State of the Union (origin) discussion

[WorkingClassRugger]

As someone that has skin in both a traditional states and emerging ones, I’m a born and bred QLD that’s lived in Vic for a decent amount of time. I have no interest in wanting to see the Vic players play in a watered down QLD team. Give me fire and brimstone from those that care about it. This needs to be about pride and the disdain we as QLDers have for all things NSW on a sporting field, that no other state would comprehend even tho they too have a dislike for NSW but it doesn’t come close. As mentioned numerous times from numerous people just get a Vic vs WA game on as well. Make it a sporting extravaganza for the day.

I actually think that could be our point of difference when compared to RL's event. Instead of a Victorian or West Australian having to decide to play for either NSW or QLD to be part of such an event the ability for them to represent their homes would provide viewers with much more insight as to the sources of players in the country.

 

[Bobby Sands]

Imagine if DHP got selected ahead of Tom Bank in the QLD backline to appease people from Perth.

Would be a disaster.

Also what if he get drafted for NSW the next year? Do we then have turncoat mercenaries playing for both states?

This is poorly conceived, and will become a Micky Mouse game that all the players fake injury for so they don't need to play.

Look at how the AFL botched SOO, and look at league.

Make it strict, make it mean something.

 

[Jimmy_Crouch]

Float ideas out there. See the public reactions. Make a decision.

 

[Braveheart81]

This is poorly conceived, and will become a Micky Mouse game that all the players fake injury for so they don't need to play.

This will all depend on whether it's seen and scheduled as a Wallaby trial.

 

[Silverado]

This will all depend on whether it's seen and scheduled as a Wallaby trial.

If it is a Wallaby trial then it should include all players regardless of where they are from, in which case it would a more even version of possible v probable, not SOU in the true sense and becomes another ho hum exhibition game IMO

 

[Adam84]

RA are clearly looking for additional ways to generate content within the existing resources they have.. A possibles vs probables concept has zero appeal to a broadcaster, whereas a form of state of union might at least generate some interest.

Its not the best idea in terms of logistics of who plays for whom... however the deciding factor will be whether it generates additional revenue for a broke and in debt RA...

 

[Braveheart81]

If it is a Wallaby trial then it should include all players regardless of where they are from, in which case it would a more even version of possible v probable, not SOU in the true sense and becomes another ho hum exhibition game IMO

They're trying to get the best of both worlds. Given how few players genuinely have no connection to either NSW or Queensland I think it is doable.

 

[Adam84]

if broadcasters have an interest in the concept, then RA will support it... Even if it only appeals to the QLD and NSW markets

 

[sendit]

Why not just do both?

Mid year origin NSWvQLD VicvWA

End of year possibles v probables

Origin keeps its integrity and gets money, the PvP gets the superior contest and a chance to see the best against the next best

 

[The Honey Badger]

Repeating and expanding on an earlier post.

I think its critical that the SOU teams contain the very best match day of 46 players that Aus has of Wallaby eligible players. So we need a way to invite or draft non NSW/QLD players that are in this league of top players.

Thats part of the spectacle and the appeal that will attract the fans. We are trying to create something Marketable and the higher the quality of players the better the spectacle.

Then most importantly,once formed these must be the teams to play in Super 8. No point having the Rebels and the Brumbies as the only 2 teams in Super 8 (because they finish 1 & 2 in Super AU) as this will disenfranchise the 2 biggest Rugby markets in Aus. And what happens to the Wallabies in the Reds and Tahs, they just play tiddlywinks.

 

[sendit]

Repeating and expanding on an earlier post.

I think its critical that the SOU teams contain the very best match day of 46 players that Aus has of Wallaby eligible players. So we need a way to invite or draft non NSW/QLD players that are in this league of top players.

Thats part of the spectacle and the appeal that will attract the fans. We are trying to create something Marketable and the higher the quality of players the better the spectacle.

Then most importantly,once formed these must be the teams to play in Super 8. No point having the Rebels and the Brumbies as the only 2 teams in Super 8 (because they finish 1 & 2 in Super AU) as this will disenfranchise the 2 biggest Rugby markets in Aus. And what happens to the Wallabies in the Reds and Tahs, they just play tiddlywinks.

Can we give everyone who plays a medal too just so they feel included and not left out?..........bloody hell

 

[Slim 293]

Repeating and expanding on an earlier post.

I think its critical that the SOU teams contain the very best match day of 46 players that Aus has of Wallaby eligible players. So we need a way to invite or draft non NSW/QLD players that are in this league of top players.

Thats part of the spectacle and the appeal that will attract the fans. We are trying to create something Marketable and the higher the quality of players the better the spectacle.

Then most importantly,once formed these must be the teams to play in Super 8. No point having the Rebels and the Brumbies as the only 2 teams in Super 8 (because they finish 1 & 2 in Super AU) as this will disenfranchise the 2 biggest Rugby markets in Aus. And what happens to the Wallabies in the Reds and Tahs, they just play tiddlywinks.

No, no no no no no no no.........

The whole point of a champions league style format is that the top teams advance.

If the Tahs and Reds are not good enough then they don't take part.

 

[Derpus]

No, no no no no no no no...

The whole point of a champions league style format is that the top teams advance.

If the Tahs and Reds are not good enough then they don't take part.

100

Plus Kiwis will never agree to anything that isnt a meritocracy.

 

[Adam84]

Then most importantly,once formed these must be the teams to play in Super 8. No point having the Rebels and the Brumbies as the only 2 teams in Super 8 (because they finish 1 & 2 in Super AU) as this will disenfranchise the 2 biggest Rugby markets in Aus. And what happens to the Wallabies in the Reds and Tahs, they just play tiddlywinks.

Do we choose not to have a finals series because there is a chance QLD and NSW wont make it?

 

[sendit]

Interesting to see, SOO Game 1 viewer numbers from last year

Melbourne 273,000, Adelaide 90,000 and Perth 118,000

Having a dog in the fight doesnt seem to equate to interest

 

[Derpus]

Interesting to see, SOO Game 1 viewer numbers from last year

Melbourne 273,000, Adelaide 90,000 and Perth 118,000

Having a dog in the fight doesnt seem to equate to interest

Those numbers are tiny compared to SOO in NSW and Qland

 

[sendit]

Those numbers are tiny compared to SOO in NSW and Qland

well naturally, the point was people are interested in watching something despite not being represented in the contest

 

[Slim 293]

well naturally, the point was people are interested in watching something despite not being represented in the contest

The NRL SOO is a big event......... in fact it's the biggest event in rugby league, and it's the one time of year where the non-rugby league states pay some attention to the sport......... but still, the figures aren't that great when you break them down - it's not the most viewed program of the night in those cities, and in Melbourne it's only just beating out ABC news, Masterchef and......... Anh's Brush with Fame.

I don't think rugby can just slap on a similar SOU concept and expect similar outside interest.

 

[Drew]

SoO in league is a different beast. You’re pooling players from multiple teams into two teams. This concept is more like the RL World Cup, where they just shuffle the players around and shoehorn anyone decent into a side if they don’t make their first choice. I understand the desire to create more content for the game in uncertain times, but can’t see it working. Happy to be proven wrong.

 

[sendit]

ABC news, Masterchef and... Anh's Brush with Fame.

some great tv viewing there