Latest news with #PeterV'landys
Herald Sun
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Herald Sun
West Australia left seeing red in Perth State of Origin blunder, rugby league, AFL, NSW Blues, Queensland Maroons
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Oh WA media, give it a rest will you? Like it or not, rugby league is here to stay. The state's paper The West Australian did its best this week to try to make citizens forget one of the country's biggest sporting spectacles was happening in the heart of their city, State of Origin. That didn't exactly work out how they'd hoped. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. The paper virtually refused to promote the game at all in the lead-up, with only a small story at the back-end of the sport section on Monday, and not a single mention of it at all one day out. The event was also missing from Channel 7's news bulletin. The 'State of Origin's back' header finally appeared on the front page on Wednesday, which at first glance was a nod to the game. But on closer look it appeared to poke fun at the event, promoting WA's Fremantle Dockers against Victoria's Essendon Bombers clash on Thursday night instead. Not to mention the strategic placement of their only game day story beside the ads for escort services. But not even The West Australian's blatant disregard and mockery of rugby league was enough to deter its state from churning out in numbers for Wednesday night's blockbuster. Of the 57,000 crowd in the downpour of rain at Optus stadium — which was almost a 62,000 sellout — around 47,000 were Perth locals. Ironically the next night, for The West's 'state of origin' battle between Fremantle and Essendon, the AFL could only manage 37,570 fans at the same venue. The best the paper could do? A salty response the next morning: 'One bunch of East Coasters beat another at rugby in Perth last night.' That's got to feel like a bit of egg on your face. But it seems not much will change as the state media continues to virtually deny the code exists despite growing admiration for it among fans and the announcement of new NRL franchise the Perth Bears coming in 2027. The angst is possibly the ugly ramification of a rift between Seven West media boss Kerry Stokes and the NRL's Peter V'landys, as well as the media organisation's bid to reduce any threats to stay atop the code war in an AFL dominated region. V'landys recently appointed former West editor Anthony De Ceglie as the inaugural Bears chief executive to overlook the new franchise's success in the state. That may not be as difficult a job as the newspaper wants the country to believe, with Wednesday's game bringing in almost 200,000 Perth TV viewers atop the crowd, proving broadcast interest is all on the rise. The paper's editor Chris Dore was adamant when he told The Sydney Morning Herald the appetite for rugby league was non-existent in WA. 'No one outside of rugby league writers in Sydney cares. The point is rugby league is simply not a mainstream sport in this town,' Dore said. 'Just the facts. Good on them for having a crack here. We have nothing against the game despite the carry-on from [Peter] V'landys' acolytes in the Sydney media about our coverage. 'It's just not remotely main game and never will be.' But the numbers say otherwise Chris. Don't fight it, this is happening It's time to accept WA craves rugby league. Originally published as West Australia left seeing red in State of Origin blunder
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Origin stunner thrills Perth fans as Bears plot entry
It's the biggest show in town but you wouldn't have known it from reading the local news. Perth's Optus Stadium was transformed into a sea of maroon and blue as 57,023 fans gathered on Wednesday night for Origin II - the third straight sellout for Origin games hosted in the Western Australian capital. And they were treated to a frantic and at-times ferocious display as Queensland held off an extraordinary NSW comeback to level the series with a 26-24 victory on coach Billy Slater's 42nd birthday. It wasn't pretty but it won't faze Maroons fans who were in full voice in pelting rain and under heavy smoke haze that lingered from halftime fireworks. While NRL administrators will be heartened as they look to win support for new franchise the Perth Bears, visiting fans glancing at the local newspaper over breakfast might have wondered if they were in the right city. There was barely a mention of Origin in The West Australian's game day edition, with a front page graphic - 'State of Origin's Back: WA's Dockers v Victoria's Bombers - instead highlighting the following night's local AFL fixture. ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys in May highlighted perceived bias from the Seven West Media-owned monopoly daily newspaper, after a local headline of "Bad News Bears" labelled the club a "dud second-division team" from Sydney. "Let's be quite frank: They don't want us to be here," V'landys said, highlighting Seven West Media's free-to-air AFL rights deal. Whether the Bears can meet ambitions to secure 30,000 members for their first season in 2027 remains to be seen. There are plenty of league fans in the AFL-mad west but many have pre-existing loyalties. Fireworks lit up Optus Stadium at halftime as a glossy video package - met with muted applause by those still in their seats - implored West Australians to "be part of history" by signing up for Bears membership. "It's been immense, the amount of support that I've received and the Perth Bears have received," inaugural Bears coach and Queensland great Mal Meninga told Nine's broadcast. "Let's hope the game tonight will excite all the people, the fans here." Spirits were certainly high among fans who packed out bars in the stadium precinct long before the opening whistle. Resources-rich WA has gone to great lengths in recent years to lure box-office events ranging from Socceroos and Matildas internationals and NRL games to UFC bouts and even pro-wrestling shows. Plans to stage an international bare-knuckle boxing event deemed "barbaric" by critics were nixed earlier in June by local authorities, and while Origin II