Player recruitment and retainment is a bizarre dynamic, it seems that the larger the talent pool the harder it is to get it right. 2 franchises that should always be at the top of their conferences are the (Auckland) Blues and the Queensland Reds.
The Blues have the largest talent pool to pick from in NZ, the strongest junior competitions but have been sub-standard for years. They are bogged by politics and stick with 'system' players who were schoolboy standouts or personal preferences, at the expense of late-bloomers or out-the-box talent that doesn't fit the mold. Often these players get picked up elsewhere and succeed (Malachai Fekitoa). Most of the Highlanders squad is made up of 'rejects' from other regions but in the right set-up were able to win the competition.
The Reds have a whole state of talent to pick from, with strong juniors and probably stronger competitions than most NZ regions. At the very least, the Reds should never lose to non-rugby states such as the Force & Rebels who have nowhere near the homegrown talent.
The Reds continue to pillage league players and 'big' name signings for their squad. This is a recruitment strategy that the Force or Rebels should follow, not one that produces most of the top rugby talent in the country. The Reds administration is known to be political, and the same selection issues that hold back the Blues, also hold back the Reds.
The Reds love system players. Guys who go through the rep system and are deemed 'ready to go' once graduating from the 20s setup. A large proportion of the next gen Reds are getting blooded with barely any club rugby under the belt. Campbell Magnay is one example, who is a great prospect but has played probably 2-3 games of QPR over '14,'15,'16. When he's not in Qld or Aus 20's he doesn't play.
I get the impression Club rugby is seen as the scrapheap rather than a necessity. That's where Greene was sent after 20s, played 2 full seasons and actually became a better player, developed his game further; added a running game, and improved his defence against grown men. McIntyre was involved in Aus 20s alot and I don't believe has logged a full season of QPR. Anyone seen Chris Kuridrani this year??
Thankfully NRC is now here, but it is still a short competition. These guys are getting thrown in the deepend without decent exposure to week in, week out, rugby against grown men.