Very true - selectors/selection process sounds so easy ;-). There is never a situation where everyone is happy. However, the real challenge with Junior sport is development and identifying future potential v current capability. If the match is played right now, then current capability is the obvious barometer i.e. current form. However, in junior sport (especially contact sports) future potential is very challenging...and the PONI concept, and academies must have with an eye on the future, surely?
The bottom line is - I don't have faith that the current selectors and selection process is about identifying future potential and return. I believe it has become a process that is a boggy swamp of nepotism, old school tie, bias and 'thats the way we always do it'...sprinkled on top with some luck and experience...where everyone stands around 3 months later and comments 'they were a damn good side, they just got unlucky and lost by a converted try"
And respectfully, I do believe the volunteers in the role do a pretty bloody good job, given the resources they have and the environment they operate in.