Saw the joeys riverview game. And was super impressed. First up didn't see any bad old boy behaviour. Quite the contrary just saw general good spirit.
Next positive, was the programme, love how they include the kids various pathways. Only shame was didn't get a copy. From a brief glance it seemed like the joeys kids were largely A team players thru the years, whereas. Some of riverview boys had been as low as fs. Wonder if this is reflective of different approaches.
Struck me as a real contrast in physical shapes. Riverview backs were tiny, but proved zippy and skilful. Their forward pack seemed to be a dads army including all shapes . Thought bowditch and no 8 were particularly good.
Joeys players seemed almost too muscled up . i gatherbthey have a new personal trainer (east suburbs based) they use on a Mondays , outsourced ? i dont know if there is a change in conditioning approach, or if they all know that newington and scots are bearing down on them. And when u are facing kids who can shot put 18 metres or whatever it is, I do get it .
The joeys full back was the exception, and not wanting to be negative but didn't see him do some of the great thinks that Deegan, no 12 and latrell did.
In contrast thought riverview 15 , freeman? Was awesome. Talk about cool and calm . Yet don't see him in gps teams?! Too old . Is there an age cut-off.
Also thought that the high scoring was a reflection of great support play from both sides.and really the result could have gone either way, and will be interested to see round 2.
George smith . Great analysis of pathways, although probably doesn't tell the full story of the horse-trading, arms race that some call it. Across the ages scots and newington are buying in talent . That pathways type analysis would show how scots and new are collecting kids from far and wide
At least when joeys does it, kids seem to be from mt druitt.
Also heard the scots rugby launch was massive $200 a head, 500 people, first class emirates auctions etc
And even scots parents winging about wealthy parents accepting rugby scholarship
Oh well . Hope joeys bounce back against newington.