LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In a candid discussion on the Bye Round Podcast, James Maloney has proposed a straightforward solution to revitalize bush footy, highlighting the urgent challenges facing regional rugby league clubs. These clubs are struggling with declining player numbers, frequent mergers, volunteer fatigue, and the unfortunate trend of clubs folding and walkovers occurring more often. While the NRL frequently discusses "pathways" and "participation," many communities feel that these pathways are leading to a bleak future.
Maloney, known for his direct approach, argues that the solution lies not in polished programs or extensive focus groups, but in engaging people-specifically, rugby league individuals who can immerse themselves in local clubs. This involvement could range from coaching to simply engaging with the community, with the goal of uplifting the entire town.
His proposal is straightforward: establish a dedicated annual fund of $1 million to encourage retiring NRL players to take on roles in regional clubs. This initiative would not be framed as charity or ambassadorship, but as real working positions, such as coaches or captain-coaches, integrated directly into the clubs.
The plan outlines that the NRL would contribute around $30,000 per player, while local clubs could match this through match payments or coaching wages, ensuring that the transition for these players is realistic. According to Maloney, the aim is not to make anyone wealthy, but rather to facilitate their involvement in regional football.
This approach appears to be effective. The arrival of an ex-NRL player in a regional league transcends individual teams, invigorating the whole competition. There's a noticeable increase in excitement among kids, renewed interest from sponsors, fuller grounds, and heightened media attention. The presence of just one player can reinvigorate an entire district's rugby league scene.