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If they manage to get near those figures within the first 5-10 years then that would be great. But it will take at least that time frame.

Well, first and foremost. Keeping WA engaged with the game. That's the primary objective from our perspective. Second, develop a sustainable structure that fits more inline with our needs in regards to time zone issue and future markets. Third, offer more opportunities to players within...

What I'd like to see alongside this is potentially a return of an Australia A squad or even U20s playing fixtures against more Unions from the region. A possible merge with the NRC would be interesting as well. Sort of like a 2nd division to the IPRC for many of these nations. That would allow...

Agreed. Cannot see any issues in regarding to its slated window. I've been a fan of the idea of looking more toward our own region for competition for a while. It's not going to be easy and will take time and money to develop but any investment in such a large region cannot hurt. Especially when...

I suspect each team will have a strong core of 'marquee' players back up by local talent. Which means it's not going to exactly be bush league quality. It will also allow for many of the better local players to train with and learn from these professionals which will improve their standards as...

I'm not expecting to be at the level of Super Rugby. Doesn't need to be to deliver an entertaining product anyway. I just don't think it will be as poor as Slim thinks. More NRC level. Which would be a good platform to build from.

Again. And hopefully for the final time. These won't necessarily be re-badged national teams. They'll franchises based in those nations but with the ability to recruit externally. This really isn't a hard concept to get your head around.

He's ignoring what's been stated publicly in the media on several occasions regarding talent acquisition that's for sure.

But you're assuming that these teams are just going to be re-badged national teams. Everything said so far suggests that this will not be the case. They'll likely have a solid mix of imported talent. Also, how sure can we be that the NRC squads are so much better than say Hong Kong?

Mate, if it hits similar quality to the NRC then its on the right track. We all know how entertaining that level of the game is. I also wouldn't be too critical of this structure in my opinion as I fully expect to see the other 4 Aus franchises participating in it post 2020.

It's a pretty simple sell in my mind. Added depth for the Wallabies. One of the stated objectives early in the piece was to bring a number of Australian players back to a competition more in line with Australia. If this is what we get I can see each of the other 5 squads being filled with a...

And while the ratings have been good according to Strewth the turnouts in terms of crowds haven't been great outside of the Samoa vs Tonga and the PNG games so far. Which frankly reflects the quality on the pitch if I'm being completely honest.

Japan are not exactly a drawcard either. But 43,000 at the game would be encouraging for WR (World Rugby). I think the A-League is in a bit of trouble in its quest to find new audiences. They just cannot seem to get their huge participation base to translate into avid followers of the local league. The RLWC...

The thing is, if World Rugby are keen but the RA are dragging their heels it could lead to seeing the competition being sanctioned regardless of what RA want. And could see it run during the same window as Super Rugby. Which I don't mind. Watching the NRC semi replay I reckon they'd do well to contract...

Hardwick's the better player hands down.

I should also qualify my position by stated that it's not just a case of Holloway being a slightly bigger body either. I think he's the overall better more rounded player of the two. Hanigan tends to hit the rucks with the impact of a blow fly while I've seen Holloway shift bodies. I think...

How tall is Holloway? Honestly, if he and Hanigan are about the same height I'd take Holloway at 5 everyday of the week. Edit: Just looked it up. They're practically the same height. Holloway has more beef on him. I'd have him at 5 then.

Crap. Yeah, of course. How did I overlook Demspey? Holloway may be finding himself in need of a new franchise unless he's prepared to ride the pine for a couple of seasons.

I'm saying that its far more likely to happen than not. People seem to be caught up in the thinking that he's going to be funding everything himself which isn't the case. He's paying most of the initial operating costs but the actual teams will be run by their respective owners/Unions.

McCalman would be a good addition. A Backrow of him, Holloway and Hooper would be pretty tasty. But the one I would be most excited by is Vui. He's got a future in Gold in my opinion.