didn't quite reach combat sports territory, it was still a fiery affair. NSW five-eighth Jarome Luai was placed on report amid an apparent allegation of eye-gouging against Queensland second-rower Reuben Cotter. Blues winger Zac Lomax was earlier penalised over a stray elbow which caught Trent Loiero in the side of the head. It's the biggest show in town but you wouldn't have known it from reading the local news. Perth's Optus Stadium was transformed into a sea of maroon and blue as 57,023 fans gathered on Wednesday night for Origin II - the third straight sellout for Origin games hosted in the Western Australian capital. And they were treated to a frantic and at-times ferocious display as Queensland held off an extraordinary NSW comeback to level the series with a 26-24 victory on coach Billy Slater's 42nd birthday. It wasn't pretty but it won't faze Maroons fans who were in full voice in pelting rain and under heavy smoke haze that lingered from halftime fireworks. While NRL administrators will be heartened as they look to win support for new franchise the Perth Bears, visiting fans glancing at the local newspaper over breakfast might have wondered if they were in the right city. There was barely a mention of Origin in The West Australian's game day edition, with a front page graphic - 'State of Origin's Back: WA's Dockers v Victoria's Bombers - instead highlighting the following night's local AFL fixture. ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys in May highlighted perceived bias from the Seven West Media-owned monopoly daily newspaper, after a local headline of "Bad News Bears" labelled the club a "dud second-division team" from Sydney. "Let's be quite frank: They don't want us to be here," V'landys said, highlighting Seven West Media's free-to-air AFL rights deal. Whether the Bears can meet ambitions to secure 30,000 members for their first season in 2027 remains to be seen. There are plenty of league fans in the AFL-mad west but many have pre-existing loyalties. Fireworks lit up Optus Stadium at halftime as a glossy video package - met with muted applause by those still in their seats - implored West Australians to "be part of history" by signing up for Bears membership. "It's been immense, the amount of support that I've received and the Perth Bears have received," inaugural Bears coach and Queensland great Mal Meninga told Nine's broadcast. "Let's hope the game tonight will excite all the people, the fans here." Spirits were certainly high among fans who packed out bars in the stadium precinct long before the opening whistle. Resources-rich WA has gone to great lengths in recent years to lure box-office events ranging from Socceroos and Matildas internationals and NRL games to UFC bouts and even pro-wrestling shows. Plans to stage an international bare-knuckle boxing event deemed "barbaric" by critics were nixed earlier in June by local authorities, and while Origin II didn't quite reach combat sports territory, it was still a fiery affair. NSW five-eighth Jarome Luai was placed on report amid an apparent allegation of eye-gouging against Queensland second-rower Reuben Cotter. Blues winger Zac Lomax was earlier penalised over a stray elbow which caught Trent Loiero in the side of the head. It's the biggest show in town but you wouldn't have known it from reading the local news. Perth's Optus Stadium was transformed into a sea of maroon and blue as 57,023 fans gathered on Wednesday night for Origin II - the third straight sellout for Origin games hosted in the Western Australian capital. And they were treated to a frantic and at-times ferocious display as Queensland held off an extraordinary NSW comeback to level the series with a 26-24 victory on coach Billy Slater's 42nd birthday. It wasn't pretty but it won't faze Maroons fans who were in full voice in pelting rain and under heavy smoke haze that lingered from halftime fireworks. While NRL administrators will be heartened as they look to win support for new franchise the Perth Bears, visiting fans glancing at the local newspaper over breakfast might have wondered if they were in the right city. There was barely a mention of Origin in The West Australian's game day edition, with a front page graphic - 'State of Origin's Back: WA's Dockers v Victoria's Bombers - instead highlighting the following night's local AFL fixture. ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys in May highlighted perceived bias from the Seven West Media-owned monopoly daily newspaper, after a local headline of "Bad News Bears" labelled the club a "dud second-division team" from Sydney. "Let's be quite frank: They don't want us to be here," V'landys said, highlighting Seven West Media's free-to-air AFL rights deal. Whether the Bears can meet ambitions to secure 30,000 members for their first season in 2027 remains to be seen. There are plenty of league fans in the AFL-mad west but many have pre-existing loyalties. Fireworks lit up Optus Stadium at halftime as a glossy video package - met with muted applause by those still in their seats - implored West Australians to "be part of history" by signing up for Bears membership. "It's been immense, the amount of support that I've received and the Perth Bears have received," inaugural Bears coach and Queensland great Mal Meninga told Nine's broadcast. "Let's hope the game tonight will excite all the people, the fans here." Spirits were certainly high among fans who packed out bars in the stadium precinct long before the opening whistle. Resources-rich WA has gone to great lengths in recent years to lure box-office events ranging from Socceroos and Matildas internationals and NRL games to UFC bouts and even pro-wrestling shows. Plans to stage an international bare-knuckle boxing event deemed "barbaric" by critics were nixed earlier in June by local authorities, and while Origin II didn't quite reach combat sports territory, it was still a fiery affair. NSW five-eighth Jarome Luai was placed on report amid an apparent allegation of eye-gouging against Queensland second-rower Reuben Cotter. Blues winger Zac Lomax was earlier penalised over a stray elbow which caught Trent Loiero in the side of the head.
