Quote:
Originally Posted by Hurricane
Relax. Just stating my views bro. Less emotion in your response.
Australia has 3 rugby codes and is the best in the world in two of them but due to the strain on the talent pool is not number 1 in rugby.
Why put ourselves in the same situation.
I had trouble finding an article to support my point about the strain on the talent pool between football codes here is one that dances around the topic
Will rugby league pillage rugby again? | The Roar
When I grew up Auckland was the king of Rugby in New Zealand and yes they are doing well in this year's ITM cup. But they are not dominating. I wonder if kids in that neck of the woods are playing league instead. Why add AFL to the mix.
In terms of what is best for the young kids. When I was a youngster I watched TV and played the sports my heroes played. I think they will play whatever their mates are playing or what is right in front of them and they will not miss the AFL. No one offered me the chance to play AFL when I grew up and I am none the worse for it. I don't feel cheated by not having played it. Likewise I don't feel cheated by not having played NFL football or baseball when I was growing up. They are just sports that come from another country.
Rugby has a special place in our country's history. And it would be a sad day for the NZ male if we should end up knocked off our perch.
Am I over reacting - most likely - unless AFL gets TV coverage here they will not get traction. Am I really going to write a letter to the NZRFU - no way.
Am I going to bitch about it on a sports forum - why not. I get to say my two cents and get it off my chest. |
I didn't mean to sound angry. Hard to convey tone in writing sometimes, tongue was firmly in cheek fwiw.
I don't feel poorer for not having played AFL when I was younger. But I do have friends who never played any football or cricket when they were younger but went to uni and took up American Football and loved it. So it's nice to have an alternative for people who aren't attracted to the more mainstream sports.
My grammar school refused to start a football team, fearing that it would affect the standing of their rugby team, and I've always been bitter about it. Kids shouldn't have old men deciding what sports they can and can't play.