Oregon Rugby League

Opinión de la Liga de Rugby, traducción al español

 Ahora que la Rugby League tanto en el hemisferio norte como en el sur ha tenido campeones coronados, es hora de tomar un respiro y dar un paso atrás y revisar la temporada que acaba de ser. Hubo mucho drama dentro y fuera del campo. principalmente con problemas de covid para detener e iniciar el juego. Por mi parte, estaba muy agradecido de que aquí en América Fox Sports pudiera colocar algunos partidos de la NRL en sus canales de transmisión más primarios en FS1 y FS2, algo que la AFL realmente ha estado disfrutando al difundir su estilo de fútbol entre las masas aquí. Desafortunadamente, la Superliga fue un poco más difícil de ver. Chris Reid, quien es el fundador de la Liga Centroamericana de Rugby y también la mente maestra detrás de la Liga de Rugby de California, fue lo suficientemente amable como para responder algunas preguntas candentes que tenía. espero que todos disfruten!

LLR -Ahora que la NRL y la Superliga han terminado, ¿la temporada se desarrolló como pensaba, con la excepción del problema de Covid?

CR-La temporada pareció dar un vuelco tras el parón de COVID. Creo que la implementación de la regla 6 Again (donde un árbitro llamará 6 nuevamente por infracciones menores en lugar de un scrum) fue el catalizador del cambio repentino en la suerte de algunos equipos. Los Broncos de Brisbane se derrumbaron por completo, los Panthers tuvieron una carrera ridícula e invicta y los Titans también terminaron muy fuerte con su nuevo entrenador.

LLR- ¿Cuáles son algunas de las historias clave que los fanáticos deben tener en cuenta fuera de temporada?

CR- Ojalá no haya demasiada controversia esta temporada baja. Los Titans realmente están construyendo un gran equipo para el próximo año con David Fifita mudándose de los Broncos. La decisión de Cameron Smith sobre si jugará o se retirará será la gran historia. Estoy muy interesado en ver dónde termina Benji Marshall.

LLR- Siempre hay un gran debate sobre cuál es mejor, NRL o SL. ¿Cuál es mejor y por qué?

CR- NRL de lejos. El NRL es muy competitivo. Solo ha habido un equipo que no ha llegado a una gran final en la era de la NRL (desde 1998) y 12 ganadores diferentes. La Superliga solo ha tenido 4 ganadores en ese mismo período y uno de esos equipos ha descendido desde entonces. La Superliga tiene un problema de imagen en Reino Unido. Creo que el clasismo sigue siendo un gran problema del que no pueden deshacerse.

LLR- El crecimiento de la liga de rugby en América del Norte recibió un golpe significativo por parte de la Superliga al no admitir al Wolfpack de Toronto para la temporada 2021, ¿cuál es su opinión sobre el tema, movimiento correcto o no?

CR - Definitivamente el movimiento equivocado, pero no es difícil ver por qué sucedió. La estructura de dar al órgano de gobierno un solo voto, igual a un club, es ridícula. Luego, el resto votó por interés propio. TWP quería su parte justa de los ingresos y los clubes no querían renunciar a ella. Es de mente pequeña pero predecible.

LLR- Hace un tiempo estaba escuchando un podcast y se mencionó a Sonny Bill Williams, el invitado que habían mencionado que él (SBW) ya pasó su mejor momento y se ha convertido en un jugador sobrevalorado en los últimos años. ¿Qué piensas de SBW?

CR- No hay mucho que decir sobre SBW que no se haya dicho. Atleta supremo. Unidad monumental. Puro profesional. Obviamente, es un espécimen físico tremendo, pero en estos días eso es solo el 30%. Solo formar un equipo de la NRL es algo que la mayoría de la gente nunca logrará, y mucho menos ganar dos títulos de primer ministro y jugar para su país.

No hay duda de que ha pasado su mejor momento. Le pasa a casi todo el mundo a su edad. Es un deporte duro que afecta tu cuerpo.

