ARLC TV Deal A Mixed Blessing

The Australian Rugby League Commission has reached a deal with the Nine Network that is slightly better than the pre-covid one and now all media deals run through to 2027. This puts RL in Australia on a sound financial footing. Considering local RL is a sport with pro teams only on the Australian East Coast and New Zealand, it's not a bad deal. How much more the lesser populated western side of Australia would add to any deal is uncertain. 

So that's the good part. What about the other part that makes this a mixed blessing. Well, it seems international RL isn't going to be enlarged, in fact mid season teat matches in the southern hemisphere look to be canned. The Pacific Island nations love tests and NZ is quite keen but they have little support in Australia. 

One of the ways RL maximises its return is having long seasons to satisfy an insatiable media. The game is tough on the body and the only way to get a reasonable off season for top players is to forgo international tests. 

The bottom line is with the domestic game in Australia financially sorted and international RL not having anywhere the same earning opportunity, it is spurned. The fact it offers variety and another way to promote the game is lost on those who study balance sheets. 

Up north: England has ignored international RL in its area because there was more money playing the top southern nations. Now they have shown domestic RL is their only interest, it leaves England without stern international opposition. So the northern side of the game needs to forget naval gazing Australia and develop a meaningful international calendar in its own region.

If England wants test matches, it needs to foster them in its own backyard. Initially, there may be some blow out scores but in due course, the competition will improve. It won't be much of a money spinner, at least not initially but it will lift the credibility of the code and will do much for the game as a whole. 

In a world ruled by the dollar, it would be nice if the northern hemisphere created a strong annual international scene regardless of financial returns. That could be a positive that this mixed blessing brings.