NRL Expansion: Phil 'Gus' Gould's radical solution to fix rugby league | 100% Footy 

9 Can you keep comments on your videos please? It's kindve the medium to allow your viewers to discuss the vid. Brings engagement, more views more ad revenue. RU-vid has automatic monitoring. Bad comments get downvoted. Good comments go top

The problem is that NRL don't spend enough money if at all any into Research. The more data collected the better you can forecast and plan, why do you think Facebook sells all the data they collect from us online? Because serious big companies pay millions if not billions for information they can use to make accurate and more informed decisions regarding planning. Information is so valuable in this modern era but I don't think NRL are backing their research enough. I'm from Western Sydney but I now currently live in Perth, I go to my nephews junior league games when I can and when I do go there is hugely talented young players over here but they are just lacking some good coaching to improve their game which could also improve the standard of the competition, that's all they need here, some really good coaches to come over and help develop the game. The talent is here and in huge amounts and I feel sorry for them because growing up and playing in Parramatta Leagues we get so much help and support through so many good programs through schools, and Junior Club Footy, and to see that the kids here don't get the same development or programs and good coaching is really neglectful from the NRL. Perth needs an NRL team, it's practically crying out for one, every time an NRL game is held here it is always sold out. But NRL need to help develop the game from grassroots to help improve the massive talent they have here, and that can only happen if NRL are prepared to invest in sending good coaches over here for a year or two whilst also hosting and improving the local coaches we already have.

Redcliffe Dolphins - take my word for it. They will be the new QLD club.

The real problem are not the Sydney teams, the problem is the boof-heads in Phillip St who do not have a clue what the fans want and who do not believe in the game. They are just administrators on high salaries that treat it just as a career. A one state team like Melbourne gives it a massive advantage and hence the success and sponsorship that comes with it. Melbourne needs a second team to break the status quo of one state team and create an even playing field.

18 teams, 9 teams a pool. Play the teams in your pool twice. The other pool once. 24 rounds plus 2 buys. 26 rounds. Easy peasy.

British based rugby league fan here and love the NRL. Never understood the concept of upping sticks and relocating a club. Every club has history, tradition, a culture, a fan base which is totally disrespected by quitting and moving elsewhere. Obviously Australia is massive in comparison to the UK, so I hope it's expansion rather than relocations.

There used to be a second team in Brisbane called the Crushers. Their extinction was one of the conditions of the truce over the Super League War. They had good crowds as well.

We have 25 million people in aus im pretty sure theres plenty of talent out there, Nrl should start doing demographics on grassroots in SA, WA, NT, TAS, who knows wtf is out there Seriously This coming from a 24 year old from blacktown

I'm not a Manly fan but that great club represents the entire north shore of Sydney . You don't want to replace Manly, don't even think about it.

PNG should have a team ✊✊✊ The only country in the world where Rugby League is the national sport

Expansion with Redcliffe is done and dusted now, or if you want to get imaginative with name change suggestions why not call them the Bay City Dolphins or Rivercity Dolphins. But Redcliffe Dolphins is a fine enough name and is better than just simply the 'Dolphins'.

I still don’t understand why the NRL doesn’t have a top tier 12 team comp and a relegation comp (similar to the EPL or English Super League) :(

Add Adelaide, Perth, Wellington, Central Coast, Redcliffe, and one extra. With 22 teams, you can split into two conferences with 11 each, 20 games played, with 2 byes and you can do a playoff with 4, 6 or 8 from each conference, with the conference champions playing in a Grand Final, like we do it here in the States with our sports. I love the NRL and rugby in general that's why my goal is become a professional. But as Gus said, if you want it to work, you need the right people. It's all about the long term..

Phil is a very knowledgeable individual and I really subscribe to his views. Rugby League needs to expand internationally. Currently, there are 3 decent national teams worldwide, the others are distant followers. You need to expand like Rugby Union has done inviting Argentina and the Jaguares, even if this poses significant logistic and financial challenges. This game I find is more technical than Union, and it might attract followers in others countries. Critical mass is necessary, so that the game is not only played in silos (NRL, Super League UK).

Stop disabling comments on highlights videos

Bring back the frekin bears

20 teams with two conferences - then quarters, conference finals and grand finals

Promotion and Relegation, and take away the salary cap. No one's club will die this way it's sink or swim in the main league.

The answer is simple. This level of professionalism is killing sport as it relies on a trading loss while broadcasters reap any cream from the top. It is wholly driven by broadcasting revenue and the broadcasters are sat on top of a huge pile while most teams scrape by with limited resources. Either share fairly or allow teams to manage their own broadcasting which is the way viewing is headed anyway.

