Waratahs 2025

[Derpus]

There is not really much evidence any of our players improve much over time.

 

[TSR]

I dunno - just out if the current test squad as a minimum I’d say Slipper, Frost, McReight, Valetini, Wilson, Gordon, White, Paisami & Wright all clearly improved over time. Tupou took great strides early before injuries appear to have set him back. I’m probably missing a couple.

Out of those it’s only White who improved his game OS.

I get that there are some real issues in Australian rugby and it is frustrating. I don’t understand though the need to shitcan absolutely everything. Doesn’t that just make things more depressing?

 

[cyclopath]

Aaaand, back to talking about the Waratahs...




FFS

 

[TSR]

Oops - sorry. I genuinely forgot which thread I was on (which I guess kinda underlines your point)

 

[Marce]

All the Aussie Super Rugby players should play the NPC and with the money coming from the Lions tour and 2027 RWC, RA should contract all the NPC players who are eligible for Australia. A better investment than sign old NRL superstars

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

yeah, nah.

Foley had an exceptional running game which is why he came through the 7s and then the Tahs title season it was seen countless times. Noah is a tidy organiser. Can get a job done but never lights it up. Another player benefiting from our lack of genuine playmakers.

 

[hammertimethere]

All the Aussie Super Rugby players should play the NPC and with the money coming from the Lions tour and 2027 RWC, RA should contract all the NPC players who are eligible for Australia. A better investment than sign old NRL superstars

There is great wisdom in this. Saves money, helps development, freshens players up. Impossible for it to be everyone, but as many as practical is a good start. This combined with a full Australia A program probably could fill the gap a bit until financially the game is in a position to look again at a domestic 3rd tier.

 

[dru]

What wisdom from NZRU perspective? What's that? "None", or "going backwards, less than none"? The later I think.

 

[Marce]

Just like rugby league. Most of the incomes, tickets and sponsorships come from Australia. That's how the Kiwis has a decent pool of professional players with only one professional team. NZRU should be supportive of Australian Rugby. Not even for being a good person, it's rugby disappears in Australia would be a disaster for them in terms of incomes. And soon or later the NRL is gonna chase the NZRU.