I genuinely don't know, but what were crowds like prior to the Nix, Kingz, Knights? Was the top domestic competition considered a success at that time?
crowds don't equal success...
Explain please.
if crowd numbers were the only measure of success then some of the best leagues in world sport would be classed as second rate.
One example is the ITM Cup:
ITM Cup (probably considered the best national rugby comp in the world) - struggling with crowd numbers http://www.3news.co.nz/sport/itm-cup-struggling-to...
If you go up to Super Rugby some of those crowd numbers are pretty poor as well - but does anyone doubt that Super Rugby is the premier non-international competition in the world.
I know the Georgie Pie super smash isn't world class but they also have problems with crowds, but that competition isn't at risk because there is a fat paycheck up for grabs with the world 20/20 champs each year
The ITM Cup is second rate now because the top players do not play in it.
Super Rugby fair enough.
Our T20 is most definitely second rate.
Crowd numbers aren't the only measure of success but they are a massive factor. Just like the support and fan base a club has play a massive part in how big the club is. That's why Leeds are still bigger than most Premier League clubs despite not being in it for a decade.