Bruce Ross
Ken Catchpole (46)
Sydney Shute Shield teams may need to be careful, as there are several Subbies clubs with money to spend on players - especially those who have realised that they are not going to pick up Super contracts. Guys like Anaru Matthews (Balmain), Leo Afeaki (Drummoyne), Vinny Byrne & Greg Wade (Brothers) are going to set examples for other players to follow.
I don't see any particular problem with this. The reality is that only a very small proportion of players ever get to play professionally, and some who do make it end their careers playing in the less demanding environment of Subbies. Whether their motivation is to earn a few more dollars or to avoid training for more than one or two nights a week, it's all part of the rich tapestry of rugby.
The drift from the Premiership clubs to Subbies has been going on for decades but is not necessarily a cause for concern. There is always another group of young hopefuls keen to explore their potential in the senior competition.