I think club rugby should be top tier (priority) and what RA (NSW / QLD / and other rugby hubs focus on).
Hey Dave, still chasing those Kingies?
Mate, a couple of points.
1. Generically I agree with you and would have loved to have seen an alternate approach that locked in from the clubs. but...
2. It's incorrect imo, to say that that the NRC was unsuccessful. It was that in NSW where the SRU actively attacked the comp. I'd suggest it was a hit in Qld as (a third tier) and pretty effective in WA, Vic, ACT. It still concerns me that it is not obvious that the rift between RA and SRU (and NSWRU) has been resolved. It is a problem for Australian rugby whatever competition is in place.
3. A club comp as the basis for a domestic comp
might have strong support in Sydney. In Brisbane I doubt many clubs would be ready to stand solo, and as we saw with the NRC, QRU would have to step in with club amalgamations or representative areas or something. So we are back to one of the key criticisms of the NRC - no built-in tribalism.
4. What club scenario in Vic or WA would manage the "first tier" club comp? We would lose the status of National Sport. For that matter, in ACT you'd possibly see the Vikings, but otherwise the club supporters would be split with animosity and creating (or sheeting home) problems, not easing them.
5. I've sadly come to the conclusion that
the ship has sailed. The opportunity has, I believe, been missed for a truly National Domestic Comp - whatever basis is used for it's creation.
All the best.