LLR- ¿Qué es lo que IRL está haciendo correctamente para hacer crecer el juego?

CR- No mucho si soy honesto.

LLR- El partido de prueba de Nueva Zelanda e Inglaterra jugado hace un tiempo en Denver fue un éxito, desafortunadamente eclipsado por el fracaso de la empresa que organizó el evento, ¿deberían jugar más partidos de prueba en países de la liga de rugby reconocidos en países de la Liga en desarrollo?

CR- Absolutamente. ¿Por qué no NZ v Tonga en Hawaii? ¿Qué tal Italia contra Irlanda, donde haya grandes cantidades de expatriados o fuertes antecedentes de migración de estas naciones? No es una ciencia exacta. Creo que podría ser genial.

LLR- Gracias por tu tiempo una vez más, ¿algunas palabras finales?

CR- Gracias por invitarme. Sal y apoya a las naciones pececillas. Ese es el futuro.

Rugby league opinion.

 Now that Rugby League in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres have had there champions crowned its time to take a breath and step back and review the season that just was. there was a lot of drama on and off the field. primarily with covid issues stopping and starting play. i for one was very grateful that here in America Fox Sports was able to place some NRL matches on their more primary broadcasting channels in FS1 and FS2, something the AFL has actually been enjoying getting their style of footy out to the masses here. unfortunately Super League was a bit more of stretch to watch. Chris Reid who is the Central American Rugby League founder and also the master mind behind California Rugby League , was gracious enough to answer a few burning questions I had. hope you all enjoy!

LLR- Now that the NRL and Super League have ended, did the season play out the way you thought it would, with the exception of Covid issue. 

CR- The season seemed to be turned on its head after the COVID break. I believe the implementation of the 6 Again rule (where a ref will call 6 again for minor infractions instead of a scrum) was the catalyst for the sudden change in some team's fortunes. The Brisbane Broncos totally collapsed, the Panthers went on a ridiculous undefeated run and the Titans also finished very strongly with their new coach.

LLR- What are some key storylines fans should keep an eye on in the off season?

CR- Hopefully there's not too much controversy this off-season. The Titans are really building a great squad for next year with David Fifita moving from the Broncos. Cameron Smith's decision on whether he will play on or retire will be the big story. I'm very interested in seeing where Benji Marshall ends up.

LLR- There's always great debate on which is better, NRL or SL. which is better and why?

CR- NRL by a long way. The NRL is very competitive. There has only been one team that hasn't made a grand final in the NRL era (since 1998) and 12 different winners. Super League has only had 4 winners in that same period and one of those teams has since been relegated. Super League has an image problem in the UK. I believe classism is still a huge problem they can't shake.

LLR- The growth of rugby league in North America was dealt a significant blow by the Super League in not admitting the Toronto Wolfpack back in for the 2021 season, what is your opinion on the issue, right move or no?

CR- Definitely the wrong move but it's not hard to see why it happened. The structure of giving the governing body a single vote, equal to one club is ridiculous. Then the rest voted on self interest. TWP wanted their fair share of revenue and the clubs didn't want to give it up. It's small minded but predictable.

LLR- I was listening to a Podcast a while back and Sonny Bill Williams was mentioned, the guest they had on brought up that he (SBW) is past his prime and has become an overrated player over the last few years. What are your thoughts on SBW ?

CR- There's not much to say about SBW that hasn't been said. Supreme athlete. Monumental drive. Pure professional. He's obviously a tremendous physical specimen but these days that's only 30% of it. Just to make an NRL squad is something most people will never achieve let alone winning two premierships and playing for your country.

There's no doubt he's past his prime. It happens to just about everyone at his age. It's a tough sport that takes a toll on your body.

LLR- What is one thing that the IRL is doing correctly in growing the game?

CR- Not much if I'm honest.

LLR- The New Zealand and England test match played a while back in Denver was a success , unfortunately overshadowed by the failure of the company that staged the event , should more test matches be played by well known Rugby league nations in developing League nations?

