CAS Rugby 2023

[Halfbackenthusiast]

My predicted barker side this year from current students
1. Cooper Stapleton (2nds/1sts)
2. Kade Stanton (2nds)
3. Nick Jill (16A/1sts)
4.Adam Van Wyk (1sts)
5. Nathaniel Thomas (16As/1sts)
6. Micho Lounser (2nds)
7. Matthew Hanley (1sts)
8. Leo Gibb (1sts/2nds
9.Kera Weaver (16As/1sts)
10. Josh Crowther (2nds)
11. Matthew sentonaris (16As)
12. Andrew Wheals (2nds/1sts)
13.Hamish Mcdonald (1sts)
14.Benjamin Blanchard (2nds)
15. Charlie Poynton (1sts)
What are your thoughts? I’d be interesting to see if barker trial poynton at the ten with lots of depth in the 15 position.

 

[FootyCentral!]

Yep... that is the purpose of scholarships... not cheating and not the only school to do it.

Which players get free tuition at Barker? Because it's far fewer than people like you are making it out to be. Some of these "scholarships" merely got free boarding... Some half tuition and some only bursarys. Others had their schooling paid for by entirely separate entities... professional footy franchises...

Very few boys have reason to complain... Very few of the boys shafted to seconds are even close to 1stXV quality players...

To add to RoD, here is the reality of scholarships at every school.
Knox —> 2 swimming for every year. (12)
Trinity —> Numerous athletics and basketball scholarships (10+)
Cranbrook —> Cricket
Waverley —> Rugby (Still occurs)
As we can see from the first 3 schools those who import win. However as you many note they are for sports that people may not be as interested in…

 

[RedOrDead]

RorD,

As you know I often agree with you on certain topics, re inter association comps etc, but we do disagree on the imports strategy.
It's a short term fools strategy.
Having outlined, at length, from a Waves point of view having experienced all this before Barker, but not as epidemic, here's a last thought before we all need to drop this topic. Here is an analogy that speaks the truth....

The brilliant manager of the Beetles, George Martin, was once asked by his young teenage daughter.
"Daddy were the Beetles as good as the Bay City Rollers", he replied to placate the discussion.
'' Probably not darling".
All this was captured on the Beetles live at the Hollywood Bowl Record, and at the very bottom of the transcript he adds...
'' But one day she will find out!"

Look mate. I don't completely disagree with your opinion that it may end up being a negative for Barker as a school, in the sense that, I personally think it will be positive, but can't know for certain and can understand your logic. It may end up being detrimental. Only time will tell.

I am more just annoyed about the people vilifying the school for doing it and pushing their agenda through false narratives and cheap digs etc.

It may very well only further damage Barker's rugby culture, but the school has to try something to save it. If you're not actively trying to move forward, then you're moving backwards.

 

[WLF3]

Look mate. I don't completely disagree with your opinion that it may end up being a negative for Barker as a school, in the sense that, I personally think it will be positive, but can't know for certain and can understand your logic. It may end up being detrimental. Only time will tell.

I am more just annoyed about the people vilifying the school for doing it and pushing their agenda through false narratives and cheap digs etc.

It may very well only further damage Barker's rugby culture, but the school has to try something to save it. If you're not actively trying to move forward, then you're moving backwards.

Relax RorD, I have previously stated that Barker is a TERRIFIC school, and that will not change.
IMO this is about BALANCE, all schools offer these opportunities, but when it becomes wholesale it tips the scale.

I would argue that some positions in rugby require more sensitivity and focus, eg competitive props, for safety reasons.
So I am not completely ANTI the concept but if a strategy becomes steroid driven then it will attract attention and become damaging internally and externally, and rightfully so IMO.

 

[DaSchmooze]

Look mate. I don't completely disagree with your opinion that it may end up being a negative for Barker as a school, in the sense that, I personally think it will be positive, but can't know for certain and can understand your logic. It may end up being detrimental. Only time will tell.

I am more just annoyed about the people vilifying the school for doing it and pushing their agenda through false narratives and cheap digs etc.

It may very well only further damage Barker's rugby culture, but the school has to try something to save it. If you're not actively trying to move forward, then you're moving backwards.

I appreciate the thought that they have identified that there is a problem and are taking steps to address it. At the very least, it's better than doing nothing about it. I just don't think wholesale scholarships actually fixes the problem though. Some kids may be motivated by associating themselves with a winning brand and that's great but would fear what happens to those same kids when reality kicks in.

Perhaps a better plan would be to take the considerable expense of each scholarship and pour it in to quality coaching for every team regardless of their age or grade. It will take longer, but you would end up with a healthy and vibrant program were every kid feels like he's making a valued contribution and parents feel like the significant expense of sending their kids there is money well spent. AND - the results across the board would improve and it's this - rather than simply the results of the 1sts - that would be an indicator of a strong program.

 

[lincoln]

To add to RoD, here is the reality of scholarships at every school.
Knox —> 2 swimming for every year. (12)
Trinity —> Numerous athletics and basketball scholarships (10+)
Cranbrook —> Cricket
Waverley —> Rugby (Still occurs)
As we can see from the first 3 schools those who import win. However as you many note they are for sports that people may not be as interested in…

Cranbrook now has 4 Olympians on their aquatic staff - might see some action there going forward . Anyway back to the rugby.

 

[forshizzle]

rian callanan for Nsw prop 2022

 

[bring back rucking]

I heard from a Barker coach - 2 trials against GPS teams, then games against all ISA teams, then one round CAS.

