Subbies 2023!

[Pfitzy]

I'd suggest most wouldn't hang around and would probably be sitting at Manly, Chatswood or Woollahra getting 15 mins and then drinking all day with their mates in other grades.

There's the rub. Most of these guys aren't actually interested in playing rugby as the first priority; it's about hanging out with your mates, getting on the cans, and finding the level of commitment you want.

In terms of rugby's shrinking numbers, IMHO this change in attitude from potential player groups is as significant as demographic change.

Some players only want to commit the minimum training and playing time, and maximise the socialising time. That doesn't make them bad people but it does mean the game is eroding from the bottom up.

Big clubs have the critical mass for delivering game day experience. Small clubs struggle with having the infrastructure to do so.

In my pessimistic moments, I look ahead 10 years where we have 4 divisions of Subbies at most, and probably no division consistently fielding 4 grades.

There will be waves of growth as smaller clubs flicker out and leftover players go elsewhere, but it is a downward trend.

Short of massive Wallabies success and a rethink of the systems (we need the latter more than the former), Rugby is headed toward niche sports status, where only those on the Pro pathway are still playing. Kind of like the NFL where there isn't really a competitive social version of the game.

 

[KentwellCup>ShuteShield]

There's the rub. Most of these guys aren't actually interested in playing rugby as the first priority; it's about hanging out with your mates, getting on the cans, and finding the level of commitment you want.

In terms of rugby's shrinking numbers, IMHO this change in attitude from potential player groups is as significant as demographic change.

Some players only want to commit the minimum training and playing time, and maximise the socialising time. That doesn't make them bad people but it does mean the game is eroding from the bottom up.

Big clubs have the critical mass for delivering game day experience. Small clubs struggle with having the infrastructure to do so.

In my pessimistic moments, I look ahead 10 years where we have 4 divisions of Subbies at most, and probably no division consistently fielding 4 grades.

There will be waves of growth as smaller clubs flicker out and leftover players go elsewhere, but it is a downward trend.

Short of massive Wallabies success and a rethink of the systems (we need the latter more than the former), Rugby is headed toward niche sports status, where only those on the Pro pathway are still playing. Kind of like the NFL where there isn't really a competitive social version of the game.

Yep the systems need to change asap. Sadly I think the premier clubs would sooner have subbies die rather than lose their precious rego money.

 

[Eastcoast]

Was out at boronia #2 today, Old Soldiers putting on a clinic against Epping. Witnessed one of the great tries during the 1st grade game, off the kick off and going 50. Another mention was the bloke with the pink headgear, bold move but has a great goosey

Do you run the Subbies Instagram page? How does this make the top 3? Or were there only 3 submissions for Try of the Week this week?
Its a good try - alot of skill from the big man including the in and away - but compared to the other 2 tries its lucky to make the Podium.

 

[Oldsoldier]

Do you run the Subbies Instagram page? How does this make the top 3? Or were there only 3 submissions for Try of the Week this week?
Its a good try - alot of skill from the big man including the in and away - but compared to the other 2 tries its lucky to make the Podium.

Just pretend the jersey had black stripes

 

[Heure]

There's the rub. Most of these guys aren't actually interested in playing rugby as the first priority; it's about hanging out with your mates, getting on the cans, and finding the level of commitment you want.

In terms of rugby's shrinking numbers, IMHO this change in attitude from potential player groups is as significant as demographic change.

Some players only want to commit the minimum training and playing time, and maximise the socialising time. That doesn't make them bad people but it does mean the game is eroding from the bottom up.

Big clubs have the critical mass for delivering game day experience. Small clubs struggle with having the infrastructure to do so.

In my pessimistic moments, I look ahead 10 years where we have 4 divisions of Subbies at most, and probably no division consistently fielding 4 grades.

There will be waves of growth as smaller clubs flicker out and leftover players go elsewhere, but it is a downward trend.

Short of massive Wallabies success and a rethink of the systems (we need the latter more than the former), Rugby is headed toward niche sports status, where only those on the Pro pathway are still playing. Kind of like the NFL where there isn't really a competitive social version of the game.

Plipzy, read my previous posts please regarding the demise of grassroots rugby. The below equation will explain everything;

subbies board + trough - backbone

 

[Pfitzy]

Plipzy, read my previous posts please regarding the demise of grassroots rugby. The below equation will explain everything;

subbies board + trough - backbone

That's not an equation.

 

[HogansHeros]

Maybe it will be good for rugby in aus, get rid of subbies, 1 less cook in the kitchen. We can all play 7th or 8th grade club rugby at 5am.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

I'm going to die on the hill of Friday Night Footy would help. (I know a lot of grounds don't have adequate lighting)

Give people their Saturdays back.

