Now that NRL supremo David Smith has his new admin team in place, there’s one aspect of the game I feel needs urgent scrutiny.
I am referring to the Under 20s competition – known due to sponsorship as the Holden Cup – which should be overhauled to provide a better and more sensible pathway for these kids to the NRL.
We have seen score blowouts time and again in this young man’s comp such as the Roosters’ 54-10 result at Allianz Stadium yesterday.
We have also witnessed far too many ‘you-score, we-score’ score-lines.
To be perfectly blunt, these teams have wonderful attacking skills but defensively, they are way below where they should be. Some of the tackling attempts are cringe-worthy.
Better schooling in defence cannot always come from the coaches on the sideline, nor will it necessarily come from tackling at practice.
I say it needs to come from seasoned campaigners right there on the field – and here is a way that it can!
The Wiz proposes the ARL Commission gives some thought to making it an Under 23s competition from next year onwards. I’d like to see these Under 20 players joined by three or four over-aged players on the field of play.
These ‘seniors’ could be staples at the U23 level, they could be returning from injury or might have been dropped down from the NRL to work on some aspects of their game.
I believe their greater experience and all-round presence in an Under 23s format would add considerable starch to these promising U20s defences. The older guys would be able to show these teenagers the finer points of defence, especially how to lock up the ball-carrier and prevent off-loads.
If some sort of change isn’t forthcoming soon, I have genuine fears for the future of the Under 20s comp and if it is dumped, we will lose so many talented young footballers from our game, and probably forever.
Anyway, that’s my suggestion this week and I sure it will be met with howls of derision from one of my greatest ‘fans’ on The Roar, Jaiden Florimo.
It’s water off the Wizard’s back, champ. I’m entitled to my opinion and you, yours.
Rest assured, I’ll have another exclusive opinion for JF and the Roaring Crowd to mull over next Friday.
Before signing off, it’s great news coming out of the Sharks’ camp if early reports are true that Todd Carney is about to re-sign with the club for four more years.
Todd has done a tremendous job turning his career around after so many dramas and it would be fantastic if he stays loyal to the club that handed him what many thought would be his final chance.
I rate him as a top class five-eighth, a marquee player who can attract others to Cronulla.
Carney gives the Sharkies direction and can create opportunities when nothing is doing. He is masterly at the 40/20 caper and can make a break if the slightest gap occurs.
If he can beat his injury problems and produce his brilliant best football, the Sharks can launch a realistic challenge for the NRL title.
It may not come this season but if he is there for four more, the chance becomes a distinct possibility.
MG Burbank
Roar Guru
Bravo, Jaiden. The Wiz seems like a good guy (and was a very good player) but some of these articles need a little more thought. Not a bad idea to have an exemption for a few older players but in general, the under-20s is an outstanding innovation for the game. It's also worth noting that attack and creative skill SHOULD be the priority in these games- people don't come to the ground to see 0-0 scorelines. Defence is generally the last piece of a player's toolkit and that is hardened when they reach the top level. I don't see former under-20s players having too big a problem with defence when they hit first grade. Ultimately the gameday experience is cemented by the MAIN GAME. It's obselete to want reserves and under-23s back- the new generation couldn't care less. Look at the US: huge crowds and no leadup games at all. But yes, we need to ensure the 20s and the NSW Cup are solid competitions and from all reports they are. Big scorelines are not a big deal.
Johnno
Guest
Brad Fitler and Lockyar were fine, it doesn't mean it's the right pathway, and player development regarding injuries etc. Also the game is getting harder and the top line NRL players are physically stronger than when Fitler and Lockeyar started, so the hits are harder for the 18yr-19yrd old who has to make his debut. Mind you he is also physically conditioned better too, does it even it out, no it favours the established 1st grader more than the past angry bird in my opinion. Brad Clyde,SBW, Laurie Daley all suffered knee injuries and bad ones all by 20-22. SBW went to rugby, which is not as tough on the knees he had a few year of league. Brad clyde wasn't the same after 25 anyway. Him and laurie daley missed a lot of club games during there career, and had restricted training schedules. And all started 1st grade by 18-19.
angry bird
Guest
Eh? Johnno? SBW didn't look too burnt out yesterday..... And B Clyde never recovered from that coat hanger tackle playing against GB at old trafford in the 90's. Fittler, Lockyer were 300 plus players and had debut's' at 17... This aside, we do need to fix the 20's and the wrestle in the game is putting younger players at a higher level of injury risk than in past era's. The easy answer is that to play Nrl you need to have turned 20. This improves the standard of the 20's comp and allows players longer to develop physically, therefore building resistance to early career injury's. Just sayin. And Whiz, can you be nice to this Jaiden bloke. It's not his fault that you picked the Kiwi's.