CR- Absolutely. Why not NZ v Tonga in Hawaii? How about Italy v Ireland wherever there are large amounts of expats or strong histories of migration from these nations. It's not rocket science. I believe it could be great.

LLR- Thank you for your time once again, any final words?

CR- Thanks for having me. Get out there and support the minnow nations. That's the future.

Rugby League Passion: Tiffany Salmond

Over the past few years I've been fallowing Rugby League more closely then usual. Like many social media has been a great tool to find stories, learn what's happening and to fallow along with any new developments. Especially since league is very minimal here in the states and the NRL and Super League is not easy to watch or fallow. So when Tiffany Salmond tweets regarding the NRL and the various players involved came across my feed , due to another party retweet , I was hooked as fallowing her for another source to learn more on what's happening. Her passion and willingness to call out how the code is perceived and treated by the media and the players themselves is something I am excited about. I hope you all truly enjoy what she has to share and give her a fallow, she is truly a bright person and knows what she is speaking of. 

LLR- Please share a bit about yourself

TS- My name is Tiffany Salmond and I work for Sky Sport NZ attached to the rugby league team on live NRL games and The Kiwi League Show. My role includes finding interesting rugby league stories around the country, conducting interviews, editing stories and other content for our productions. I have a big passion for growing the game here in New Zealand and giving it the recognition it deserves in the professional game as well as grassroots. I graduated university with a bachelor of communications majoring in journalism in 2018 and have been at Sky Sport now for a year and a half

LLR- With so many options why rugby league ?

TS- I grew up in a rugby league family. My poppa played and has referred for most of his life, and my dad played the game up until he was 50 so it’s always been apart of my life. Almost every Friday and Saturday night of my childhood was spent falling asleep on the couch in front of the late night NRL games and being woken up by the cheering of the crowd every time a try was scored. My dad comes from the old era rugby league days when fans of the game knew the history of the unfair treatment the sport had experienced and how much it had to fight to stay alive in this country and around the world. He’s passed down this knowledge to me which I am very vocal about as I can still see the injustice within the rugby league communities around the country so that also strengthens my passion for wanting to fight for the game.

LLR- You seem pretty passionate about the NRL and the growth of the game in the southern hemisphere, have there been athletes or other reporters who have reached out in support?

TS- No they haven’t. As I mentioned before about the history of the game, not many people (fans included) know the difficulties the sport faces specifically in New Zealand so it gets neglected. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to be so vocal about it and get involved with the communities and do my bit to tell their stories on The Kiwi League Show

LLR- In your opinion how can women's rugby league grow in the south and north regions along with developing regions like USA, Canada and Latin America ?

TS- In terms of growing the women’s game, I think it needs to become more professional for it to develop anymore than it has. From the first NRLW (women’s NRL) season it was great footy but also very amateur, whereas the second season looked sharper and more professional. Within two seasons of the competition the quality of the football improved immensely due to clubs seeing potential in the game and investing in their female athletes in the way of coaches, money and facilities. One thing I have noticed in New Zealand that I think will be a big step in developing the game is creating more grades in the grassroots competition. If I wanted to play rugby league next season there is only one grade I can join, which means as a compete novice I would be coming up against NRLW players and even Kiwi Ferns. It’s a very intimidating reality, which is why I think having more amateur grades would be a great way of getting more girls coming along and giving it a go

LLR- Does there have to be, it's ether Rugby Union or League or can both codes exist at the same time?

TS- They have both existed alongside each other for years now, despite unions efforts to eliminate the competition. In New Zealand rugby Union is our national sport and dominates our media which makes it very hard for rugby league to get any recognition and attention. Despite the disadvantages, rugby league still thrives, has impressive crowds and huge TV ratings. If it wasn’t such a great game I don’t think it could have survived the adversity quite like it has.

LLR- What advice do you give to those trying to grow rugby league in the USA ?