 

[Denistone_Dennis]

Round 3 Preview

Div 1

Petersham vs Mosman - Petersham gave a pretty good account in 1st grade last week, despite a rough day in the lower grades. Keeping guys on the park will be critical for them. Mosman will be fresh after the bye round 1. This will be tight early, but expect Mosman to run away with it in the 2nd 40. Mosman by 15.

St Patricks vs Forest - Pats put themselves out there as contenders in a big way getting over Waverley last week. Things looking shaky at Forest and it will be interesting to see how they travel. Expect Pats to use their size to dominate this one, but Forest will fight to the end. Pats by 10.

Blue Mountains vs Waverley - Big clash this one. Huge hits will be on show here. Mountains look refreshed with some new talent in the ranks. Waverley will want to bounce back from last week. Home side just in this one. Mountains by 5.

Colleagues vs Drummoyne - Match of the Round this one for me. Drummoyne with a strong start to the season last week, while Colleagues looked a little below their best last week at Hunters Hill. Colleagues will be looking to bounce back hard in this one, and that might just be enough to get them home. Colleagues by 2.

Div 2

Lindfield vs Hawkesbury Valley - Valley put in a much better showing last week despite the lopsided result against Hills. They'll get better if they can keep their best on the park. Lindfield continuing their dominance against Epping last week, but foolishly think anybody not wearing a black and white jersey can score a good try. Valley will fight hard here, but it wont quite be enough. Lindfield by 25.

Hills vs Newport - Rumours of Newport's demise have been grossly exaggerated, despite the death-riding from one of their own supporters. Completely dominated Briars last week. Hills looked well in control last week against Valley, but Newport will be a much tougher proposition. It'll be close, but hard to go against the defending premiers. Newport by 3.

UNSW vs Epping - 2 sides that have been put away by Lindfield in recent weeks. Epping's challenge will be consistency through the game, they clearly have the talent. UNSW set piece looks solid, and that might just be enough, but if Epping get enough ball I can see it going the other way. UNSW by 5.

 

[Champagne Rugby]

Div 3

1st Grade
Knox v Harlequins: I think it will be a tough year for the Quinns whom seem to be struggling in attack and defense. Expecting Knox following their second win in two years to be full of confidence loving rugby again and to go for two wins in a row. Knox by 17
Old Iggies v Savers: Old iggies came out swinging in round 1 and would have loved to keep playing but with the bye and easter haven't played for 3 weeks, nevertheless expecting to be well drilled and to out maneuver Savers who I suspect will be a much stronger home team than when playing away. Iggies by 12
Sydney Harbour v Bobs: Harbour look like they could be one of the strongest teams this year notching 2/2, bobs looked to have regressed from last year but they are still a solid side, just think they will be outclassed by Harbour by 15.
2nd Grade
Knox v Quinns: Both teams are 1/2 Quinn's win in week 2 looked a lot more convincing and their loss was to what I guess was to a relatively strong beecroft team. Quinns by 9
Old Iggies v Savers: Savers have indicated they may not have teams for away games, not expecting them to field a great team in anyway game, whereas Iggies had a great game round 1. iggies by 23
Sydney Harbour v BOBs: Habrour played in an east jersey last week, don't know what eats grade it is but wasn't particularly impressed by their performance. BOBs look very solid this year and beat Beecroft which I think is very solid form. Bobs by 14
Colts
Knox v Easts Easts look strong this year and the tussle between gordon looked high quality, Knox cant be underestimated seeing they tied with manly and beat thinking the premier training of easts will get them over the line.
Iggies v Manly: Not sure at this one so relying on the fact Knox beat iggies, Manly drew with knox therefore Manly will win. I'm aware it s flawed logic but i just don't know enough about these teams.
Gordon v Bobs: Gordon looked good last week, Bobs on the other hand got touched up. Expecting a big win for Gordon by28

 

[TheBigArvo]

Div 5 Preview!
Colleagues vs George’s River
The new boys George’s River gave a good account of themselves last week against a strong Sea Lice side whilst Colleagues were run over by Buraneer. If the River Boys travel they should get the win by 10 in this one. Building for the grudge match vs Oatley in a couple of weeks.

River Boys by 10.

Kings vs Canterbury
Canterbury were desperately unlucky to go down after the bell last week but with Kings having the bye I’m expecting them to be fresh and to run the bigger Berries pack around.
Kings in a close one by 3.

