their game, no misunderstanding. If they say there's going to be a round of friendly internationals, there is a break in fixtures and the pro clubs have to accept that. There's no doubt the World Rugby Board runs their game and clubs release players for internationals. They understand the need for the international game to flourish.

In RL, the clubs come out with comments that players won't be released for international games or they are unhappy with pre-season training disruption, etc. Of course, to expect pro-clubs to relish the extra games is unrealistic, but I see a conflict between those who believe the code needs a stronger international calendar and clubs worrying about how it affects them. You'd never ask a turkey to set the menu for a Christmas dinner so pro-clubs will always consider what's in their interests.

Part of the problem is the game is tough in bodies yet TV deals involve long seasons, too long already. Yet to maximise TV revenue, they agree. Squeezing in internationals then becomes problematic. Shorter pro seasons would be ideal and allow the international game to get a fair go. However, long season TV deals are set by clubs so those responsible for promoting the international scene have little to no leeway. 

It leaves me wondering who really governs this game? The role of a national sporting organisation is first and foremost to promote their domestic game. That is their priority, their responsibility. However, their having the role of leading the game, then self interest will override doing what’s best for the whole. The most powerful body in any successful sport will have no vested interest in a particular country. I can't see the IRL being handed the funds and authority to make decisions for everyone.  

RL doesn't have an independent leading body and in reality, never will. The current situation leads to parochial decision making which is poor governance. Poor governance leads to poor results, no matter how good the product is. With the governance issue as it is, RL will do well to maintain the status quo, nothing more, possibly less. To expect otherwise is unrealistic. It's the situation and acceptance of that is what is required.