As the bright lights of Las Vegas begin to dim, the NRL’s 2024 season kicks off in full at home this weekend amid healthy optimism for the game, despite a number of significant issues remaining.
The NRL’s financial position is stronger than ever, with record revenues of $701.1 million and net assets of over $260 million, leaving the league in extremely good shape. With crowds up 25% and linear TV viewers up 14% last year, Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys has already unveiled his vision for expansion across the Pacific and further afield in the US.
But only two games into the season and the league has already had to deal with allegations of racism against one player; The investigation into Spencer Leniu’s remarks is ongoing but the NRL judiciary is likely to impose a lengthy restraining order if the Sydney Roosters forward is found guilty.
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There is also looming legal action on the horizon for the NRL, with state leagues set to take HQ to court over funding issues; It was a headache the league had hoped to avoid after its recent long and bitter battle with the Rugby League Players’ Association. CBA. Upcoming changes to sports betting marketing, ongoing CTE-related data, and major concerns around officiating, particularly new obstruction rules regarding field-goal kicks, all need to be addressed in 2024.
While there is significant conversation and investment in promoting the sport in America, capitalizing on the sharp growth of the rules in New Zealand should be a priority. Last year was a seminal year for rugby league in New Zealand; The momentum provided by the Warriors, combined with waning interest in state rugby union, has helped the ‘Wahs’ become the most popular sports brand in the country.
Wahs fever shows no signs of abating this year, particularly with the return of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck after the former Dally M Medal winner endured a brief spell of association playing three Tests for the All Blacks. The Warriors sold out both of their preseason games this year and became a national brand for the first time in their history; This marks time for the NRL to double down in New Zealand.
Of course, it was a coaching change that propelled the Warriors up the table with Andrew Webster’s magic wand. Gold Coast, St George Illawarra and Wests Tigers are hoping to achieve a similar rise by recruiting Des Hasler, Shane Flanagan and Benji Marshall. While the Titans and Dragons invested in experienced, championship-winning coaches, the Tigers relied on the club icon. Flanagan and Marshall have their work cut out for them as the Dragons and Tigers are two teams favored to finish last.
At the top end of the table, Penrith are aiming to become the first team to win four consecutive titles since the famous “Never Before, Never Again” Dragons teams of the 1950s and 60s. The influx of talent continues with the departure of late superstar Stephen Crichton, but that matters little for the premiership favorites, who have a talent pool ready to fill. The announcement that five-eighth favorite Jarome Luai will be leaving to join the team at the end of the season only provides motivation for the Tigers to make history with their talent-laden roster.
The only team that can arguably rival the Panthers in terms of pure talent is the Roosters, who have recruited with typical shrewdness in bringing in star winger Dominic Young and enforcer Leniu. Trent Robinson’s team certainly stood out as the sharpest team in Las Vegas and had enough depth for international Angus Crichton to miss out on the opening selection.
If ever a club matched the Roosters in terms of recruiting, it was the Dolphins. The second-year team added international prop Tom Flegler and two star centers led by Herbie Farnworth. Wayne Bennett will leave the team at the end of this year and hopes are high that the Dolphins will play him in the finals, but Tom Gilbert’s season-ending injury will pose a serious obstacle.
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While the Roosters and Dolphins have been outstanding in terms of recruitment, Brisbane has been one of the biggest losers in the player transfer market. Four of the Broncos’ 17 teams from last year’s grand final left and depth is a major concern. It’s also a factor that it’s rare for a losing grand finalist to return to decision, and the Broncos face an uphill battle.
The most heartwarming story heading into 2024 is the return of Ryan Papenhuyzen. The speedy Melbourne full-back has been hampered by injury and has missed 50 games over the last three years. He makes the best backbone across the NRL as the Storm look to recapture their past glories.
The 2024 Season is already here after the Las Vegas initiative put the NRL front and centre. Now it’s time to get down to business and turn up the excitement.