The so called leader of our game has decided to eliminate NYC on cost grounds and make it a President Cup state based competition over 20 weeks.
The major thing that NYC did was create a pathway for the younger players, visible on TV. Foxtel wanted it to continue, as did some clubs, but Greenturd made the decision to replace it. As I understand it, there will be no preliminary game before the NRL ) another break in tradition), and to compound the nonsense decision, the NZ Rugby Union will implement an U20 competition next year. When you realise that Konrad Hurrell, RTS, Kata and others moved from the school union comp in NZ on the back of NYC providing a pathway, then you can appreciate what a bone headed decision it was
Who knows , it could be correct, but the argument that clubs lost $30 million last year was a token argument, we were responsible for $12 million of that which will not be repeated. Perhaps a question needs to be asked for Greenturd, where has all the money gone, we see little flowing down the line to age competitions and Foxtel wanted NYC to continue for content on Foxleague
No explanation for any decisions out of NRL HQ, from my perspective Greenturd is the most useless , political operator, that has been in charge of the competition.
Replies
The NRL is meant to administer the game but instead they act like they own the game. They spend money without oversight or justification and make decisions without consultation or feedback.
The first thing they did when the game got its first large TV deal was build a large office building at Moore Park and fill it with executives at enormous cost to the game. Howeve there’s been no tangible benefit to the elite nrl competition or any other level of rugby league competition despite this huge increase in Human Resources and income at the Administration level.
The sooner the 16 Clubs wake up to the fact that THEY are the NRL and not the office in Moore Park the better off we’ll be. The NRL administration must be held to account for every red cent they spend. The 16 NrL clubs should have complete oversight of their finances.
What have we heard from the current mob, the need to borrow money despite the TV deal and plenty of travel etc for Grant and others.
Where is the mission statement, where is the game headed, what are we doing at grassroots
Just go to the movies and see the Gayfl ads spreading the gospel, what the hell does the media dept do at NRL, never see anything encouraging kids to play , making the game look fun. Gallop was mildly useful, not sure what word to describe Greenturd, apart from useless pelican
Having spoken to quite a few junior rep coaches, I don't necessarily think its a bad thing,
Having 18/19 years olds appearing on TV and flying around the country with the NRL squad doesn't necessarily make for grounded young men.
I think a lot of young players think they've "made it" once they get all these trappings, and don't realise that out of their entire squad if more than a couple of players end up as NRL players they're going to be very fortunate.
Personally, I'd rather see the NSW Cup and Queensland Cup properly promoted as the additional viewing option.
And I think there is a pretty compelling argument to be said that by the better kids joining up with the men at an earlier age, it is a better pathway anyway.
I actually think a mid-week Under 20 knock-out tournament (you'd include a repechage round to give teams at least two games) would be a really compelling competition to watch. That way fans get the opportunity to get a glimpse of the best young kids you have, without it being in a week-in, week-out thing and all the pressure and bullshit that comes with that.
A point to further consider is taking away part of the game day element, where although not the same as it was in 80s and 90s with 3 grades on match day, having an early game assists in crowds turning up and also those interested we're seeing players coming through the system . Being played at Ringrose on Saturdays etc doesn't attract fans who set aside a day for the footy
Again, whilst not perfect, NYC was valuable to attract athletes to our game, if you think differently fine, but I have been involved in older age group football and understand how attractive being on a bigger stage was to keep those players in the game.
Just think it's a dud decision from a dud person in control of the game
These kids are going to be required to train like professionals without the monetary advantages. Some kids don't have the same support and the game will lose some talented kids as a result. We all have different life pressures and responsibilities and we're killing off a pathway which helps these young men remained committed fully to the game.
Welcome back 60's.