Joint Crisis Committee: Scrum At Me, Bro: Super League War, Australian Rugby League vs. Super League, 1995

 

In 1995, Australian broadcasting corporation Optus Vision had a monopoly on rugby viewership thanks to holding exclusive broadcasting rights with the Australian Rugby League. However, when the ARL’s ambitious attempt to expand the league to the rest of Australia alienated the existing teams, rival company News Corporation saw an opportunity. News Corporation created the rival Super League and immediately began poaching teams from the ARL. The ensuing “Super League War” shook Australian rugby to its core, as media outlets, rugby teams, and fans each began to take sides. In this committee, delegates will represent team and media executives to make sure their respective league comes out on top. The ARL will have to manage their league expansion beyond New South Wales and Queensland while placating the influential Sydney teams. Meanwhile, the Super League will work to ensure its inaugural season is a success by securing stadiums, teams, and airtime.