Sydney Morning Herald
7 days ago
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘Cheaper fares for fans': Supporters could fly with players on ‘NRL Air'
Peter V'landys has confirmed the NRL's proposed purchase of a private jet for players – and possibly fans – is still on the agenda, and could 'happen in the next six months'. The governing body has been building its asset portfolio with purchases including the Gambaro Hotel in Brisbane, the Quest Woolooware Bay Hotel, adjacent to the Sharks' home ground, and the Mercure Sunshine Coast. However, the addition of an aircraft, likely to cost at least $15 million, would be the most bold addition yet. ARLC chair V'landys said a cost analysis was being carried out, with the impending addition of franchises in Perth and Papua New Guinea strengthening the business case for a private plane, which would ease the travel burden on players and fans. While teams travelling in and out of Perth and PNG would be the main beneficiaries, there are other instances where a private plane would benefit the game. For instance, the five Panthers players participating in Wednesday night's State of Origin game will probably be rested from next week's NRL matches because there are no direct flights from Perth to Auckland for the club's clash against the Warriors on Saturday. The prospect of making the Penrith stars back up for club duty, after what is likely to be a brutal interstate affair, will prove too much given they will be unable to recover properly while spending an entire day travelling. Professional sporting teams in the United States often travel via private jets, with some franchises even owning the aircraft. The NRL is now crunching the numbers to determine the feasibility of doing something similar. 'We're looking at all of the models; lease, buy and joint venture,' V'landys said. 'We're doing a cost analysis because once Perth and PNG come in – and even with North Queensland and Auckland – we're looking [at lengthy journeys]. 'That's definitely on the investigation list because it could work out to be more cost-effective.
The Age
7 days ago
- Business
- The Age
‘Cheaper fares for fans': Supporters could fly with players on ‘NRL Air'
Peter V'landys has confirmed the NRL's proposed purchase of a private jet for players – and possibly fans – is still on the agenda, and could 'happen in the next six months'. The governing body has been building its asset portfolio with purchases including the Gambaro Hotel in Brisbane, the Quest Woolooware Bay Hotel, adjacent to the Sharks' home ground, and the Mercure Sunshine Coast. However, the addition of an aircraft, likely to cost at least $15 million, would be the most bold addition yet. ARLC chair V'landys said a cost analysis was being carried out, with the impending addition of franchises in Perth and Papua New Guinea strengthening the business case for a private plane, which would ease the travel burden on players and fans. While teams travelling in and out of Perth and PNG would be the main beneficiaries, there are other instances where a private plane would benefit the game. For instance, the five Panthers players participating in Wednesday night's State of Origin game will probably be rested from next week's NRL matches because there are no direct flights from Perth to Auckland for the club's clash against the Warriors on Saturday. The prospect of making the Penrith stars back up for club duty, after what is likely to be a brutal interstate affair, will prove too much given they will be unable to recover properly while spending an entire day travelling. Professional sporting teams in the United States often travel via private jets, with some franchises even owning the aircraft. The NRL is now crunching the numbers to determine the feasibility of doing something similar. 'We're looking at all of the models; lease, buy and joint venture,' V'landys said. 'We're doing a cost analysis because once Perth and PNG come in – and even with North Queensland and Auckland – we're looking [at lengthy journeys]. 'That's definitely on the investigation list because it could work out to be more cost-effective.
The Age
05-06-2025
- Sport
- The Age
News Corp bosses boycott Origin as V'landys goes to war over drugs question
Senior executives and editors at News Corp boycotted the offer of NRL hospitality at last week's State of Origin match in Brisbane amid a war of words with Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'landys. V'landys expressed frustration and displeasure with the editors of The Daily Telegraph, The Courier Mail and Code Sports over the contents of a recently released series about rugby league player-agents titled 'The Deal Makers'. The series was based on a survey of 50 player-agents on some of the biggest issues in the game, including a question relating to the use of recreational drugs in rugby league. The agents were asked, 'Is drug use a problem with players?' with 62 per cent responding yes. That led to a series of heated phone calls between V'landys, and other NRL executives, and News Corp Australia executive chairman Michael Miller, Telegraph editor Ben English, sport executive editor Jason Scott and Queensland editor Chris Jones. Sources with knowledge of the situation – talking on the condition of anonymity due to the confidential nature of the phone calls – said V'landys took exception to the way the question was phrased, believing it incorrectly portrayed the NRL as having a widespread issue with drugs. The game has already had to deal with a number of recent headlines relating to players and drug issues – most notably involving Brayden Trindall, Josh Addo-Carr and Ezra Mam – and V'landys believed he needed to protect the reputation of the players. It resulted in several senior News Corp executives ignoring invitations to attend last week's Origin as guests of V'landys in the NRL's corporate suite at Suncorp Stadium.
