No money
Waratahs 2021
- Thread starter RugbyReg
- Start date
No money
Derpus
Nathan Sharpe (72)
Good question. I think a big contributing factor is no home ground.
Yes Joe I'd like to see a bit of analysis about that fact. I don't think anyone disputes they are more or less broke, but I haven't seen any deep dive into why.
The only factor unique to NSW in the last 18 months has been the stadium. Surely they have taken a hit from having to relocate to the SCG/Parra/Newcastle, but how much of a hit? They may have lost members, gate takings etc, but it's not like crowds have fallen off a cliff.
Sponsorship has seemed steady enough. I'd love someone to take a look at the books and see if anything can come out of that.
I think Davis and management (Paul Doorn is CEO but is pretty new in the role so hard to point the finger at him) have more questions to answer than Penney at this point in time.
The only factor unique to NSW in the last 18 months has been the stadium. Surely they have taken a hit from having to relocate to the SCG/Parra/Newcastle, but how much of a hit? They may have lost members, gate takings etc, but it's not like crowds have fallen off a cliff.
Sponsorship has seemed steady enough. I'd love someone to take a look at the books and see if anything can come out of that.
I think Davis and management (Paul Doorn is CEO but is pretty new in the role so hard to point the finger at him) have more questions to answer than Penney at this point in time.
It's hard to know until the 2020 financials are released by NSWRU.
I have a feeling that rather than using up some of the reserves from NSWRU (which were pretty strong at 31 Dec 2019) they have decided that they will ride out 2020 and 2021 by slashing their budget (particularly this year) until they have a new home ground.
I certainly expect that they didn't think that the slashed player budget would have anywhere near the effect on the competitiveness of the team as it has had after two rounds.
I have a feeling that rather than using up some of the reserves from NSWRU (which were pretty strong at 31 Dec 2019) they have decided that they will ride out 2020 and 2021 by slashing their budget (particularly this year) until they have a new home ground.
I certainly expect that they didn't think that the slashed player budget would have anywhere near the effect on the competitiveness of the team as it has had after two rounds.
Rebels3
Jim Lenehan (48)
Agreed I think they have most likely gone the extreme caution route. The uncertainty of the tv deal, uncertainty over a season happening etc. for a long time last year would determine some level of caution.
I also wonder if Hooper is getting a portion of his future earnings paid this year, so they can free cap space to retain some of the younger players in a few years time. For example say Hooper is due to earn $400k from the Tahs the next two years, they might be paying $300k this year so the next 2 seasons they only have to pay $250k and they can invest some of that cap space into retention.
Tomikin
David Codey (61)
Lets see how you go against the Rebels / Force before calling it a massive failure, there's not to many harder tasks then Reds Suncorp (with a load of injuries) and then Brumbies GIO... Thats a hiding for nothing for any team and I dont believe anyone expected them to win those games... maybe the margins harsh. This weekend vs the Force is really there first game they have a chance in.
eastman
John Solomon (38)
Curious how you have made this assessment about Gordon? He has been captain for all of one game and was quite good for the 60 minutes he was on the field. He's also been captain of successful Sydney Uni sides and from all accounts is quite widely respected in NSW rugby.
KOB1987
John Eales (66)
Yeah I don't think it's that. More likely they have a couple of specific targets that they can't touch right now.
Adam84
Rod McCall (65)
I think blaming the reduced budget for this year ignores and excuses the downward trajectory that the Waratahs were on prior to 2021.
I definitely think it's a combination of the two but regardless of the recent trajectory, underspending your opposition by that much is never going to leave you with a decent squad. I don't think you can blame Daryl Gibson for the situation now. With the current budget you'd be able to afford a couple of players who were in the squad when he was coach which is exactly the situation we have now.
The young players coming through now forming the core of the team are what was neglected over the downturn. Partly that is because there were a lot of experienced players still in and around the Wallabies making it hard for young players to get a chance.
Also though, we didn't have the level of talent coming through over that time that is now there. A lot of these guys were part of that 2019 under 20 World Cup squad which is our first really good under 20 side in a long time.
Joe Blow
John Hipwell (52)
I just don’t see it in him Eastman. Nothing personal. They need some solid leadership and I dont think he will be able to provide it, not on his own anyway IMHO.
Finsbury Girl
Trevor Allan (34)
I like to watch
David Codey (61)
Seems to be a capable leader when he’s got the cattle to lead.
it wouldn’t matter who captains them, or coaches them.
The Tahs squad is just not fit for purpose.
Hawko
Tony Shaw (54)
I'd add Porecki as another possible positive, but I am really struggling to find any others. Maybe Maddocks. Moeroa looked half-OK though shaded by his opposite. But that's all I can find,
eastman
John Solomon (38)
I think Grant at halfback is probably quite servicable too- although he will hardly get the chance to show it.
Forcefield
Ken Catchpole (46)
I suspect that if you put the Brumbies tight five in Waratah jerseys, the rest of the team would look a damn sight better. It is easy for the whole team to look a shambles when one component is getting dusted up.