Gus you are my legend, much respect to your wisdom

they pay too many players to much money, it's not the EPL , league needs to get real. the game was bigger back in the 80's and 90'S with semi professional players and every club had 3 grades.

Adelaide for sure, so much love for rugby league here, numbers show in the games that are held here, SA or WA should happen

No relocation, Perth or new qld team

I used to hate Phil Gould but hearing his mind about GC Titans and I'm a Broncos supporter is absolutely correct! The History of Sydney teams in the old days to be competitive took a long time . If you give up on the Titans AFL will pounce at every cost to make it happen in the long run . GC is still young and extremely sporty , I grew up on the Gold Coast and I supported the Chargers, but the NRL isn't showing any confidence in my heart to support a team they can't guarantee they will support forever. Now imagine how all of the people on the GC feel and why they don't want to go to games . They would turn up in the 10's of thousands if the NRL said , we will support the Titans for ever. It's like a father always being their for their child . That's the feeling. If they could promise that ! Titans would have my membership and I live in Sydney!!!!!

The solution is easy. Create a Promotion/ Relegation system, you just need 2 divisions at the moment. Any new teams join the 2nd division. However, do have a rivalry weekend, where two teams that are bitter rivals play each other regardless of which division they are in.

Rugby League was birthed by Newtown, North Sydney, South Sydney, Western Suburbs, Eastern Suburbs & Balmain. We’re are they. The NRL spent all there money 💰 and effort on building Melbourne Storms. Remember the game has died because we killed tribalism culture of the game. We don’t develop stadiums like Brookvale we push them to Bank West because we need to make money 💰. Brisbane Broncos was the team that destroyed the game of League. They wanted inclusion into NSWRL and then brought Super League and killed our foundation clubs. If anything we should be looking at building local stadiums like Belmore, BrookVale, Panthers and Redfern. Then you’ll get the numbers and the game will thrive.

If the NRL wants to remain viable in the long term they have to: 1. Western Suburbs Magpies and Balmain Tigers have to become two different franchises again with the Balmain Tigers investing in the Inner Sydney region and Central West Sydney, while Western Suburbs Magpies invest in Far South West Sydney. 2. Have Touch Football as a direct pathway affiliate for boys and especially girls to further develop playmakers and grow numbers. 3. Have a second tier competition for promotion relegation. 4. Bring back the U20s competition or at least a variation of it, that isn't based on a state based system.

Gal sounds like a complete toss here. Brisbane attracts biggest crowds, highest annual turnover, largest TV audience and he thinks that's a bad place to relocate

Keep the Titans, make the 4th QLD team on the Sunshine Coast, followed by an Ipswich side and Central Queensland team based in Rockhampton or Bundaberg, make St. George a permanent Illawarra based side, make Manly a permanent North Sydney side, merge the Rabbitohs and Bulldogs to make a combined South Sydney team, relocate Penrith to regional NSW to be based out of either Orange or Bathurst, move Cronulla to the Central Coast, relocate Parramatta to Adelaide, Axe the NZ Warriors, make it an all-Australian competition and relocate the team to Perth. I don’t know what the hell Gal is talking about how there isn’t enough player depth. There are plenty of guys in both NSW and QLD Cups who are definitely NRL material, there just isn’t enough space for a lot of them on NRL rosters. Going to 18 teams would certainly help give guys stuck in Reserve grade a shot at NRL contracts and game time. Here is what the NRL would look like: North Queensland Cowboys Central Queensland Crushers Sunshine Coast Falcons Brisbane Broncos Ipswich Jets Gold Coast Titans Newcastle Knights Central Coast Sharks North Sydney Eagles Sydney City Roosters South Sydney Bulldogs West Sydney Tigers Illawarra Dragons NSW Country Panthers Canberra Raiders Melbourne Storm Adelaide Rams Perth Reds

Gallen was in over his head on this conversation. Gould should be running the game. Maybe this is him putting up his hand

With current poor crowd turn out in Sydney, there should be no more than 5 teams based in and around the city. Central, North, South, West and Outer West, which should be Penrith and Parramatta combined to become Cumberland. How each existing clubs are reassigned or renamed into each district, I really don't care. Hopefully people will support their new club and we get crowds back up around 30k. The comp should have no more than 14 teams, as this allows each team to play each other twice! This still enables nine teams outside of Sydney. We have the current seven teams in North Qld, Brisbane, Newcastle, Canberra, Melbourne, NZ, Gold coast. Two new teams can be created elsewhere. A second team in Brisbane, or I would at least consider moving Gold Coast to Brisbane. I think Perth or Central Coast also have merit. Just my thoughts. I know Sydneysiders will hate this, but it will be best for the league long term. :)

Still dont see what the problem is with the Central Coast. It's RL heartland.