TS- One thing we know is rugby league is a great product so selling it to the masses isn’t the problem, but getting the word out there is the hard part. We know Americans love their contact sports like the NFL and I’ve seen how they react to our league players smashing into each other with no protective gear, it shocks them but they love it! Getting it into the schools would be a great start. Rugby league is a very simple and basic game compared to rugby union with all their rules, which makes our game very appealing to new comers

LLR- Who wins the NRL restructure season?

TS- Every season it can be anyone’s game, that’s the great thing about the NRL’s salary cap restrictions which insures wealthy clubs can’t buy all the top players. This season in particular though could really be anyone’s! With the completion being so rattled and uncertain due to the pandemic, I think there could be a few dark horses going for the trophy. I’ll have to say my NZ Warriors though of course! I always have to back my team.

LLR- What would you like to see done to take the game to the next level?

TS- The end of last year we saw the inaugural Oceania Cup which shook international rugby league with Tonga beating Australia for the first time in history. The international game has unfortunately been neglected through the years as the NRL has taken priority. I think as a sport we need to take advantage in this turning of the heads within the international arena and boost it to the rest of the world because that is a big reason the game hasn’t grown past NZ, Australia and the UK. Unfortunately the NRL/Australia are the ones who have to allow this to happen as they are the heart of rugby league and all it’s talent. There was a lot of discussion about this at the beginning of the year so I hope they realise we have something special right now and they need to allow it to grow for the good of our game and it’s future.

LLR- How can people connect with you and fallow along?

TS- You can find me on Twitter @Tiffany_salmond, on Instagram @Tiffanysalmond and The Kiwi League show now has an Instagram where we will be posting all our local Kiwi content @thekiwileagueshow



* I would like to thank Tiffany for taking the time in responding back to my questions and with the NRL season getting ready to start back up from this horrible virus we have all had to deal with I look forward to see how the NRL and other professional sports leagues around the world play out. Again I hope you all give Tiffany a fallow on her social media accounts and I personally look forward to more of what she has to say. 

California Youth Rugby League

Since the big show case game in December there's been a youth movement , small but still, going through California to introduce rugby league to the young kids. Numbers have been small but feed back has been very positive and with more dates planned , as soon as this pandemic has cleared, CYRL will continue with their mini camps. I do believe there is a place for rugby League in this country and I will keep saying it. League can be a great tool not just for athletes looking for a 2nd sport but also for rugby Union players to play in there own "off season" and keep in shape. I was lucky to connect with Adrian Cooney, director of youth rugby, and be able to have some questions answered about the early development of the CYRL. Big things are coming ,Please enjoy!

LLR- Since the big show case game in December how has interest with the youth level been growing?

AC- The showcase between Los Angeles Mongrel and SF Savage provided a great platform to expose the game of Rugby League in California. We have had a great response from the Rugby community in regards to the thirteen man game.

LLR- Where has camps been set-up at around the state and how has turn out been this far?

AC- We held a youth clinic in Long beach at the end of 2019, It was a great experience for all the kids involved. We will be looking at building on this in 2020.

LLR- Will there be a youth league competition setup soon?

AC- We will be taking a different approach as the state is so large and we wish to involve as many kids as possible. The way we intend to provide an opportunity to play Rugby League is through more youth clinics which tie in with California Rugby Leagues events and to do our own California Youth Rugby League 9's competition for high school players. We are in talks with a number of clubs and schools about an event later in the year.

LLR- Is the focus on just boys or will there also be an attempt to get girls teams up running also?

AC- I have come on board with the USARL women's side to help get the adult women up and running, as for girls at this stage we wish to establish the boys youth side of the game then look to expand on that. We are always looking for new people to be involved in our organization so if someone was to come forward with a vision for the girls game in this state we would be on board with working with them.

LLR- Has there been much rugby union players coming out or is it mostly kids with no rugby experience at all showing up?

AC- The one clinic was a mixture of both. Moving forward we will be looking at giving footballers an offseason sport for their enjoyment and development.

