Just making sure that everyone is aware, the NSW Country Breakers are not actually run by the NSWCRU governing body - they are an independent consortium (with just 'in principle' support from NSWCRU).
They won't be called the Cockatoos, and they won't share coaching staff. However, two of the NSWCRU 'Ambassadors' - James Grant and Dave Carter - are heavily involved in the Breakers, so there is some form of link.
Look for the Waratahs to provide an assistant coach / backline coach, and some former Sydney Fleet (2007) coaching staff to be involved -who boast old Randwick and Cockatoos connections.
Randwick and Easts will supply some players, however the vast majority of the squad will be Super Rugby and Shute Shield players with a 'Country Origin'.
The Wicks and Beasts will likely capitalise on the various home games in country venues to set up a traveling roadshow and entice talented players from country regions to join them in Sydney. Come 2015 don't be surprised to see a 'Southern Suburbs' JV between Wicks & Easts enter the comp.
See this link from a few weeks ago:
http://www.nswcountryrugby.com.au/news/news-archive/national-rugby-competition
The ARU called for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for parties to submit a tender for teams to participate in the inaugural National Rugby Competition (NRC).
NSWCRU lodged an EOI, however on receiving the specifications from the ARU, it was decided not to pursue the lodgement of a tender for inclusion in the competition.
There were a number of parties that had a 'connection' with Country NSW that had looked at becoming involved, however there is only one party that now intends to lodge a formal tender.
NSWCRU have met with that consortium and believe we share the same goals in regards to the promotion of Rugby for all of our constituents i.e. players, officials, referees and supporters.
The board of NSWCRU has provided in principle support to this consortium, however the team is not a team from NSWCRU, will not be known as the Cockatoos and NSWCRU will have no decision making rights in regards to players, management or coaches.
NSWCRU is keen to work with the consortium and to positively influence decisions for all of our stakeholders, but if it succeeds it will be a separate entity.
The facts are NSWCRU are not looking to entering a team in the NRC, but are looking to provide support to a team that may win inclusion that is of Country NSW origin i.e. including current country players.
It is being looked on as a great opportunity to provide another pathway for all NSWCRU stakeholders to achieve another level in there Rugby career.