Or another club in NZ. Wellington would be great!!!

Exactly! More teams in more places, more national competition. Like America has. Then the support for each club would be state wide instead of Sydney,Brisbane. The game needs to go national,with new teams in new places.

Gus never answered the question as to “what is your future vision of the NRL?” In fact none of them did. Does ANYONE have a long term vision?

Surfing is the only thing that works on the gold coast swap the titian's for a wave pool or two.

Solution......South Brisbane Titans. Play half home games at Suncorp, the other half on the gold coast. This way Brisbane gets its 2nd team and the Titans attract more sponsors. Allowing it to survive. You're welcome NRL.

The only expansion Gus knows about is his waist line.

1- Shorten Mel season. One game against each team - keep cap. 2- expand origin to Qld, new city, new country, indigenous, Pacific island (including NZ based NZ players) and expats (NZ & England players based in auz) - no cap. 3- charge downs don't restart the set of 6... Bring charge downs back to protect the kickers. 4- bring back shoulder charge.

Love this watching these guys

Lets be honest here. Channel 9 isn't interested in making rugby league bigger and better. The only place they are interested in growing the game is the NRL where it has a financial stake because its the major broadcaster. They could not give a rats backside about growing the game from grass roots level. Channel 9 is only interested in two things. Ratings and the money that brings from those paying for ad time during their broadcasts. By all means, bring in a second team in Brisbane, even if it means having a bye each week, or also add a team in Perth or on the Central Coast or wherever. But don't relocate a Sydney club to do it because it will never work. Not only would they lose most of the fans they already have (case in point, North Sydney fans), but like anywhere, the locals in Brisbane would be much more likely to accept a team of their own whether it be an existing club like a Redcliffe or Ipswich or Sunshine Coast or a completely new club more than they ever will accept a relocated Sydney team.

Totally agree with the 2 team kiwi experience......atm, until they get the warriors sorted i would say no to a 2nd team HERE. And before i go on im a bears fan.

Western Brisbane should be the next team, Ipswich Jets is an easy solution

A Perth Team is needed and now with the Super Rugby in disarray over here is the time to do it. Sadly the media are all for another Queensland team, this is very short sighted.

Despite his hot takes i like gas he's very honest but also logical with what he suggested.

What about a team in the Central West of NSW (Bathurst & Orange) big population, massive rugby league fans, wealth is out there- good mine in Orange could be the major sponsor. Plus it would be sold out every week as there is not much else to do out there

NRL needs to accept the fact it ain't no.1. And reflect this with pay structure. Step 1... Save money and become solvent. If established teams cant make a profit, then expansion teams are doomed.

No finals series. Model it on EPL. Add team in Samoa, Fiji and PNG. I'm Warriors fan but Gus is right NZ can't even do 1 x team right yet.

Manly should do what St George did with Wollongong, move to Central Coast play like 8 games in Gosford to 2 in Brookvale.

You need $100+ to take the family to watch the footy ... but the "experts" want to "fix" league with expansion? Greed ruins EVERYTHING!

- Not enough class for (17 teams) - Should be a Perth team - Only 12 teams (NRL no money) - 5 teams Sydney ( N, S, E, W & C) Just my view as an old supporter. Times have changed, but can still run second tier feeder so as to keep local rivalry in Sydney. The Brisbane area do it, why can't Sydney, just needs some big balls. H/A..22 rounds + finals...if tv/nrl still after money, bring back mid week n/o comp, with feeder clubs + nrl clubs on a Wednesday night. Miss the old Amco cup..

A second team in Brisbane is not the way to go. People in Brisbane have grown up watching the broncos for most their life and if there’s suddenly a second Brisbane team added to the area, who would want to support it? Instead of adding to pre-existing areas where there are already fans of existing NRL clubs, why don’t the NRL add teams to new areas such as Adelaide or Perth and help spread the game and it’s reach. The AFL are miles ahead of the NRL in terms of management and the fact they were able to get over 80,000 people to attend a regular home and away game a few weeks back on a Friday night really says a lot. We are a week out from finals and we are sat here talking about this save it for the end of season.

Love the Manly Sea Eagles. Brookey needs a new stadium.

Gould just Pipped Gallen for ugliest on ground

The players go to the Gold Coast for the wrong reasons ... night clubs, drugs and girls and the beach for recovery swims.

give PNG a team. a whole nation will support that team and finance it.

