Shute Shield 2025

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Look from a bit higher point of view and the competition has been far more even over the last decade in regard to Premiers and make up of the table.

I’ll reconsider when Easts dominate it for 15 years like Uni did only having Eastwood throw a rock at them.

 

[Dave Beat]

The player points cap was introduced to spread the playing talent more evenly across the SS.

I don't see that it's worked all that well.

This year, for example (and this is not a criticism of Easts), Easts are minor premiers largely without the assistance of their 9 (?) Waratahs.
Good for them.

But they are now in a situation where they cannot play all their Tahs at the same time.
Not good for the fans, club, players, or NSW Rugby.

Is it time for NSW Rugby / SRU to be given the power to force clubs to release players they cannot use and / or direct players under contract to the clubs they must play for?

Should an additional player points cap be applied to all the players registered at a club, in addition to the weekly team cap?

Any thoughts?

Poor Manly didnt make the finals this year.

Your reference to Minor Premiers though - that is a huge achievement as it reflects the whole season - a number of those players didnt play.

PS Minor premiers in all other grades, also reflects a strong club and culture - 2 more rounds to go

 

[Pfitzy]

Is it time for NSW Rugby / SRU to be given the power to force clubs to release players they cannot use and / or direct players under contract to the clubs they must play for?

Cue the clubs screaming "DON'T PUNISH US FOR OUR SUCCESS!"