Oatley vs Maccabi
Always a tough road trip down to Oatley at the best of time but coming off not fielding a side last week this could be a blow out, fingers crossed the Maccabi boys can get into the season . Oatley to make it 2 from 2 in this one. Oatley by 30

Blacktown vs Balmain
Normally this would be my match if the round but hard to go past the Sea Lice blockbuster. A fresh Blacktown take on last gasp winners in Balmain. Blacktown looked strong in the preseason and with new leadership things are looking up after a tough 2022. After just getting home Last week I’m tipping the Laurie Fisher magic to wear off this week and Blacktown to get up in this one.
Blacktown by 1.

North Cronulla vs Burraneer
Match of the round across all divisions for me. Great to see this game being under lights at Forshaw. Sea Lice looking strong again as always with a win over the River Boys last week. But with out there NRL import I am tipping the Burra boys to get the upset in this one and stamp there tittle claims early on this year. A try in it late.
Burraneer by 5

Bye- Dukes

 

[Pfitzy]

I'm going to die on the hill of Friday Night Footy would help. (I know a lot of grounds don't have adequate lighting)

Give people their Saturdays back.

Someone on twitter said Brisbane Subbies do Friday night. Most of their Subbies clubs are small and the competition involves some of the premier club 6th grade

 

[HogansHeros]

Someone on twitter said Brisbane Subbies do Friday night. Most of their Subbies clubs are small and the competition involves some of the premier club 6th grade

Central Coast has dabbled with running their 3rd grade (our halligans equivalent sorta) on friday nights aswell

 

[Pfitzy]

Division 4

Mac Uni v Sydney Irish - Irish didn't get away from Saints until late last week, and the students got a big win over Chatswood on the strength of about 3 individuals. Still, men in green have a solid set piece and strike power out wide.

Saints v Merrylands - while the Wolves should take this on the basis of size and speed, they'll need to clean up their ruck discipline to make it convincing.

Renegades v Chatswood - backing the boys to get there despite last week's setback. Not underestimating the Stags at all, but we're better organised this week.

Redfield v Rockdale - long trip for the returning club, and they had a few guys back up at home last week. Redfield did as well, but are fit and have class.

Wakehurst v Raptors - the home side had a big win last week, and whether it was due to Rockdale being short on numbers is cancelled out by the fact they're at home. They should win handily

 

[Heure]

Can the admin start to censor posts reviewing games below Div2 as no one wants to hear about it

 

[oldmate11]

Can the admin start to censor posts reviewing games below Div2 as no one wants to hear about it

I’ll be sure to keep my analysis only at crEpping for you then

 

[Eastcoast]

Can the admin start to censor posts reviewing games below Div2 as no one wants to hear about it

To contrary belief - I disagree with this statement - Its great to hear from every Division and how each team is tracking along from Week to Week.

Div 1 Predictions after going 3/4 last week

HH with the Bye - Allows a good preparation for a Strong Mosman outfit next week.

Petersham - Mosman - Mosman should get the win here, however Petersham were improved from last year. They let some soft tries in last week, so will look to fix that up. Mosman will still be too good - Mosman by 10

Colleagues - Drummoyne. Colleagues will be too well drilled for Drummoyne this week. Drummoyne scored some good tries which came from Petershams lapses in concentration. Colleagues wont do that this week. The blue will get the first win of the season. Colleagues by 8

St Pats - Forest - Both teams much better than last year. Feel for Forest a bit as the scoreline blew out at the end of the game but they played better than the scoreline showed. St Pats have a much better balanced team this year so will be pushing all sides in the comp. Some very solid defense from St Pats to finish the game last week after a lucky break away put them in front. St Pats by 6

Blue Mountains - Waverley - Rumours of turmoil at Waverley - Reduced numbers (Still 4 grades and Colts) but they used to have 5 and colts comfortably - Players not willing to travel up to Lapstone. This will be another close game, but Mountains may take it in front of a loud home crowd. Mountains by 3 late.

 

[Denistone_Dennis]

Its deadset all happening, forfeits everywhere....

Next thing for subbies to sort out will be this Womens 7s stuff. My club's about to be bitten in a bum by it 2 weeks in a row, with massive gaps between our games to accommodate these additional games that we aren't a part of. All of us want to make the Womens game successful, but making the length of time between 3s and 2s on game day even longer helps no one.

 

[sterlingmortlocksgloves]

Do you run the Subbies Instagram page? How does this make the top 3? Or were there only 3 submissions for Try of the Week this week

I don’t but good to see the Subbies IG admins know talent when they see it

 

[sterlingmortlocksgloves]

Another Forfeit with Hawkesbury colts not making the trip to Soldiers Memorial Park tomorrow.