Interesting story in the Canberra times about the NRC Brumbies and Vikings both putting in proposals and Collingwood?
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/rug...ional-rugby-championships-20140102-307uo.html
If there were two teams and one was run by the Brumbies, which team would get at least the bulk of the Brumbies' squad players not involved in internationals? 35 squad members minus say 12 players in tests or injured leaves a pretty good squad for the NRC entity. The second team would then be mostly made up of JID players as I see it playing out. May not be competitive against some of the stronger NRC teams but would be a great opportunity for the JID players involved.
Hope some of the games are played at the new Gungahlin ground, but I do see a problem managing access and charging for entry. The ground is presently open to public view from three sides, albeit at a distance due to the adjacent AFL ground and car parking areas.
Have the Eagles built a new ground? was not aware - any pics?
I honestly think Viking Park would be the only real ground in Canberra that would make sense..I cant really think of anywhere else.
Two playing grounds, Rugby and AFL side by side completed. Covered Grandstand just being completed on the western side so that patrons won't have sun in the eyes. Seems to be good car parking areas provided. If entry fee is charged, I presume a curtain of some sort would be erected on the perimeter fence. I haven't got any photos, but maybe someone reading these posts could put one up.
Lets be honest you would have to think the Vikings will be one of the teams to be included in the NRC - I think it would be a shock if they were not there - also lets be honest they are in the top 2-3 richest clubs in Australia so they have plenty of backing - they prob make more money in a week than some clubs make in years..
The article states that there are two Vikings bids - one stand alone, and a joint venture with the Brumbies...
I think we can assume the joint bid with the Brumbies will be the one that gets the go ahead as their combined resources and finances would form a solid foundation....
Having two Canberra teams would be a real achievement but I can't see the ARU accepting a bid from the Brumbies/ACTRU and a stand alone club side as there would be some serious conflicting issues...
Any news from around the clubs?
Any gains or losses? So far I have heard:
Queanbeyan- Lost Sam Windsor to Ireland Rugby. Have gained Michael Stolberg from Brisbane who I assume is down chasing a Brumbies Contract, was apart of the National Academy and Reds College and Reds A programs.
Vikings - Few club veterans retired after least years successes. Have gained Isaac Thompson, ITM cup experience for Manawatu, played for Souths in the Brisbane comp last year.
Uni-Norths - Gained 2 Welsh players via Albury who can play apparently. Also a boy from Queensland who has moved to play Brumbies 20s.
Royals - Eddie Laagali who played Brumbies Juniors from Wagga , and Ben Leaper who will be Griffins standard.
Wests - No news, always good for a few recruits though, anyone heard anything?
Gunghalin - No news, great to see an awesome new facility for them to use though.
Easts- Quite a few Kiwis coming over apparently.
As requested:
ACT XV
1. JP Smith (Queanbeyan Whites)
2. Josh Mann-Rea (Gungahlin Eagles)
3. Allan Ala'alatoa (Uni-North Owls)
4. Dave McKern (Western District)
5. Tom Staniforth (Canberra Royals)
6. Tim Cree (Tuggeranong Vikings)
7. Michael Smith (Western District)
8. Ben McGee (Gungahlin Eagles)
9. Conrad Hoffman (Gungahlin Eagles)
10. Isaac Thompson (Tuggeranong Vikings)
11. Jerome Niumata (Tuggeranong Vikings)
12. Matt Hawke (Gungahlin Eagles)
13. Mitch Connolly (Gungahlin Eagles)
14. Drew Southwell (Western District)
15. Ben Johnson (Canberra Royals)
Replacements
16. Patricio Noreiga (Gungahlin Eagles)
17. Carl Elliott (Western District)
18. JP Pradaud (Tuggeranong Vikings)
19. Gareth Clouston (Tuggeranong Vikings)
20. Michael Stolberg (Queanbeyan Whites)
21. Xavier Duffy (Gungahlin Eagles)
22. Sam Latunipulu (Queanbeyan Whites)
23. Jono Naoupu (Eastern Suburbs)
24. Eden Campbell O’Brien (Uni-North Owls)
25. Pedro Rolando (Canberra Royals)
26. Altus Momsen (Queanbeyan Whites)
27. HP Momsen (Queanbeyan Whites)
28. Jack Pinchin (Western District)