This twelve year set up with IMG might see RL with even less money.
Did the consultation. Here is one question:
How do you interact with each of the following leagues (SL & Champ). Select all that apply.
a) Watch on TV
b) Watch using a subscription service
c) Via news websites such as Sky Sports
d) Via Social Media
e) None of these
There is no option for “Get off my aris and pay to watch the game in the flesh”!
Another question: which team do you support in those divisions (paraphrase).
Bongser answered “Leigh” and attempted to pass on to the next Q. Nope, as he’d declared an interest in SL too, he had to pick a team that he supported in that league. There was no option for “Whoever is playing Wigan”. IMG seem to think that an interest in sport in a certain division, demands that you support a club. Thought of picking St Helens as they are the largest thorn in the pahs’ side, but realised that their analytics might dismiss a glory hunter as then he would have selected two table-toppers. Checked Warrington to pass on.
Q: How many times have you been to a paid Rugby League game this year?
a) 1-3
b) 4-6
c) 7+
Both divisions have pro or semi-pro teams. Do they mean;
How many times have you paid to watch a Rugby League game in person?
If so, 7+ but no option above that as Bongser had already, on a previous Q, stated that he was not a season ticket holder.
Eventually you get a multi question page with;
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
You know the ones, the ones you get on public transport where you know, whatever everybody’s answers, the transport company is going to knock off a service (and increase fares).
Bongser “strongly” suggests, should you take the survey, that you tick “Strongly disagree” or “Strongly agree” as then you get a text box to qualify your answer / have a rant.
Yes, the question about a 10 team SL is there. Is this just another pre-pack done deal?
Q: Is there anything else you think is important to consider for the future of Rugby League in the UK/France?
A: Yes. With the greatest of respect, if IMG truly wish to canvass Rugby League fans' opinions they should do so in the pubs near the grounds before and after matches, instead of doing prepped surveys that will (weighted) find exactly what they want to find. Get in the stands and on the terraces too.
Rant over!