fair point - looks like you are already there. Doesn't look so bad after all.
Not for the players playingthis tournament is devalued and meaningless since PONI players are excluded in NSW teams and the Queensland teams are not allowed to pick GPS players because their season hasn't started yet. So the QLD players come from 2nd string rugby schools (no Nudgee, Terrace, Southport, BBC etc)
Although rugby league still has a schoolboy system and schoolboy championships, and while the whole thing is run under the auspices of the ARL/NRL the teams are very much selected and coached by their relevant associations and teaching staff. Their equivalent schools championship start this weekend.The system has always existed but under different names/administration. PONI, NTS etc. It's a process to remove double handling within Rugby which is needed. We don't need the ASRU to be a separate body within the Rugby landscape. It serves no purpose now and is a relic of the amateur days that many in Rugby seem stuck in.
We recognise how League has built a flow through from NRL down to SG Ball, Harold Matthews and this is an attempt to re create. The fact ASRU still exist is good and gives even more players an opportunity to play rep footy who wouldn't have years ago.