Sorry just to clarify - 2 against GPS, 5 against various ISA and then one comp round of 5 against the other CAS schools?. Given the GPS is doing the 10 game 2 round format I assume the 2 games against gps would need to happen prior to that (although GPS comp has traditionally started 1 week later and so potentially it is 2 games against gps, 4 against ISA and then the 5 game CAS comp).

 

[Halfbackenthusiast]

Sorry just to clarify - 2 against GPS, 5 against various ISA and then one comp round of 5 against the other CAS schools?. Given the GPS is doing the 10 game 2 round format I assume the 2 games against gps would need to happen prior to that (although GPS comp has traditionally started 1 week later and so potentially it is 2 games against gps, 4 against ISA and then the 5 game CAS comp).

They could potentially be unofficial trials which are played during the school holidays instead of Saturday, to accomodate for the new gps structure

 

[workingdasnipe]

To add to RoD, here is the reality of scholarships at every school.
Knox —> 2 swimming for every year. (12)
Trinity —> Numerous athletics and basketball scholarships (10+)
Cranbrook —> Cricket
Waverley —> Rugby (Still occurs)
As we can see from the first 3 schools those who import win. However as you many note they are for sports that people may not be as interested in…

Are you telling me there is only one school in CAS that does not do scholarships?

 

[RedOrDead]

Are you telling me there is only one school in CAS that does not do scholarships?

From the Aloys website: "St Aloysius' College does not offer scholarships. While we educate and nurture a number of academically and physically gifted young men, we have not attracted them via a scholarship or reduced fees."'

So I guess so.

 

[Running_rugby_1954]

St Aloysius' College Bursary program

The Bursary Program offers possible financial assistance to new families with Year 7 applicants who might find ongoing payment of fees a stretch on their budget. Contact us on (02) 9936 5535.

staloysius.nsw.edu.au

 

[Halfbackenthusiast]

St Aloysius' College Bursary program

The Bursary Program offers possible financial assistance to new families with Year 7 applicants who might find ongoing payment of fees a stretch on their budget. Contact us on (02) 9936 5535.

staloysius.nsw.edu.au

That’s only for year 7 students

 

[JackJill]

How good is the U16 Gen Blue cohort. Bench came on and they didn't skip a beat. Very exciting talent coming through in this age group.

 

[Lachie Goon]

St Aloysius is an absolute talent factory right now. hearing whispers NRL clubs are scouting AT LEAST 3 current players, these being Parker (7), Wood (9), and Callanan (10). not only are their seasoned 1sts players getting recognized by national organizations but up-and-comers such as Knight (2nd Row) and Morson (Prop) are both primed and ready for their 1sts debut. although I hope they will not be contending with my beloved Cranbrookians, I fear their first CAS championship this century is within their grasp

 

[RUCKS R US]

Hello Geenandgoldians,
Losing my posting virginity.
Curious what's the CAS policy on repeating yr12 to play 1st footy? A little birdy told me that some of the Barker players can't let go of there highschool glory days and are repeating there yr12. IMO it kills the culture.
Regards Theruckinator

 

[RedOrDead]

Hello Geenandgoldians,
Losing my posting virginity.
Curious what's the CAS policy on repeating yr12 to play 1st footy? A little birdy told me that some of the Barker players can't let go of there highschool glory days and are repeating there yr12. IMO it kills the culture.
Regards Theruckinator

A little birdy would also tell you that boy is underage... so I don't see how it could possibly be seen as unethical.

And boys have done this at Barker, and other schools in the past. Not only for rugby but for other sports too... both from the GPS and CAS... And it is accepted by both of these organisations...

The purpose of these pathways is to allow boys who are heavily focused on sporting careers to also try and succeed academically, due to heavy time commitments in their chosen sport impeding on their study time.

This isn't even new information or a secret. It is well-known at this point.

 

[RUCKS R US]

Hello ReadOrDead
How did you find out that he is underage?? I tend to disagree that it is ethical to repeat Yr12. It is despondent to be spending another year at high school in hopes of another CAS premiership. These boys should move on from school boy footy, get a job go to uni or go play cults. I would also assume the school is putting tremendous pressure on these boys to repeat which is unethical for the school to put pressure on these young impressionable young-men.

Barker needs to rethink their values. At what length will they not go to win CAS.
Ruckinator out.

 

[RedOrDead]

I would also assume the school is putting tremendous pressure on these boys to repeat which is unethical for the school to put pressure on these young impressionable young-men.

Well. You know what they say about assumptions?

 

[RedOrDead]

How good is the U16 Gen Blue cohort. Bench came on and they didn't skip a beat. Very exciting talent coming through in this age group.

Highlights for those without Stan Sport.

A few to watch in the future IMO.

Zion Poita out of Waverley (2nd rower/6/8) I believe is a real powerhouse, would benefit him to learn to better control his temperament, however. Loses track of the game sometimes out of frustration.

The 12 Joe Walsh out of Auggies is just a pure footballer. Fancy footwork, good fend, vision of a fly-half, speed, skill, controls the game. IMO the best player in the entire u16's comp. If he puts some size on he will be one to watch in the future.

Tylan Berryman at fullback out of Narrabeen Sports High is a counter-attacking specialist. Really dynamic out there and has the ability to beat his man with ease and unleash his wingers.

Leo Jaques out of Scots. Outside Centre. Is a hard ball runner, breaks tackles, he's skilled, and seems to have that ability to be in the right place at the right time.

Zach Fittler out of Scots. Size. Speed. Skill. He understands the game. Shame we will probably lose him to league. Him and Jaques are going to be a dangerous centre pairing in the GPS.

We know about Charlie Poynton.

Alex Conti, fly-half out of Patties is classy too.

Could legitimately write about just about every player. There is no weaknesses in this team.