I will never watch NRL again if they get rid of the Sea Eagles 🦅.. We have 8 premierships more than some teams

NRL simply does not have the crowd or viewer numbers for any kind of expansion at the top level. Soccer is expanding more rapidly for both viewer numbers and crowd numbers. If you want to add something to Rugby League, then the best option is a cup competition like the FA cup is to the Premier League in an attempt to rebuild the dying grass roots club numbers in the traditional strongholds of the game. No matter what is done, Rugby League will remain a niche football market, and , as such will not draw the kind of commercial attention AFL or Soccer will. The changes in social dynamic over the last 40-50 years have altered the way society perceives masculine identity. This shift has left Rugby league in a space where its high impact, confrontational style is the polar opposite to this societal shift making consolidation of the code difficult, and expansion a suicide move. A 12 team professional league structure in tandem with a cup type competition is possibly the best move the NRL could make for its long term future.

Also biggest issue is that it sounds like rubgy isnt making that much money in Australia. Rarely see matches on regular tv and its the rights and sponsors that make the cash. The AFL could basically self fund another 1-2 clubs off their backs, doesn't sound like the NRL can. Comparably low attendance numbers and viewership kills the sport.

Talk about lack of talent and not enough investors is only a matter of reaching out to a broader audience and promoting the game, at the moment i would not change the game or any teams as it is for about ten years but i think the pre season competitions could be expanded dramatically for promotional purposes to invite the world to our game, NRL all stars and Australian aboriginal team was an awesome idea to add to a fresh competition like the sevens in a knockout competition with all nrl teams represented, great for fans and great for coaches to add prospects they want to see running around to help plan their season, but for the next 10 years could we add a team from all capital cities into a pre season warm up comp like this? it promotes the game and incentive for anyone around Australia to have a crack at league and meet players they look up to since we rarely go to Darwin or Perth even though some clubs have taken their home games to these cities which is also great, canterbury was taking their home games to christchurch in NZ for a while knowing many play rugby and there are only so many players selected for the all blacks team but many train in the hopes of making that team. the same format in a pre season comp could be promoted on a world stage, on social media i have noticed many Americans are shocked and curious about our game since we do not wear padding and although they might think it is barbarick we know there is another passionate side of our game they need to learn to love and do believe there would be many investment prospects in America willing to invest in Australia and our game right now but we need to take baby steps in a pumped up pre season competition with an international media contract attached, if we invest well in this pre season competition over a decade i am sure we will have international investors financing capital city teams some time after that and if we do not we will at least have a better idea what talent and money is out there to help our game along in the future!

They should expand into other states such as NT SA WA Example >Darwin red backs >Adelaide bulls >Perth devils

Let's take a moment to consider that ash Klein and co awarded 22 penalties in the raiders/Storm final. Let's reflect on the fact only 23 penalties were awarded in all 3 other finals combined.

Control the Roosters salary cap so other teams have a chance. Would have loved to see Cooper kronk, tedesco and Klemmer go to Titans

Of course Channel 9 don't want more teams. Them and Uncle Rupert don't wanna pay the code what it would be worth with 18 teams.

My idea: Add 4 new spots and realocate 3 teams from Sidney Cities to expand: Adelaide, Sunshine Coast, Central Coast, Perth, Hobard, Darwin and Wellington

SPEAKS SENSE!

Toowoomba - Swap hill stadium. Make it happen.

What solution?🤔

It’s always Gus on the thumbnail lol

I don't understand the time zone point - why would the time difference in Perth be of benefit to the league?

Sporting teams based at the Gold Coast do not seem to work. Both basketball and soccer have had teams there which have collapsed. Then you have the AFL and the NRL Gold Coast clubs which consistently perform below expectations. I really don't understand why the NRL keep propping up Gold Coast based teams and I think the Titans need to go.

There should be some kind of quality standard for the players or coaches. Only get sacked or axed if you've consistently coached a team to the wooden spoon. Axe a player out of the club if he's consistently conceded penalties or dropped the ball.

Well if the NRL are wanting to add a team, make going to games more affordable for families. Schedule games so families aren't having to stay up late to watch the games or commute. Don't take any teams out, maybe add another Victorian team or an Adelaide team. There's plenty of young up and coming talent. If they don't make it with the existing teams, why not form new clubs with those players? The NRL has the money to do a lot of things for the game. But it's greedy hands that aren't doing anything to help the game. Corporate greed is f****** it up.

