Shute Shield 2021

[the coach]

In case we've all forgotten, the player points system was introduced a few years ago to supposedly stop the stronger clubs (1) enticing players from the weaker clubs (2) having too many rep players on their books. It was modified a few times but then basically left as it is. It was potentially the solution as players / clubs were rewarded by point discounts if players stayed at their original club and penalties (extra points) were applied to players who changed clubs. This is still potentially at least part of the answer if the powers-that-be could put their minds to it. At the moment all clubs are comfortably under the points limit so it's not achieving anything.

BTW, a salary cap won't work as 90%+ 0f the players don't get paid anyway and the residential qualification was tried in league in the 60s and 70s and abandoned as it was too easy to fiddle.

Unfortunately I think the only solution is a merger of Penrith, West Harbour and Two Blues which (assuming Hunter leaves the Shute Shield after covid) gets us back to 10 teams which would also facilitate 2 full home-and-away rounds.

Maybe someone up north could confirm this but I hear Hunter's involvement in the SS is not too popular in the region as it takes players away from the local competition and, of course, the travel issue means it's unlikely there will ever be 4 grades and 3 colts playing in the SS.

 

[eastman]

I hate to admit it, but if I were a young fella with a lot of talent I would be much more likely to rock up to one of the established clubs. Not only because they probably have better facilities of all kinds, but also because they are in the parts of Sydney that I would prefer to live in.

And if I were a young fella with a lot of talent I would almost certainly have had offers from the more successful clubs.

I'm a little late to the party but thought I would add my two cents.

Your comment about wanting to live in the parts of Sydney where established clubs are located might be true for you and I, but for many players from Western Sydney, especially those of Polynesian backgound, it doesn't. Coogee and Bondi aren't as appealing when your family and extended support network are more than an hour away.

Many of the players who have been 'enticed' to play at the more established clubs, are not based anywhere near the club - they would be very welcoming of a viable alternative.

 

[eastman]

Unfortunately I think the only solution is a merger of Penrith, West Harbour and Two Blues which (assuming Hunter leaves the Shute Shield after covid) gets us back to 10 teams which would also facilitate 2 full home-and-away rounds.

I reckon a better solution would be for Rugby Au/ NSW Rugby to prioritize success in a Western Sydney club above all else; if that means directing professional players, additional funding and seriously pissing off Randwick and Northern Suburbs then so be it.

A couple of years of sustained success for one of those years plus some big name players would be very significant

 

[the coach]

I reckon a better solution would be for Rugby Au/ NSW Rugby to prioritize success in a Western Sydney club above all else; if that means directing professional players, additional funding and seriously pissing off Randwick and Northern Suburbs then so be it.

A couple of years of sustained success for one of those years plus some big name players would be very significant

The problem with this is that the professional players hardly ever play for their clubs these days.

 

[wamberal]

Sadly I am pretty sure that there is no easy answer. There are probably no hard ones, either, saving the possibility of a very rich benefactor giving a lot of money to each of the struggling clubs.

 

[redblack]

I'm a little late to the party but thought I would add my two cents.

Your comment about wanting to live in the parts of Sydney where established clubs are located might be true for you and I, but for many players from Western Sydney, especially those of Polynesian backgound, it doesn't. Coogee and Bondi aren't as appealing when your family and extended support network are more than an hour away.

Many of the players who have been 'enticed' to play at the more established clubs, are not based anywhere near the club - they would be very welcoming of a viable alternative.

Sadly the other factor players who would like to go to the next level with the Tahs or their academy find it very difficult to make the journey to Daceyville and previously SFS which is very difficult for them to get to via public transport for a 7am Gym session and then training or work afterwards.It is an easier option to play with clubs closer to these facilities.
Looks like there is a brilliant development underway at our original Rugby showpiece - Concord Oval, just food for thought would the powers that be make a commitment to helping the growth areas of Sydney with a centralised training facility??

 

[I like to watch]

The problem with this is that the professional players hardly ever play for their clubs these days.

