Nobody would debate that the way the NSW NRC clubs are run is sub-optimal, compared to the rest of the clubs who are Super rugby affiliated, but the SS clubs weren't made to sign anything, the proof being that Eastwood didn't.
I doubt Pulver made them sign anything, as has been suggested, and if they did it was actually in their best interests because it gave them control/influence of a key development channel and thus a recruitment tool.
you could somewhat I reckon. Performance for starters. Eagles 2nd, Rays 3rd and the Rams damn close to the finals and on an upward slope.
Plus I reckon the QLD teams went backwards this year. Not just on performance but on identity. No heart to it, it felt. Unlike each of the NSW teams which seemed to have their own identity and connection.