The idea of State of Origin was pinched from the AFL!
From what I vaguely understand their board is made up of self interested representatives from the clubs rather than an independent commission. Interesting what you say tidyman about the ownership by Telestra and News Limited.
On Storm, I have heard reported late last year that News Limited were desperate to sell the ownership of the Storm as the running costs were excessive and they were losing $9 million a year even though they were extremely successful on field (now we know why!). Obviously now no one will bail them out.
In addition League survives considerably more than the AFL on ratings. The ratings for Storm games in Melbourne is abysmal.
Before this blew up, News Limited wants to bundle out of the NRL and have it form an AFL style independent commission with the other clubs putting in the $50 million dollars collectively to help the Storm build to a stage where it can be independent.
Over the next few weeks the Storm crowds will remain loyal. I am more interested in what eventuates beyond this point when reality sets in.
I am only reporting on what I have recently read and the whole scenario seems foreign to me which is why I was hoping to get some people have better understanding of their admin/politics/culture etc to help me understand all this.
The union and oversees incentive is also something I never took into account. Very interesting.
Stripes