Fuzzy Duck wrote:
Oh, I get it. So the RL should accommodate Hull's selfish traditional inner city rivalry? That's in the past, time to move on. A merged club could relocate somewhere in the centre. How's about making some space in the Bransholme Council Estate area? Surely some houses there due for demolition?
That rivalry you speak of is what kept rugby league alive during the early 80s when the game was dying on its feet or at the very least going through very uncertain times. During that period, the two clubs were winning every major honour on offer which resulted in raising the profile of the game. Who could forget the 1980 Wembley final that filled wembley and was covered by the mainstream media in the UK and even abroad? to the extent that both the BBC and ITV made documentaries about the whole day. (All Hull let loose and another documentary which for the moment escapes my memory)
With regards to your suggestion of one team in Hull. That concept has been put forward many times and acknowledged each time to be both unworkable and non viable. Just because you have one team does not naturally guarantee success. So, what happens if there is one club, but it performs poorly and ends up with declining attendances? how does that help the game?, It doesn't.
Plus, one team in Hull would almost certainly in my opinion, mean an estimated loss of around 7000 to 9000 fans from the game, as many would not choose to watch just one rugby league side in the city, such is the fierce rivalry. These numbers could not be replaced by simply bringing in a new team, it doesnt work like that. It takes decades of gradual growth with a lot of hard work involved to achieve the level of supporter base that both clubs have at the moment. Finally I will say, that two teams from the same city, whether it be football rugby league or any other major sport, always provides that extra buzz and excitement, plus always draws the attention of TV companies etc. Just look at the magic weekend where the two clubs are always drawn together, there is a good commercial reason for that.
