@Half
I like to think that I listen and will shift an opinion with reasonable argument and evidence. I've gone on this forum from being parodied as an ARU apologist to at least what seems from a few here as unsreasonable ARU hater.
WRT Soup, I longer accept that it offers something suitable for Australian rugby. That I'll admit, is not exactly the same as thinking "it is obvious that we need to go domestic" - though its probably splitting hairs.
WRT to football, my (local) team in England was the (Reading) Royals. Went to maybe half their home games and a rew away. I have a reasonable understanding of Football tribalism. My wife liked it for the crowd more than the sport. The sense of community is palpable. It can also veer to aweful evil stuff that in Europe is sometimes only a paper-thin edge away.
WRT FFA I actually have ZIP interest. I tend to at best fast scan your posts when they wander to FFA. Its not a matter of disrespect, just simple interest.
Back on a domestic comp. i still have reservations with how Begg/Papworth etc will handle whatever happens. They have shown an ability to rebel but in my mind not yet have we seen what they would do to lock in this tribalism. Right now though, I'll take Pap and Begg over Pulver (who I actually like) and Clynne. Hands down. And I'll be buried with the consequences. If thats the result.
We cant do Soup as offered and maintain a National footprint. I'm going to keep on this because it is fundamental. If they find a way to offer something that works lets reconsider. But right now there are few alternatives being discussed that to me have any reality - and all of them imo feature a domestic comp.
You boys shouting about tribalism from the SS, very good. I do like the sense of community it brings. I'm very probably going to be with you next season if Clynne continues his s orched earth policy. Let the SS sort out how they work SS teams into a National comp. that wont be easy. They didnt like how it was rushed through with NRC. OK, actually tell us what would be better.
As a final caution. If Begg, Papworth, Dwyer, Poidevin, Jones etc, take this chance and screw the grass roots by focus on only SS clubs, my reaction will be exactly the same as it is right now for Soup.
How quickly I may fall. Soup to SS. SS to Subbies. Whatever. There will be rugby somewhere.