No - that’s not what I’m saying at all. But if you can’t see that, which I think is pretty obvious, there is no point us exchanging views.
PS I’d be greatly surprised if the great majority of the Australian rugby community is offended.
In all seriousness I do get what you saying in part. I also think its safe to say the majority of the community wont be offended as they don't know nor care about the actual game.
It just the "this" represents a continuation of a failing concept and views that after years and years still have no advanced the game. For many it again represents the NSW / QLD bias many dislike and reinforces the non-national views. Its also club competion in NSW that looks like it actively compromised the NRCs success and is failing to provide for the Tahs which in turn is hurting the game holistically.
If you step back and look at the philosophies it and the challenges facing the game its an interesting and complex situation. NSW & QLD are built on club rugby. Where as other RU's have less strength at the club level and need an NRC to both promote and develop players and build relevancy in the local sporting communities.
Sadly, the Shute Shield has become a divisive product that is perceived to coveted and protected by a powerful few that is simply no longer producing for the game. To it's credit, the NSWRU NRC ventures did try to embrace the private investment model but again to many it still looked like the Shute has a hand in its failing. The QRU was never able to, or choose not to get that private investment which many perceived as a control thing which is not what the games needs to broaden its revenue base.
But getting back to the key issue that started this; If it was called anything that didn't have a national connation in it, it would not appear to be QLD and NSW at its egotistical best and we wouldn't even be having this conversation.
But old habits and naïve attitudes continue to avail. A good interstate club game is a good thing. Being tone deaf is not.