LLR- For that parent who is looking to potentially sign up their child or that potential player who is thinking about giving Rugby League a try, what do you say to that person to get them to come out?

AC- Rugby League provides the opportunity to develop not only skills for on the field but skills we can take into life off the field. The collision provides kids with self confidence that they otherwise wouldn't get from other sports. Also the camaraderie of rugby league is something that is extremely unique and special. There are very few other sports where you have to work as a team non-stop for a full game.

LLR- How can people get in touch if they want to learn more information and how can players sign up?

AC- The best way is through instagram @californiayouthrugbyleague - We do most of our communication through there. 2020 will be a big year for us once this Corona Virus passes, so if anyone is considering it please jump onto the Instagram page and contact us to be involved.

MLR 2020 cancellation.

Opinion 2

A while back I did reach out to James Fonda, commissioner of PacWest Rugby Conference, on his opinion for some questions that where also asked a few post back. 

It has been sometime since he has responded and I unfortunately am just getting to posting them now. 

apologies to all, and I am currently working on a new post also.  

LLR-Over the course of the last five years have you seen growth of rugby in NorCal or has it gone stagnant?

JF- I do not get see all levels of rugby but I think some levels are going strong like the collegiate women.  I think there needs more competition levels with a pathway to move when programs are getting stronger or weaker. 

LLR- Is there more that can be done to grow the game at a youth level for both boys and girls? There is always more that can be done. 

JF- I think one of the things that could be done is college programs need to do more to get youth involved such as rugby camps, speaking to programs, invitations to watches matches or practices.   

LLR- The amount of girls rugby programs compared to boys through Rugby NorCal is very minimal. What should or can be done to change that and prevent programs from folding. 

JF-  Programs so often fold for a couple of reasons.  One, a coach has a son or daughter on a team so there is invested interest in really helping a program.  Once that son or daughter leaves that program so does that coach or parent who really has done a lot of work for that program.  It leaves a huge void that needs to be filled.  Second, just a lack of organization and understanding the game. 

LLR-With NorCal having quite a few big cities like San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento and San Jose where would a MLR team fit best, or is there room for two teams? 

JF- I think in time there could be room for two teams.  Right now MLR needs to establish itself first and build that foundation.  It has some recent high profile signings but those players will leave eventually.  Broad expansion can kill MLR however no expansion looks like no growth and therefore no interest.  MLR has done well to expand in markets that can use a sports team and yet not get over their head financially.  So, I think Sacramento will be a good choice.  

LLR-With the news of yet another financial failure from USA rugby is it time to blow it up and restart the governing Union or do you think there should be drastic changes done before we get to that point ?

JF- I think USA Rugby should actually stop and try to reinvent the wheel.  They are always thinking multi-dimensional when it comes to the game that is has caused good people to leave and constant chaos.  USA Rugby is great at doing post season competitions and governance of those competitions.  It is here that should be trying to make them better and better.  I also think they should really start looking for different revenue streams no matter how small.  USA Rugby constantly weighs on the dues from its members.  They really need to explore other revenue streams at different levels of rugby.

LLR-What are your expectations for the USA men's xv's in the 2023 world cup (IF they qualify of course) and the women's xv's 2021 World cup.

JF-  I honestly think we have great coaches in the last few years.  The men need to spend more time playing as a team.  They are doing a little better with new competitions but they need to have a little more practice time.  I am very hopeful for both sides. 

MLR to Oregon.

A while back I reported that there was movement happening to bring an MLR team to Portland,OR. That movement has died , for now. At the time I knew of one of the men involved but he wanted to remain anonymous and things close to the chest until all the ducks in a row. Some time has passed and even though there is still much passion and hope to eventually see something come to the state of Oregon that gentleman has hung his boots up for now. Like many of us outside of the few who do get paid , rugby must take a back seat to our personal lives and being a new father that is what happened with the what would of been bid for MLR2PDX. 

