Des is having a cry about missing players during the origin period.I think he deserves a response from the NRL, I suggest
'We apologise that for 3 rounds out of 26 you have to field a team without your 5 origin representatives, it is fortunate that you still have 6 other current or former internationals in your squad. 11 origin or international reps in your top 25 can you show us how you manage to keep that under the salary cap?'
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I agree with him. I think the State of Origin scheduling is ridiculous.
All teams should get a bye on the week before origin.
Or just play Origin on the weekend instead of club games? What's so special about Wednesday night?
I like to know whos the 5 origin players are
As a former State of Origin player you would be (subject to brain damage caused by repeated head impacts) quite aware of when State of Origin takes place in the calendar year. You would also be aware that all players selected for State of Origin come from first grade NRL clubs. Furthermore these players are Australian citizens (subject to change according to the QRL's wishes).
As you may (or may not) remember, the team which you "coach" has a number of eligible players.
We the NRL, would like to assist teams to minimize disruption during this period, and suggest you follow in the footsteps of our marquee club the Parramatta Eels.
The Eels remain largely unaffected by the Origin period use to the following methods:
1. Only sign players that no other club wants or are injury plagued or too old.
2. Sign mainly players that were born overseas (we note you don't complain about international tests).
3. Be honest with regards to salary payments and the salary cap. If you find yourself with a good roster, ask our auditors to prohibit you signing players.
4. Stop winning games. Selectors rarely look at clubs who are not playing well.
5. If you find your players winning games, find a new game plan that nobody can follow or just don't train your players.
We look forward to seeing your revised team roster next year.