Shute Shield 2013

[Ole Two Blue]

Wow, naive and insolent. My apologies, didn't mean to upset the passionate two blues people. Just an opinion (my mistake for thinking that this was the purpose of a public forum) that I will stand by at the moment until I see evidence to the contrary. Perhaps if parra can get rid of the giant chip on their shoulder they may go better (light hearted comment - please no more name calling).

Not writing off Randwick or Easts - not sure where they will fit when the time comes but their problems are real. After all coaches threatening a walk out due to the GM has little to do with the licensed club side of things.

Ok, you want to know who we've recruited.

I can confirm, after speaking with GM and Head Coach that we have recruited 2 Argentinian Props, Mils Muliaina, Jerry Collins and are also bringing Dion Berryman back to Australia. Carlos Spencer is also joining us skils coach and is hoping to pull the boots on providing his shoulder is ok.

 

[Ole Two Blue]

This is very impressive.

Before professionalism, ingenuity was part of Rugby's DNA - because we couldn't offer cash (or weren't supposed to) we had to offer a bit more. And use our noggin in what we could offer.

Well done Parramatta. If the biggest trick in gaining players is not losing them in the first place, you're ahead of the curve.

Spot on there Coxy. And we're not just stopping at Tafe courses either. Stay tuned!

 

[Hugh Jarse]

That would spice things up, and should get the turnstiles working out at Merrylands Park.

 

[Ole Two Blue]

Bit of a circular situation here because I understand that the ABC is not yet committed to doing any games next year.

Re next years comp structure I understand it is an 18 round comp (rather than 16 rounds) with a 8 team semi series. No details yet on how the 18 rounds will play out.

18 rounds are confirmed. every team will have 9 home games and play their local derby opponent twice. Not sure how they actually get to it as the SRU have not published the draw yet. They have not confirmed either way what the finals formt will be, but the general feeling seems to be it will go back to top 6

 

[Knuckles]

what's the latest on the situation at Randwick?

I've heard they've recruited a lot of blokes from Penrith.................which is perplexing in itself.

Also heard Easts, despite their well documented financial troubles, have recruited to of the kiwis Penrith brought over in 2011. The hooker, Kerren Straker and the 13, Mark Murray.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Knuckles, IIRC you have mentioned previously a journey to Argentina. Personal or shopping?

On the back of the Two Blues recruitment (post #241), are we likely to see any more Argies trotting around in Shute Shield next season?

 

[thierry dusautoir]

Ok, you want to know who we've recruited.

I can confirm, after speaking with GM and Head Coach that we have recruited 2 Argentinian Props, Mils Muliaina, Jerry Collins and are also bringing Dion Berryman back to Australia. Carlos Spencer is also joining us skils coach and is hoping to pull the boots on providing his shoulder is ok.

Myself, ABC and half the country wish this were true.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Come on Thierry, This is the internet. Why wouldn't it be true?

 

[thierry dusautoir]

But serious question anyone know when berrymen comes back from hsi drug ban?

 

[Andrew B Cox]

18 rounds are confirmed. every team will have 9 home games and play their local derby opponent twice. Not sure how they actually get to it as the SRU have not published the draw yet. They have not confirmed either way what the finals formt will be, but the general feeling seems to be it will go back to top 6

Sounds like commonsense has prevailed.

It was 18 rounds in the late 90's and early noughties- which I actually preferred. Those last 4 rounds in a 22 round draw can be a real challenge, and actually derail lower grade teams who have to feed the top grades. And a top 6 means that teams need win more than they lose to make the play-offs.

To win six games and call yourself a semi-finalist as happened this year is one way to kill an entire competition's credibility.

 

[WorkingClassRugger]

Spot on there Coxy. And we're not just stopping at Tafe courses either. Stay tuned!

What we have seen from both Parra and Gordon are perfect examples of what the game has needed for long-long time now. It's the first step in the right direction to setting up a system to adequately compete against the likes of League for youth talent. It should be a balanced mix of opportunities between Uni and Tafe to make it s accessible as possible for the widest range of young players. More clubs need to look to do this. Alongside these scholarships, they should also be looking to means to assist young player's further in terms of Austudy and such.

 

[Blackers13]

Sounds like commonsense has prevailed.

It was 18 rounds in the late 90's and early noughties- which I actually preferred. Those last 4 rounds in a 22 round draw can be a real challenge, and actually derail lower grade teams who have to feed the top grades. And a top 6 means that teams need win more than they lose to make the play-offs.

To win six games and call yourself a semi-finalist as happened this year is one way to kill an entire competition's credibility.

Actually it was 7 wins or 33 points, however Easts had points deducted allowing Wests to sneak in. What win loss ratio do you deem acceptable for a semi final birth in an 18 round comp?

 

[Andrew B Cox]

Actually it was 7 wins or 33 points, however Easts had points deducted allowing Wests to sneak in. What win loss ratio do you deem acceptable for a semi final birth in an 18 round comp?

Sorry Ryan09, my mistake. However, I reckon you've got to get a pass mark to make it through. 50 percent or better.

You can't have losing year and deem it a success. That's what basketball is for!

 

[Intruder]

what's the latest on the situation at Randwick?

I've heard they've recruited a lot of blokes from Penrith.......which is perplexing in itself.

Also heard Easts, despite their well documented financial troubles, have recruited to of the kiwis Penrith brought over in 2011. The hooker, Kerren Straker and the 13, Mark Murray.

Thats a pity, very good players leaving the west. Richard Aho (Randwick) and Toa Asa (Randwick) alongside the two named above.

Filling the void will be very difficult task

 

[Tah and feathered]

Will Penrith be able to fill the required teams
I think Randwick also have another 2 Penrith players
Back rower and Wing who both were part of the Randwick 7s programme
Does anyone have an idea when the draw will be announced?

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Sounds like the Emus are going to be struggling to be competitive next season.

ARU, NSWRU, SRU need to lift their game and get serious about Heavensgame in Sydneys Deep West.

 

[Tah and feathered]

I was just on the Penrith website and its blank
No info, nothing

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Combined with the lack of banter about the Emus on these threads, and the player flight from Emu to wicks, what you have reported is a very worrying sign.

 

[SackRobbie]

From your posts Tah and feathered I believe I have worked out who you are......former Randwick heavy who specialised in their Colts age group, works for a NZ rugby recruitment company and you've now moved to Southern Districts. Sound familiar?

 

[Hugh Jarse]

^^^ So what if you have. There is little point in outing anyone on the threads. If you want bragging rights, then PM them to claim the aforesaid kudos.

If Tah and Feathers wanted to go the Bruce Ross route, and be known as himself, then that is what they would have registered as. The fact they didn't suggests that they would prefer the anonomity afforded by the internet.