Group 11 president Bob Walsh thinks clubs shouldn't worry about losing revenue this year despite NSW Rugby League announcing it will be broadcasting bush footy matches during the 2022 season.
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It was last week NSWRL revealed it would be streaming action from Group competitions on their Facebook page along with matches from the Harold Matthews Cup, Andrew Johns Cup, SG Ball Cup, Tarsha Gale Cup, Laurie Daley Cup and NSW Women's Premiership competitions.
It remains to be seen how many games will be broadcast from each competition but Walsh, a NSWRL board member, is confident it won't be a regular occurrence in Group 11.
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That's something he's pleased about, as well.
"There won't be many Group games. It's more the rep games," he said.
"I've still got to be convinced because it could encourage people to not go to the games. They could sit at home and have a party and watch and not attend.
"If they did every game the clubs would suffer because they use the money that comes through the gate to help pay referees."
Walsh said NSWRL had taken into account the threat posed to crowds by the live streams while designing the NSWRL TV plan.
NSWRL was encouraged to expand streaming services after seeing strong numbers tuning in for the President's Cup last year. On average the games drew 45,000 viewers.
"The NSWRL has always been committed to our fans and NSWRL TV represents an opportunity for us to showcase our competitions from Manly to Mudgee," NSWRL Chief Commercial Officer Jodie Cross said in the announcement.
"Fans will be able to tune in to the NSWRL Facebook page every weekend and catch all the skills on offer from our junior stars through to our senior players.
"This is a significant investment by the NSWRL and I'm looking forward to all the opportunities it will provide this season and the future for keeping our stakeholders connected."
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
