DB:
"Commanding crowds equal to Super Rugby crowds - those crowds are aren't really that great" - As even the most one eyed Marlin fan, are you telling me Manly gets over 10,000 to every game - even at Penrith. I'd say any improvement, particularly those Clubs currently struggling would love to see bigger crowds.
"I know I, and many others like going to watch more than one game of rugby" - While my suggestion is just that, a suggestion, it has 3 games. 1st Grade, Colts & Women's.
"buy a SS Season pass because it is an afternoon of rugby with BBQ, and drinks and the kids get to join in" - Who said that has to change. I'm making a suggestion that brings the whole rugby community together and an obvious pathway. The way the day is run is still up to the Clubs.
"What do other supporters want, it is the supporters, sponsors that are making the SS what it is" - Your right, what do the supporters want? Given what's happening out there with player numbers declining, Clubs folding, and the game itself being ridiculed constantly, I'm not sure they want the status quo unchanged.
"I haven't made it to many NRC games at all - and I've struggled to watch them on the box" - Why is that? Because there's no affiliation or developed relationship with a team created from nowhere.
"There was no indication of what day and time these top 23 would play?" - The competition is a suggestion. But with only 3 matches the logistics for Friday night, Saturday afternoon, Saturday night or Sunday afternoon, instantly become more manageable.
ILTW:
"How is this different from the NRC?" - It's locally based on historically existing Clubs. It's a real pathway from juniors, to seniors to rep footy. Nearly all NRC sides are picked from various sources with little relevance to where they play their club rugby. In the competition suggested there is associated Colts and Women's team's to support. And without the NRC Super players not required for Wallaby duties can play for their clubs.
Please don't get me started on the bullshit restriction placed on bench players from club rugby. That's a whole other issue that a competition like this could address.
You want to see change, you want to see development, you want SS to have the respect it deserves, but point blank refuse to accept that the very competition that lies at the heart of Rugby Union in NSW (if not Australia) should make a single compromise to achieve this.
I love your passion and your support for the Marlins is unquestionable. But please stop pretending you want better for the game when you won't countenance any change to that current situation that is leading rugby down a path of irrelevance.