Solly sees positives in other code’s World Cup

Super League general manager Blake Solly does not see the rugby union World Cup as a threat to rugby league.

Indeed, the Australian believes that the 15-man code’s shindig might actually generate some positives for rugby league.

“I don’t see the Rugby World Cup as a threat, I see it as a massive opportunity,” he said, according to The Guardian.

“I think the Rugby World Cup will be an extremely successful tournament, but I don’t see it as a predator.

“We are in the leisure and entertainment industry and not just competing with other sports for people’s attention and investment.

“I truly believe the Rugby World Cup will attract a new audience to, or remind lapsed fans about, how great live sport in general is.”

With the rules of rugby league being much easier for the general sporting fan to understand than the often labyrinthine regulations which govern the other code, Solly believes that general interest in ‘rugby’ being raised will benefit league.

“We really believe rugby league is the simpler, more exciting and more dynamic version of rugby,” he added.

“So we have a golden opportunity with the Super League play-offs and Grand Final, as well as the international series against New Zealand immediately post the Rugby World Cup, to welcome a chunk of those people attracted to rugby by the World Cup to rugby league.

“We are in a really good position to exploit the opportunities presented by the Rugby World Cup.

“We still have a lot to do and will have to get things right over the next two months, but the early signs are positive that we will actually benefit from the Rugby World Cup, not suffer.”