Sydney Subbies 2025

[Pfitzy]

5/6 Div 2 (only exception being Irish which is understandable) teams have shown they can conformably field a 4th grade so why drop it?

It's 5 out of 6 teams currently in the division. But it is 5 out of 8 teams that would help that division achieve stability.

Whose not to say Irish has a relatively successful year and next year builds again to field a 4th grade? And if a Div 3 club with colts takes the jump, you've got it all sorted. However, I know it sounds easier than it is.

Everything does

However, talking to people from Irish and English community rugby, their take is that clubs whould really be competitive at 2 Grades (As and Reserves) and then put age teams (Colts at 21/20/19) to make the link to their juniors.

It isn't that different from how Subbies is structured at the top end: First Grade, Second Grade, Colts, the rest.

 

[The Wombat]

Not talking about Forest directly, but I find this attitude from players puzzling if it is at all accurate.

All I hear about is how guys want to play for a club and why would they go somewhere else.

Yet anyone getting punted from Div 1 immediately starts flapping their hands about losing players from their top end stocks.

I think it is more clubs worried about their loss of prestige. And if they have a great culture then what is there to worry about?

We're all in the same amateur comp ffs...

It definitely plays a roll for the top talent. They might step down from a shute shield club for subbies div 1 but not anything below. For example, it’s doubtful Blue Mountains build the first grade squad they’ve had over the last couple of years if they were in Div 2 or lower

 

[The Wombat]

I'd say there's a very solid list of clubs who've been promoted in Div 1 from Div 2 and become a permanent fixture there since. In my time in the comp, we've seen Blue Mountains and Waverley come up and become heavyweights. Hunters Hill went up and down a bit before solidifying and becoming heavyweights, even Lindfield was up and reasonably strong before going down due to a player payment scandal, but they've found their way back and look strong again.

I'd say the bigger jump is from Div 3 to Div 2 tbh..

My initial questions refers to those “below Div 2.” I agree, that’s where the gap is. Waverley is a notable example of making the jump but even that was quite awhile ago. Newport would qualify if they can hang around in Div 1 but depth issues may test them.

 

[The ultimate ressie]

What do we all think is the hardest away trip?
For me it's Newport.
Can sometimes be a long silent drive home or a splendid bus trip if you're that way inclined

 

[Odyssey_Park the 2nd]

What do we all think is the hardest away trip?
For me it's Newport.
Can sometimes be a long silent drive home or a splendid bus trip if you're that way inclined

Surely the trip up to Lapstone has to be up there. Especially mid winter when the temperature drops and the big boys hit hard.

Personally i dislike the inner city trips where you can get caught in traffic, have issues parking etc.

 

[Pfitzy]

Personally i dislike the inner city trips where you can get caught in traffic, have issues parking etc.

^^^ all of this.

Older grounds where the infrastructure simply isn't there and councils don't give a shit because it's $$$ in the bank when they can send them parking inspectors around for a quick win.

 

[The Ghost of Bernie]

What do we all think is the hardest away trip?
For me it's Newport.
Can sometimes be a long silent drive home or a splendid bus trip if you're that way inclined

When Menai where around the trip south through Saturday morning traffic to Bardon Ridge was never meet with enthusiasm. And the ground itself, had the potential to be the coldest place in Sydney when the wind was doing its thing.

 

[CrashBandicoot2]

What do we all think is the hardest away trip?
For me it's Newport.
Can sometimes be a long silent drive home or a splendid bus trip if you're that way inclined

Great topic,

Newport is tough, but having won my last two games in 1's there, it can also be rewarding to listen to the crowd go a bit quiet before turning personal with the insults.

A tough away trip is usually Old Solider. Rock hard cricket pitch, feral crowd, and generally a tough match up. Only to be fixed if you manage to play at Ladies Day. Waverley falls into the same boat when they were sweeping everyone

 

[The ultimate ressie]

Great topic,

Newport is tough, but having won my last two games in 1's there, it can also be rewarding to listen to the crowd go a bit quiet before turning personal with the insults.

A tough away trip is usually Old Solider. Rock hard cricket pitch, feral crowd, and generally a tough match up. Only to be fixed if you manage to play at Ladies Day. Waverley falls into the same boat when they were sweeping everyone

I still lose sleep thinking about standing under the posts at the club house end of old soilder on there ladies day getting sprayed by a very well oiled crowd

 

[thetraitor]

What is the news out of Forest apart from Colts? Any drop off in players with the drop to Div 2?

Forest 1s & 2s had a full contact hitout last night, to make up for trials being cancelled.

1st grade was almost entirely the same squad as last year, with a couple of graduated Colts. They looked sharp.

 

[CrashBandicoot2]

I still lose sleep thinking about standing under the posts at the club house end of old soilder on there ladies day getting sprayed by a very well oiled crowd

I responded to a bit of banter one game as a youngster. Didnt hear the end of it.

Forest 1s & 2s had a full contact hitout last night, to make up for trials being cancelled.

1st grade was almost entirely the same squad as last year, with a couple of graduated Colts. They looked sharp.

For me - Forest will take lessons from Kentwell and win Barraclough.

Wont make a call on CCs yet

 

[KentwellCup>ShuteShield]

Anymore words on SS players coming on down to the promised land? aka subbies. I've already given up some juicy ones with Colleagues and Waverley.

Surely Newport has got some rats on board.

 

[RugbyLeaugeGuru]

Great topic,

Newport is tough, but having won my last two games in 1's there, it can also be rewarding to listen to the crowd go a bit quiet before turning personal with the insults.

A tough away trip is usually Old Solider. Rock hard cricket pitch, feral crowd, and generally a tough match up. Only to be fixed if you manage to play at Ladies Day. Waverley falls into the same boat when they were sweeping everyone

I completely agree going up to Newport and beating them is quite funny in their reactions.
Does make for an awesome bus trip back when you win.

 

[Heavyd]

I completely agree going up to Newport and beating them is quite funny in their reactions.
Does make for an awesome bus trip back when you win.

These must be distant memories as Newport hasn’t lost many over the last 2 or 3 seasons at home.

 

[rugbyman03]

Out of curiosity, where do UNSW recruit most of their players from (particularly colts)? Are they students of UNSW who are keen to play rugby, and then continue on to grade?

Is there a reason why this can't be replicated at Macquarie Uni? MQ have historically been a strong club (even had a couple of years in Shute Shield in 70s I believe) and now seem to struggle with numbers/talent.

 

[Odyssey_Park the 2nd]

These must be distant memories as Newport hasn’t lost many over the last 2 or 3 seasons at home.

HeavyD is back!!!
Let the 2025 season commence!

 

[crushermoran]

Divisional changes occurring as we speak. I for one can not believe we are still talking about this!

 

[Pfitzy]

Divisional changes occurring as we speak. I for one can not believe we are still talking about this!

Life comes at ya fast

 

[Odyssey_Park the 2nd]

Life comes at ya fast

When are you taking over things Pfitzy? We need some common sense running things.

 

[Pfitzy]

When are you taking over things Pfitzy? We need some common sense running things.

As soon as I get carte blanche from the Powers That Be to get things moving in the right direction

(Hair and beard not included)