Just to clarify my postion:
I have never said that SS is better than or even as good as NRC - it's clearly a level below.
I have never said that SS is a better development pathway than Aust 20s - its' not, in fact they are part of the same pathway. SS players have been picked in Aust 20s ever since I can remember and it is clearly a step up for the players involved.
I haven't raised funding at all in terms of this discussion. Once the NRC was established, I accept that the ARU won't be able to fund other competitions - certianly not in their current financial situation anyway. What they should be doing is allocate funding and/or resources to all levels of the game. Funding being tied to programmes not just cash for consolidated club funds.
I have never said, and I have never heard it seriously suggested that SS players have the same fitness levels as super players. It goes without saying that full-time professional players at super level have higher fitness levels that part-timers who have to train before and after work. In a day when straw men have been produced at records levels, that one takes the cake.
SS is good for rugby in NSW and Australia for a number of reasons. It provides a structure for development from 6s to grade and beyond, it provides a high standard of competition for participants, it is an excellent place for young aspirational players to gain skills which will stand them in good stead at higher levels, it gives much needed coverage to rugby in the local press and thus creates vital interest in the game beyond the rusted on fanatics. The idea that if some people get their way and the standard of SS is reduced and that subbies clubs will fill the void, is either based on naievety, ignorance or prejudice.