Which clubs are the Class of 2010 going to?

[Lee Grant]

Eyes and Ears posted this in another thread but I think it deserves a separate one:

Now that the season is over, where will the star Yr 12 boys be playing next year? Union or the dark side? If union, grade or colts? And of course, which club?

Please write definite info only.

Also - If you know for sure they have been picked in one of the academies then nominate whether as a professional or amateur.

Thang Q

 

[groger]

roach, gordon
Luani, tigers
Apo, west harbour

 

[observer]

roach, gordon

His father is a West Harbour stalwart, having played 1st grade and a former director of the club. I would be surprised by this one.

 

[AussieDominance]

His father is a West Harbour stalwart, having played 1st grade and a former director of the club. I would be surprised by this one.

I think knowing Roachy's talent since he was young Gordon have made what you would say is a concerted effort to look after him. More likely to go to Uni than West Harbour I think.

 

[AussieDominance]

Uni sought meetings with Melrose, Connor, Ingate and a few others.

Jed Gillespie is Eastwood born and bred so will head to the Woods.

 

[observer]

Uni sought meetings with Melrose, Connor, Ingate and a few others.

I understand the Woodies have also spoken with the Kings connection. Luke Keary (NSW1), Declan Smith (NSW!) and Josh Calderon (NSW2) all to the Woods. Lindsay Crook (QLD 1 & Aussie Schools wing) is also a chance but there is a tug-of-war for his signature with a number of clubs in the chase.

 

[Upright]

Uni sought meetings with Melrose, Connor, Ingate and a few others.

Jed Gillespie is Eastwood born and bred so will head to the Woods.

Don't be too impressed with the "sought meetings" line.My observation is that Uni approach everyone who has been in either NTS or NSW schools and make what on the surface appears to be a rather impressive offer.Remember they have been doing it for four or five years but a quick check of their Shute Shield and Colin Caird Shield (2nd grade) teams doesn't reveal many who have come through their colts. Boys need to think long and hard about where they will play and why they are playing once they leave school. Gilmore (Manly) McCaffery (Gordon) and Carmichael (Gordon) are three who I believe turned down Uni this year to play with the clubs they represented as juniors and all three are having strong seasons in Colts I for those clubs. Cheers to young Gillespie if he is going to the Woods after school as that's his club. I wonder if others will follow his lead?

 

[rugbyfan]

Any Kings players going to Parra? Considering Kings is located at Parra?

 

[Bruce Ross]

My observation is that Uni approach everyone who has been in either NTS or NSW schools.

You are misinformed.

 

[wamberal]

Any Kings players going to Parra? Considering Kings is located at Parra?

Playing for Parramatta would be beneath them. Sadly.

 

[the berries]

Poor Parra, they really got shafted by Fitzgerald, lost their club house ect. They no longer have anything to offer quality young players. Then in a sence neither do the most of the other first grade clubs. All big promises with very little money to spread about. League continues to pick the guts out of our ranks. If I was young and playing at these young mens ability I would search for a life time pathway. ie apprenticeship , Uni placement and fees combo, ect. Not seek the fast league dollar.
Just a thought.

 

[Bruce Ross]

If I was young and playing at these young mens ability I would search for a life time pathway. ie apprenticeship , Uni placement and fees combo, ect. Not seek the fast league dollar.
Just a thought.

While I agree strongly with your sentiments here, tb, I am confused by your mention of "Uni placement and fees combo". Could you expand on this, please?

 

[rugbyfan]

While I agree strongly with your sentiments here, tb, I am confused by your mention of "Uni placement and fees combo". Could you expand on this, please?

That you get a spot at University, and have your fee's looked after (reduced).

What about Auggies - probably heading to Rats or Marlins?

 

[Goldenone]

The decline of schools rugby at the CHS level can also be seen at Randwick.Although they still attract good players by virtue of its reputation,and are still competetive across the grades,the flow-on from the local schools is in a pretty bad state.In the "glory days",the movement of boys from schools such as Randwick,Matraville etc is now all but gone.We know what Matravuille provided !!Sure,they might get some from the local GPS schools but they generally go "you-know-where" or to Easts.My point is,how can clubs such as these,with "only" a reputation to attract players hope to compete with the more affluent or well connected clubs that the elite schoolboy players seem to gravitate to.They can't all play first grade!!!

 

[blues recovery]

Playing for Parramatta would be beneath them. Sadly.

Can tell you that Parramatta has made a direct approach to at least four Kings first 15 players already with a very positive response. Parramatta will be a different club next year with new coaching director appointment of Glen Cristini , an excellent off season program supported by the ARU , a strong financial position and plenty of ambition. the comment that the club will have nothing to offer young players is ill informed and the writer will have significant egg on their face this time next year.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Loyalty to village club/districts does not seem to be a key priority for the top echelon schoolboy players.

Neither should it be. Rugby is a genuine career option, and who can blame the kids for trying to maximise their future earnings potential, regardless of the geographic accident of where they first played footy.

Loyalty is a two way street. If the clubs are genuinely loyal to their juniors, then we could perhaps expect a degree of loyalty to be shown from aspiring professional players.

Rugby is a business for the clubs, and who can blame them for trying to maximise the chances of premiership success by assembling the best team of players they can get, regardless of where they played their first game of footy.

I do not see much evidence of clubs being prepared to take on "one of their own" over a star import.

 

[supporter]

Don't be too impressed with the "sought meetings" line.My observation is that Uni approach everyone who has been in either NTS or NSW schools and make what on the surface appears to be a rather impressive offer.Remember they have been doing it for four or five years but a quick check of their Shute Shield and Colin Caird Shield (2nd grade) teams doesn't reveal many who have come through their colts. Boys need to think long and hard about where they will play and why they are playing once they leave school.
-------------------------

My son was playing for sydney uni on the state champioship. His first year at syd Uni as we moved from Canberra. I contacted one of their coaches that my son need support for his preseason but since then nothing I get from them so far. We are so close to West Harbour (10 minutes drive) for him to use the club gym and there's a possibility for him for join West Harbour if syd uni does'nt have a preseason program or response to my request. Anyone have any idea about syd uni junior development?

 

[AussieDominance]

Can tell you that Parramatta has made a direct approach to at least four Kings first 15 players already with a very positive response. Parramatta will be a different club next year with new coaching director appointment of Glen Cristini , an excellent off season program supported by the ARU , a strong financial position and plenty of ambition. the comment that the club will have nothing to offer young players is ill informed and the writer will have significant egg on their face this time next year.

A club takes more than a year to turn around/rebuild. Whilst I appreciate your hope, I can't see Tom Connor and Guy Millar especially heading to Parramatta.

 

[AussieDominance]

You are misinformed.

Very misinformed Bruce.

Upright - You realise that each club has a points cap. With Uni's resources they have the ability to choose who they target instead of targeting every schoolboy.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

I have never really had the points system explained, but I am told that there is a discount if the player was with the club at colts. There is no additional benefit if the player was with the club for all their junior footy (since under 6's).

If that is indeed the case, it is understandable that clubs are chasing colts recruits for less than altruist reasons.