No, wallaby players and Tah starters hardly ever play.

there’s squad players who don’t make the match day team who are sent back to SS.

send 3 squad players to riff or parra, and watch them improve.

 

[Quick Hands]

Perhaps this would be better in a Shute Shield 2022 thread, but Eastwood is off to Castle Hill, supposedly from 2022:

https://eastwoodrugby.com.au/2020/11/25/new-home-ground-for-the-woods/

Great project by Eastwood. Top marks to all involved.

 

[wamberal]

Great project by Eastwood. Top marks to all involved.

Yep, looks pretty good. A bit sad for us old Woodsmen in some ways, but we had no choice really, we have to go to where our supporters live.

Equally exciting is our involvement in the Rugby Academy for Western Sydney.

 

[formerflanker]

For the next year's SS thread:
After signing a two-year deal this week, Manly Marlins are excited to announce Phil Blake as head coach, ending the search for Matt McGoldrick's replacement. (25.9.21)

 

[wamberal]

For the next year's SS thread:
After signing a two-year deal this week, Manly Marlins are excited to announce Phil Blake as head coach, ending the search for Matt McGoldrick's replacement. (25.9.21)

He had the gig a few years ago??

 

[Eyes and Ears]

time for a 2022 Thread? Or is there already one?

 

[formerflanker]

He had the gig a few years ago??

Yes. About a decade ago IIRC.

 

[Rugbynutter39]

I reckon a better solution would be for Rugby Au/ NSW Rugby to prioritize success in a Western Sydney club above all else; if that means directing professional players, additional funding and seriously pissing off Randwick and Northern Suburbs then so be it.

A couple of years of sustained success for one of those years plus some big name players would be very significant

Tahs Coleman must be listening as the league player they signed on one year contract aligned with two blues and ruan smith to wildfires - hopefully this continues with players signed out of state or other codes ie aligned to struggling clubs

 

[I like to watch]

It’s easier for him, he doesn’t have DC lobbying coaches/players to go to his club

 

[Adam84]

Two Blues seem to be making a fair few signing of players with strong credentials?
Are they due to be more competitive in 2022? And they have a new ground/stadium built as well which looks fantastic.

 

[wamberal]

Two Blues seem to be making a fair few signing of players with strong credentials?
Are they due to be more competitive in 2022? And they have a new ground/stadium built as well which looks fantastic.

Here's hoping they have turned the corner. When I was a lot younger, games against Parra were always tough contests.

 

[Rugby Head]

Awesome to see all new Tahs signings partnering with the struggling clubs. Hamdan Tuipulotu (Two Blues), Geoff Cridge (West Harbour), Ruan Smith (Wildfires) Etc...
Much better than the previous nonsense of seeing them all end up at Sydney Uni and Randwick. The Coleman influence can certainly be felt.

 

[Rugbynutter39]

Awesome to see all new Tahs signings partnering with the struggling clubs. Hamdan Tuipulotu (Two Blues), Geoff Cridge (West Harbour), Ruan Smith (Wildfires) Etc...
Much better than the previous nonsense of seeing them all end up at Sydney Uni and Randwick. The Coleman influence can certainly be felt.

+1

 

[Eyes and Ears]

Awesome to see all new Tahs signings partnering with the struggling clubs. Hamdan Tuipulotu (Two Blues), Geoff Cridge (West Harbour), Ruan Smith (Wildfires) Etc...
Much better than the previous nonsense of seeing them all end up at Sydney Uni and Randwick. The Coleman influence can certainly be felt.

It is pleasing to see and Coleman may have had an influence over it but it has also happened in the last couple of years with Tizzano (Wests) and Tepai (Two Blues). The massive Fijian try scoring winger also played at Wests.

Were there really many Tahs recruits who then joined Uni? Most people will refer to Folau from 10 years ago although he was never likely to play a club game anyway. Have there been any others? I think most of the Uni Waratahs played Colts at Uni but that is a different discussion for another day.