“It’s exactly what needs to happen” – how social media reacted to the controversial plans to restructure Super League and force clubs out
16th September 2019 , Old Trafford , Manchester, England; 2019 Betfred Super League Rugby Play-off press conference ; The Grand Final Trophy at Old Trafford Credit: Mark Cosgrove/News Images
It’s been one of the most controversial things to come out of the sport in recent weeks – which is saying something – but Shane Richardson’s proposed plans for a reduced Super League and an overall overhaul of the sport has attracted major attention. But, just how have people reacted?
One fan certainly wasn’t happy.
He’s somehow made it sound even worse than what we have now
— Matthew 🍻 (@matthewxsutton) July 13, 2021
Another supporter was bitterly disappointed at the concept.
Ah yes, kill established SL clubs that contribute to the competitions (Cas & Hudds have both got to CC finals and finished top of table), merge the Hull sides and replace them with teams that haven't earned a SL place like Gateshead & York….Genius 🙄how much did this crap cost?
— Tom (@_The_BigT) July 13, 2021
One supporter believed it was a non-starter.
We've heard it all before, tried and failed then tried something else.
The NRL are more passionate about State of Origin than the international game and only concerned about themselves.
I suppose we could try things over again, may even work next time😏
— Steve Whitehurst (@Steviewire) July 13, 2021
Another said that they would walk away from the game if it happened.
If this happens, I think I would walk away from Rugby League.
— Jack Forster (@JackForster0410) July 13, 2021
One fan flashed back to the same process that the creation of Super League brought in the first place.
Is this 1995? Didn't we do this?
— Anthony Porter (@TheAntPorter) July 13, 2021
Another certainly had a few choice words for Richardson.
Nothing to see here. A dick on an egotrip.
— Sid (@Sidneykidney4) July 13, 2021
That sentiment was echoed by another fan.
What a pile of nonsense, does he know anything about rugby league?
— andy (@andy70984405) July 13, 2021
However, it divided opinion with some falling on the argument of Richardson.
Brilliant..need to do something new or die
— georgina (@gorbr28) July 13, 2021
Someone even called it “the way forward”.
This sounds like the way forward, a smaller (for now) league, with the SL label binned off and strengthening Int game is exactly what's needed
Should offer scope to expand the top tier (one place every 5 years or so) in medium term though
— John Salisbury (@JohnSalisburyUK) July 13, 2021
Support had grown for the idea too.
https://twitter.com/GNudges/status/1415010713349799942?s=20
Someone else agreed with the proposals too.
The basis of his ideas make a lot of sense. 12 clubs maybe better than 10 if there are 12 quality clubs. We currently have 6 or 7 IMO. Sadly L1 & some Championship clubs are amateur in all but name. The sport cannot sustain 36 ‘professional’ #RugbyLeague clubs.
— Ian Wilson (@IanWilson5483) July 13, 2021
It’s exactly what needs to happen. The only people who won’t agree with it are those from clubs who will struggle to justify their contribution.
— ATG (@AlexG6) July 13, 2021