Maybe the Bulldogs being that Sydney based team should relocate to the South Island of New Zealand in a region that is known as “Canterbury” to ease the pressure on the Warriors that really is only an Auckland region based team and not only that Canterburys union brother in The Super Rugby known as the Crusaders being so dominant to take the NRL to that advantage level of balance in order in the sense to boost popularity of the sport at least for that heartland part in Christchurch NZ for some of the Bulldogs home games to see how it may go since this topic is on debate.

Half the teams are broke, there's way too many teams in Sydney and the NRL wants to add another team. Give me a break.

Should of never got rid of the super league

New Zealand could easily have another team. Rugby is our national sport, it's what we do. I understand the two are different (Union/League) but the emphasis and application is the same.

This problem wouldn't be around if Australia weren't so farkin big 😂

💯💯💯 18 teams, 2 pools. It makes sense!!!!!

MAKE one of the Sydney clubs (probably Manly) do the central coast thing. You can try a Perth team but it's only an even money proposition. Add South Brisbane and somehow incorporate Gold coast.

One in Brisbane and one in Christchurch. All sorted

Bring back the original Super League idea? The best, and most profitable, clubs from the UK and Australasia battling it out for who is the best club in the world

scheduling wise like the afl the titans and broncos should not be both ant home or on the road on the same weekend instead if the broncos have a home game one weekend the titans should be on the road and then the following weekend the titans should be at home while the broncos are on the road

Shocked that a bunch of Sydney pundits are against relocating Sydney clubs...

No one in Brisbane will support a second team.

Maybe people are just sick of watching grossly overpaid players underperform. Maybe the lack of player club loyalty is a huge problem. Maybe Sydney isn't the working class, beer guzzling, footy watching boganville it needs to be to support 9 teams. Maybe reliance on pokie revenue and a real lack of business leadership at our clubs is a problem.

Focus on getting all clubs at least breaking even before expansion. People love the League, surely it can't be that hard? Get more merchandise going, look at the American sports and how they all come dressed up with uniforms and show the club colours. We're not even remotely close to that level of commitment. Stadiums should offer some free tickets in the least popular seats (such as corners) to get better crowds, and of those free riders some will buy food/drinks and possibly merchandise. And as others have said, allow us to comment on NRL videos ffs!

If a nsw team was getting folded I would either pick manly or St George

AFL did it right, does it right Always have, always will

Of course there is enough talent to go around. Plenty of fringe players looking for a chance, up and coming talent and plenty of experienced players wanting their last deal. Gallen is about as clever as a condom with speedholes

Not enough talent? Gallen mate I think you’ve suffered too many blows to the head. My money would be on a second Brisbane team or a Sunshine Coast team, I personally would love Redcliffe for the NRL but given the history behind their failed bids I doubt it’ll ever happen sadly.

people hate on gus like he isn't the best insight into anything NRL

Make another team in new Zealand, put it in Wellington it will devide new Zealand supporters there's enough kiwi expats in nz to make the team financially sound. Plus competition is good for the nz warriors

The Central Coast would have worked if it had happened back when it was meant to happen.

Scrap the Roosters and the Storm and make the comp more competitive.

Kinda makes ya wonder how the Melbourne storm have been so successful for so long? Are they the only team that are making money?

We cannot re-locate a team we could most definitely put another team in Queensland the only thing that they could re-locate with enough support a bass is South Sydney But that will never happen just give Queensland another team

should forget about expansion for the foreseeable future. What HAS to be concentrated on is making the game more attractive, and this has to start with the current rules of play...1. get rid of the scrum! As it stands under the current rules, the scrum is absolutely useless! By allowing the feed into the secong row etc, this gives the opposition no chance at all for gaining the ball back which was one of the original reasons for a scrum, instead, simply apply the handover rule as this would make the game quicker and flow more freely. IF however, the scrum stays, then it has to go back to the original ways of rolling the ball into the middle of the scrum making the scrum useful again and allowing both teams a fair play at the bally and making the role of hooker not redundant.....2. perhaps look at the structure of point scoring. Change the amount for a try to 5 points. A try conversion to 1 point, penalty to 3 points and a field goal to 2 points. This is based on difficulty of the kicks and to the overall general look of the scoreline enticing ppl to come and watch a game knowing a decent scoreline will be witnessed....also look at other rules that seem to have nowadays softened the game as it needs to be brought back to the element of toughness and manliness as it once was. Also, this idea of players being able to take elements from the field and into a court shouldnt be allowed as it turns off many players in reaching and staying at the highest level and turns off spectators...what happens on the field should stay on the field and at most, be handled by the nrl judiciary and thats it!

Add another victorian side advitise it in victoria

Move the titans to the Northern Territory.