Here's my tinfoil hit conspiracy for the day: It's absolutely no secret around the rugby grounds of Brisbane that Stiles saw the NRC as his stepping stone to the Reds gig. While most saw it as a developmental opportunity, Stiles wanted the wins.
He would have been heavily involved in player identification and assignment as the Reds forwards/senior assistant coach.
Now he has the top gig, the two QLD franchises might see more equality in the player assignments. In fact, given his whole claim to the Reds gig being based on NRC, it is arguably in his best interest for City to struggle this year.
Country has an improved coaching staff (replacement of Gilmore and removal of Thompson) and a more balanced roster (also Daley staying not playing for Perth, suggests being competitive is more important than developing Reds), it should give both QLD teams a shot at the competition.