By PHIL CAPLAN
INVESTORS in global sport, were you watching? The occasion and product were simply sensational, everything you’d want about an elite level, highest quality, edge of the seat contest played in a full stadium brimming with atmosphere; a breathless World Club Challenge to savour.
There was a fascinating contrast in styles, Hull KR tight up the middle and scoring four of their five tries from kicks, Brisbane – the masters of the comeback – moving the ball expansively through the hands for four of their five touchdowns.
Rovers added another string to their so impressive bow, Broncos’ movement with the ball sublime, what a night, leading up to a crescendo where the result was finally decided on the last play, a wonderful occasion for the sport.
It was drama to captivate the uncommitted and enrapture the partisan – were you watching TV executives?
Driving away from a sold out MKM Stadium back up the Clive Sullivan Way, lingering reflections on an epic night were that Rovers’ off field organiswation to make it the event it was, aided by RL Commercial who ensured it was a two day sell out and Hull City’s volunteers, matched their on field triumph.
Brisbane clearly treated the fixture with the utmost respect, landing in London 10 days before the game, holding opposed training sessions with their London namesakes, now under the charge of one of their own Darren Lockyer, and Hull FC, whose fans – many at the match wearing Brisbane merch – had to again endure the sights of jubilation of their noisy neighbours.
It wasn’t directly referenced in the 144 point ‘club-led strategic review’ wish list, but the WCC needs enshrining in the calendar as an event that could eventually be sold to venues around the world in these global sporting times.
Brisbane, Penrith and Sydney Roosters can clearly see the value – other NRL clubs preparing for their arduous season less so – but if any form of collaboration between the only professional leagues who play the sport is to come to fruition and bring greater riches, this is already a property, the last three occasions seeing the underdogs triumph by a score.
Bookies rarely get the odds wrong and were giving HKR up to 16 points on the handicap with Willie Peters’ men coming off a shock defeat at newly promoted York, arguably the biggest upset in Super League’s 30-year, storied history.
Their rise to the ultimate club accolade, though, is so much more than keeping poster boy Reece Walsh at bay at the death at the MKM.
Only 10 years before, Gareth O’Brien’s long range drop goal at Craven Park condemned the Robins to relegation and having fought their way back to the top flight, five years ago they were propping it up, that’s a meteoric rise in sporting circles.
But, like Leigh and Wakefield who followed in their wake, they are a perfect example of rebuilding in the modern era where incoming investment is attracted because the threat of relegation by grading is lessened.
Building the best side on the field is vital in attracting and engaging the fans but, rightly, it can no longer be the sole determinant.
The Robins have developed the land around the stadium, increased its capacity, become leaders in their typically traditional rugby league community and having been the only side to visit Toronto in Super League pre-Covid, brought back the concept of the Wolfpack game day experience and embellished it to suit in Craven Street.
East Hull, although rebranding the west in this instance, deserve to stand on the rugby league summit, and have added to the value of the British game whatever negotiations regarding inward investment and broadcasting deals follow.
One final thought after such an uplifting night and intoxicated by the opening couple of weeks of the campaign, maybe Super League should buy the NRL……..