Dillon looks like he could lose a keg or 2 though.
They would love to have Goldsbrough available too
Prass offers that massive left boot though
The Ghost of Raelene
Nick Farr-Jones (63)
That’s his build. Got the Kafer midfield rig not the garden-bachop.
Yeah fair. Strength through the hips.
Think Enasio was the dominant 13 through the SR19s. Be interested to see how the selectors view those two.
Other headache they will have is picking a 15. Wilcox vs Harvey.
Seems good signs if there’s a lot of players battling for positions. The commentators said there was another 30odd players that were disappointed not to get the call up. I’m optimistic we might be sorting out our pathways.
The Ghost of Raelene
Nick Farr-Jones (63)
I’ve said it since it started but splitting from Aus Schools was a needed change. It didn’t sit right with a lot of old heads but it was ANOTHER seperate body in the middle of the system. We now get players involved in the pro coaching and franchise ranks that we want them to play in for the next decade.
I’m glad Aus Schools and Barbarians still exist as the 3rd, 4th national rep side as it gives more players a chance to continue games at a higher standard than just Schools. We go from 30 a year to 60+
I’m glad Aus Schools and Barbarians still exist as the 3rd, 4th national rep side as it gives more players a chance to continue games at a higher standard than just Schools. We go from 30 a year to 60+
Wilson
John Eales (66)
Yeah, there's no sense in it being the pinnacle of the age group system anymore, but we do need those 3rd and 4th string sides at that under 18 level, given how many of the top players in each cohort will end up in league. Arguably we should also be exploring 2nd NSW and QLD sides for comps 18 and below as well, to ensure we've got a wide enough net early on.
The Ghost of Raelene
Nick Farr-Jones (63)
They have had the 2nd NSW and QLD in most years. Think they called it Grey in QLD and White in NSW. Good games for them when there are exceptional players who may be the deemed the 2nd best 12 in NSW or QLD but you could be the 2nd best in the country and just unlucky.
Next step in my mind is NSW and QLD to field two sides in the 19s. I know ACT has won it but the players all come out of NSW and QLD. That comp needs more good games.
Next step in my mind is NSW and QLD to field two sides in the 19s. I know ACT has won it but the players all come out of NSW and QLD. That comp needs more good games.
Wilson
John Eales (66)
Yeah, I'm talking the 19s and 16s specifically, where they have the full super comp. The extra teams get a bit of game time in the years where they're only really playing NSW v QLD, but those 16s and 19s comps could really benefit from more teams or more rugby. Will become particularly important if they can't keep the Rebels sides going, though you'd want to find away to still incorporate the Victorian talent. Not sure you can do combined states or barbarians at that level though, costs and logistics become very hairy.
The Ghost of Raelene
Nick Farr-Jones (63)
Victoria is a tricky problem for RA as they produce enough talent to justify effort. If it’s just left 1,2 will move to NSW, QLD each year but that’s a wither and die approach as the NRL will slow build and absorb those kids.
Id like to see ACT take a lead down there and use the system to prop up what is falling away in Canberra. As a Tahs fan I wouldn’t have an issue with the Brums having claim over Vic juniors.
Id like to see ACT take a lead down there and use the system to prop up what is falling away in Canberra. As a Tahs fan I wouldn’t have an issue with the Brums having claim over Vic juniors.
Wilson
John Eales (66)
Hopefully they (or someone else) does, but it's worth noting that no state (NSW or otherwise) can claim any sort of opposition to another stepping in to support Vic juniors and bring them through. There might be some issues with overlap if multiple step in that RA would have to manage, but I see almost 0 risk of multiple unions stumping up to support Victorian junior rugby programs.
WorkingClassRugger
Michael Lynagh (62)
I'd like to see Vic kept alongside NSW and Qld having 2nd sides.
Rudderless
Arch Winning (36)
Not even one u19 or u20 player from Victoria was chosen in Chris Whitakers 32 man extended squad…surely there was a kid with talent worthy of a spot.
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The Ghost of Raelene
Nick Farr-Jones (63)
Almost need a MoU though because we all know there would be a blow up if suddenly blokes in Tah polos were running coaching. Better someone take some control then kids float around and just get nabbed to play colts in SS or HC and who knows what development goes into them.
Maybe. I hope there is the talent but also have to justify someone being dropped out of the squad. Watching the u19s games and a lot of the top players for the Rebels tend to come from interstate for a chance.