https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/sport/nrl/cowboys/could-rugby-leagues-international-growth-come-out-of-coronavirus/news-story/200d2ec1834428e28247bbe75f2ade0e CONTROVERSY and debate has followed the NRL ever since the competition launched its audacious bid for the season to resume. But out of the harrowing coronavirus chapter that has plagued 2020, the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter for the code the closer it gets to May 28. As one of the first professional sports to return to play, rugby league could have a window to exploit in which it can tap into overseas markets previously untouched. North Queensland Cowboys football director Peter Parr said rugby league and its clubs had to think positively and find opportunities out of what has been a poor situation for the whole world. While he alluded to the success of Tonga and its growing international presence prior to the pandemic, he said such a venture into untapped markets would take time to harness. “I think the first thing is you have to attract attention to the game,” Parr said.
“If we go to new markets one of the things is not just showcasing the game but also delivering some explanation on how the game is played and the tactics behind the game. “Whilst you could showcase the game to new markets, the follow up is educating people so they understand while the big hits are sensational there’s other parts to the game. “What Kristian Woolf and Jason (Taumalolo) have done for Tonga, as soon as international footy is back on the agenda they’ll put their hands up again and Tonga will go from strength to strength. “That’ll be great motivation for other teams … they’ll have a great role model to show how to improve and I think international football has a lot to look forward to in a few years.” From the showcase of a successful product comes, not just a heightened presence of the game, but an economic flow throughout the nation. The flow on effect of a strong professional team to a region’s economy has been supported by Townsville Enterprise Tourism & Events Director Lisa Woolfe. Woolfe said the ability to promote rugby league would in turn give Townsville the chance to promote the Cowboys, and in turn the region, to a wider audience. “The Cowboys brand is synonymous with Townsville and North Queensland. Through national and international media and broadcasting, the team returning to the field will keep people’s focus on North Queensland,” Woolfe said. “When borders reopen our region will be well-placed to be a destination for Australians to visit for a domestic holiday.” The presence of Valentine Holmes in a Cowboys jersey would do little to hurt North Queensland’s chances of attracting that broader market — particularly in the US. The fullback’s stint with the New York Jets, while short lived, presents an initial target for American fans to rally behind. While Parr said it was a good starting point, there was still a ways to go before the game got to that point. “With what he’s done over there and securing a contract at the Jets that’s not going to hurt potential interest in our club,” he said. “If you get people watching the game and interested in the game they may then choose a club to support, having somebody who has been contracted to an NFL club playing for you in the NRL is not going to hurt you.”
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AuthorThis section showcases a collection of some of the work I did covering the North Queensland Cowboys - from match reports, to player features to breaking news. Archives
June 2020
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