The problem with Shute Shield being a pathway is they're now a logjam.
Talented kid plays for Penrith or Parramatta - he might get snaffled by someone bigger. Next minute, clubs like Uni are playing rep players in their 2nd XV to ensure that their first XV is covered for injury. If there are no injuries, that guy doesn't see game time.
if Begg et al are serious about making club rugby great again, then they're going to need to actually put more money into it, so that clubs can compete on an even footing. But they won't do that because the arse is out of their pants right now.
My view - as someone who has no SS alignment - is that you're unlikely to give two hoots unless you're inside the compound. A lot of people actually
in rugby are too busy running a club on the weekend to attend SS games on a regular basis.
The fact that they're now moving their GF to the start of the NRC is exactly the kind of pettiness I expect from amateurs like SS administrators.
Really hope some common sense is introduced before too long, but it's hard to avoid the conclusion that SS clubs are maneuvering to destroy the NRC.
Unfortunately, that will be the case from here to eternity.
SS clubs go cap-in-hand to the ARU, and bitch when they don't get free money.
The competition is barely worth the broadcasting $$$ paid - I was talking to one of the guys working on 7TWO's coverage and they'd be amazed if they got shoestrings, much less real budget.
There is very little alignment between some SS clubs and their local junior scene, which is actually something for NSWRU to sort out, not the ARU.
Let's face it: SS has had two decades since professionalism to grow, engage, and become more successful; to actually fill that third tier space. It has failed, exactly because of the kind of politics that comes around every time they decide to fire a shot across Pulver's bow.
Bill surely needs to pull his shit together and work out the best way forward. But the NSWRU and SRU need to start understanding their place is to assist rugby in this country, not run the fucking joint.