Soupnasty
Allen Oxlade (6)
State champ winners = Two Blues
Sydney team
11 from Norths
5 from Warringah (Sydney Cup Winners)
4 from Gordon
2 from the State Champ winners, Two Blues
1 from Eastwood
Does look a little odd
NSW AAGPS 2024
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Sydney team
11 from Norths
5 from Warringah (Sydney Cup Winners)
4 from Gordon
2 from the State Champ winners, Two Blues
1 from Eastwood
Does look a little odd
sundayeightpm
Herbert Moran (7)
Yes, it does not bode well. This is the age group I am involved in, and this has been shaping up for some time now. As an age group - there is very little depth - GPS schools (apart from the one obvious school who also apparently contributed a Governor General) has a very weak B's and down. CAS and ISA schools only have C's at best in some examples. Even club land has fallen away in this group, with a pretty uninspiring A Grade comp. It's sad - and not sure how to resolve this quickly and easily. Maybe some of the decision makers behind the selections read this forum ;-)
Maul of Duty
Ward Prentice (10)
So many can't afford it, but there are many parents that do work multiple jobs to make it work. At the end of the day, if the parents want to go down that path, they are doing it understanding that it is not only about the sport but also the connections and network that can be built. It's a very difficult decision for some families for sure and there are some willing to do it and others that just can't unfortunately. The best thing is that the cream will always rise to the top and talent will always be identified through the multiple pathways available.
Game_Day_Ritual
Ward Prentice (10)
We have to remember only 4 pro teams left in Australia. As an example, France in top 14 and D2 have 26 pro teams. The money is at times 2 to 3 times that of Oz and you get to play in places like Paris, Biarritz, Toulon, La Rochelle etc
runningrugbyrules
Larry Dwyer (12)
Can they play a musical instrument…..
The Cleaner
Ted Fahey (11)
I won't comment on Sydney and their selection but I can say this, nepotism is everywhere and in every sport especially at grassroot level. Also, I am sure those Two Blues U15players that missed out will be named in one of the teams to compete at Camden in the Waratahs U15 Cup next month.
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Footy head
Ward Prentice (10)
Anybody know who will captain the Aus team?
-Footyhead
-Footyhead
Not sure I agree with that, the u15's seem to be reasonably competitive, the Joeys team have the better of the schools, however the majority of that team play at Mosman who are reasonably competitive except for the Scorpians who are unbeatable when they can field a full team.
The u15 age group at Knox seem to be improving significantly over the past couple of years, Barker have always been competitive in that age group and Kings are getting stronger each year. I think all have been ramping up the recruitment drive.
I agree it is everywhere, but this example is absolutely atrocious and those involved have no business being anywhere near coaching/selecting representative teams. The issue is they will all justify their selections when Sydney beat Country.
Wonder who the coach/selectors are
The Cleaner
Ted Fahey (11)
Mate, 99.9% of clubs have boys playing out of positions to accommodate the coach's son or the managers son or the president son, nephew, grandson and so forth. FOOLISH!! What I always say and believe is, IF A CHILD IS GIFTED THEY WILL NOT GO UNNOTICED. I know of a kid that ALWAYS played hooker, came selection time last year (also U15) he missed out to 2 x kids that played hooker for the first time. ( A parent was in the 'management' team). How foolish of parents to do that (very common at grassroots). Anyway, that kid sucked it up continued playing hooker and this year debuted for his GPS school 1st XV at 16. He and his GPS 1 U16 also won the Shield at St Gregs competing against ISA, CHS, CCC etc earlier this month. He will definitely make the NSW U16 this year. My point is, we should encourage kids to continue playing and roll with the punches. Nepotism does not get you a Green and Gold jersey, maybe a Sydney jersey and a NSW jersey AT A VERY JUNIOR LEVEL.
RIGHT Parenting is IMPORTANT. We can either discourage the children by playing the victim and give up easily because of nepos or teach them how to RISE ABOVE IT by continue to perfect their game?. It will be a valuable lesson in life for them too.
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ItsNotPink
Darby Loudon (17)
Fair and equitable selection is a problem in all sports, particularly at grass roots level, because the people selecting often have a conflict of interest. But even in sports where there are clear performances by times, the problem still persists. Look at the female marathon selections for Paris Olympics where the 5th fastest qualified athlete was selected ahead of the 3rd fastest qualified athlete. Hard to justify.
Soupnasty
Allen Oxlade (6)
100% Agree!
Good life lesson - don't ever give up because something is unfair. Life is unfair. Don't give up full stop
(slight edit to your post. "might even get you a poni slot")
stephenhawkins
Frank Row (1)
The u15 age group is a real concern for nswjru. In particular the 9 and 10 depth is a concern
CasualObserver
Sydney Middleton (9)
That makes the current selection philosophy of narrowing the player pool at 14 years old seem even more ridiculous!!! It isn't like they are going to have a kid turn up from completely outside of the rugby (or league) system. How many kids actually start playing rugby at 14? My guess is none.
Also, it seems odd that given all the coaches and managers' sons that have had so many opportunities at #10 since the under 8's that a few of them haven't developed the required skills. They may be too exhausted as they have to play full games every week while the other kids are subbed off - someone has to kick goals!!
Union creating pathways from U14s (indeed U10s with State Galas) is seen as an important offer vs League - incentivising kids (and parents) to keep playing Union beyond their local club/school: great for the XX% of better talent, but can be upsetting for those not selected
Running_rugby_1954
Ron Walden (29)
I predict a kid from a private school will take the role.
The Cleaner
Ted Fahey (11)
IMO 9&10 in U15&U16 are pretty much the same? I mean you might as well compare them as being in the same age group? There’s not many good 10’s in the U16 but PLENTY 9’s. The Sydney U15 #10 Finn Hannon is quite special. I would rate him above a couple of the current U16 #10.
No but they can sing a little off key.
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