Aussie Rugby Clubs Want Financial Compensation From League Commission

Australian National Rugby League chief executives have called for compensation from the Australian Rugby League Commission to "minimise the financial burden" of State of Origin on the clubs, according to Michael Chammas of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. The crowd figures during the rounds when Origin players are unavailable "have plummeted in recent seasons, with average attendances down more than 3,000" from two years ago. NRL clubs are "seeking a bigger piece of the pie" with the game set to benefit from a lucrative broadcasting rights deal. South Sydney CEO Shane Richardson is convinced that this should help ease the pressure from the financial shortfall that comes with the lack of interest in the NRL during the Origin period. Richardson said, "Never forget that the clubs actually provide the players for Origin. I think sometimes people forget that" (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 6/29).