As I stated before the person who wanted to stay anonymous , a good friend of mine has agreed to answer some what would of been questions for me and is comfortable with letting people know who he is. Raymond T. is a very passionate rugby player and fan and didn't want to just have an MLR team in Oregon but also wanted the team to mean something for rugby as a sport in Oregon and to push the needle in USA Rugby. 

One idea that was floated for something worth trying down the road was why not start an academy in a market first build up to a MLR club from there. You begin building your player pool at a young age in establishing a brand to the local community so when you are ready to make the jump you will have players ready and relationship already built.

Bellow are some questions that we discussed and and his personal answers to them, i hope you find this insightful and helps to answer some people's questions about the process that goes behind wanting to place an MLR team in any market. 

____________________________________________________________________________

LLR- how was the team to be funded ?

R- work with a local financial firm that works with a group of investors and handles over 1 billion in assets, with that said would still have like to work with community stakeholders.

LLR- Was there a plan or idea to try and team up with another of the professional sports teams in Portland ?

R-idea was to get together with the other successful professional teams in the area to create some sort of focus group to learn about the market and how to engage with the fans similar to what the Portland Timbers of the MLS have built.

LLR- Where in the metro Portland area would of been home?

R- there's a park on the border of Oregon and Washington called Delta Park, what the idea would of been was to repurposed portion of it and build some form of home stadium whether that be pop-up stadium or a little more permanent. Benefit about that location is there are hotels nearby with also entertainment shopping center and close proximity to the major highway and airport along with on site parking.

LLR- What was the biggest challenge you where going to face? 

R- close proximity to Seattle, making a good case to the league on why to add a team in Portland along with engaging the fan interest to convince long-term investment. Fans are important for any sports team big or or small if they don't show then you won't stay open too long. the plan would have been to meet with rugby Oregon and the established clubs in the state to engage interest and needs for everyone, how can the different parties benefit from an MR club and how can an MLR club benefit from them.

LLR- where you aware of the process to apply for a franchise , any specific boxes that needed to be checked off?

R- not too much did it want to jump the gun and notify mlr and the owners until everything was ready to present. Part of the reason why had to step away from the Sewolf pod was due to the fact that I didn't want to be the face of the club but work more from behind the scenes.

LLR- Team name and color?

R- Oregon Chinook, a animal that is very important to oregonians. Colors possibly would have been blue and yellow similar to ORSU (Oregon Sports Union) badge. Possibility was to set up some form a connection with local native American tribe maybe provide some form a kickback or financial gain from ticket purchases or merchandise is sold. An investment and part of the community that's overlooked by many professional sports in America.

LLR- what would ticket prices look like?

R- answer really depends on size of stadium, the larger stadiumg gives you more options to play with where a smaller stadium limits what you can do. Higher prices looks good to general public that you are serious, you can't have lower ticket prices but the higher ones will help make up for expenses. 

LLR- what was the ultimate reason that you pulled out?

R- timing was not right, personal life like many of us have to deal with. The fear of the proximity to The Seawolves and what they have built. Plus wanted to see where MLR was going .

(Still a big fan of The Seawolves.)

LLR- you are currently located in Salem.OR. is Salem now an option ?

R- open to Salem area,better possibility for a build out of a venue. Downside is Portland offers more for away fans and teams such as a major airport, hotels and entertainment. But with Salem the benefit is there is a lack of sports team to give the city a identify or for the residents something to rally behind. (Note there is the salem-keizer volcanos minor league baseball team)

#MLR2Oregon #ORMLR #Doitforthekids

* The context of the interview and subsequent reliability - i.e., Q&A conducted over phone, recalled to best ability of , LLRugby approved for publishing by interviewee, for clarification questions email ormlr@protonmail.com

I thank you all for taking the time to read through this. I hope this answered some questions or at least gave you an idea what may go through some of these owners heads who want to place a MLR team in a market.

Toronto Wolfpack super league jersey.