elGusto
Roar Rookie
It may be common sense from a development sense. But you need the same brand on the jerseys to attract the fans. an examplke, as a raiders fan, i don't want to watch the mounties play with their 3 or 4 sub standard raiders players. I want to see anothony milford, in a raiders jersey, carving it up. I am 1--% sure each club has a few players like this. Additionally, It is alot easier to market as casual fans can support the same team as the NRL club theyre there to see without confusion. If it needs a change, make it u23's but you cannot change any of the branding or team structure. It is about bringing young players into a professional environment, and developing 17/18 years olds to a higher standard than SG ball etc. Not quality. Plus, who doesnt like seeing tries scored?
jonesy
Guest
To be honest, i think they should start a combined QLD, PNG, nsw, VIC, NT, ACT, WA, nz, and SA league. QLD and NSW provide a solid basis. Welcome to the minors.
Johnno
Guest
Moonshine it is a good point you raise yes. Well the Brisbane Bronco's now are doing a deal with say Ipswich Jets now as there feeder team. I'm sure there is close collaboration between the Brisbane Bronco's and the Ipswich Jet's, about issues like -Player welfare and strength and conditioning programmes -In other words closer alignment I suppose 1 advantage of having an independent reserve grade 3rd-tier like Ipswich jets/ wenty/ Newtown jets/Auckland Vucans Is it can be another source of revenue. Fans follow these independent clubs, they will not follow a reserve grade comp
Moonshine
Guest
I think the u20 is great. But I notice the AFL clubs seem to be going back to having reserve teams to have greater control over their players as I'm not sure how much control parramatta has control over Wenty players for example and I'm not sure what the financial arrangements are between the NRL and feeder clubs. However the Under 20s looks good in theory although it seems to be overpopulated with NZers who dont have a Super 15 contract and some are Ok but most dont make it and end up elsewhere...
Jaiden Florimo
Roar Rookie
Far too soft Eagle Jack. Predictions can give an indication as if you know what you are talking about or not. If you're happy to tip the Wallabies and then dismiss it as harmless fun, good luck to you. Though you wont see me going down that path. As for someone paid to give an opinion like Wizz, I expect more.
Johnno
Guest
Kepp it at under-20's -But make NSW/QLD cup stronger or merge both in other words a national 2nd division. Footy has changed since Whiz's time in the 80's and 90's. -Players are physically stronger at all levels yes, but to have 18-20 yr olds mix with hardened 22 yr olds on the pitch is not always good for them, as they would be playing vs physically more developed and mature plyers. Player welfare issues. -And in the 90's many players who started playing in the NRL burnt out as they were picked to early , and suffered injuries. -SBW and Bradley Clyde 2 examples. Yes SBW could of been better but he stuffed his knees up early, playing long grinding seasons in the NRL form 18 years of age. -Ease them into the NRL give them 1 or 2 games a year until they are 20, then just chuck them into 1st grade at 20, or the year they are turning 21 in other words. -We can't waste more money or spend more money on having an under-21's comp on top of an under-20's. -There is a big difference between a 21-23 yr old as there is a 18-20 yr old.
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
I agree there is a problem but Sideline makes a very moot point. Here is a thought why don't we teach them defence???? I also agree that reserve grade should be brought back so that we have a 3 game saturday etc
jonesy
Guest
agreed oikee.
Sideline Commentator
Guest
The biggest issue with this idea is that it will push out some of the younger emerging talent for the more experienced, but less gifted, young twenty-somethings. You're kidding yourself if you think the couches (who's job it is to win) win only put in two or three twenties. The comp lacks defensive quality, so guys with more experience in defense, particularly in the forwards, will get a run before any 18 or 19 year-olds who have little experience in this area. It will end up being teams of 22 year-olds, who aren't quite first grade quality but are simply more experienced than the raw-talent teenage guys struggling to get a run.
B.A Sports
Actually basketball struggles in this country because it is too much "you miss, we miss" from a bunch of underwhelming athletes.
oikee
Guest
Last time i looked basketball was near dead in this country because of you score i score. I was more impressed with 110 thousand turning up in Sydney for the Anzac day march.
B.A Sports
I'm with Oikee... And so is Phil Gould who is pushing to be allowed to play NSW Cup as the curtain raiser and Holden Cup before hand (where itisn't a tlevised HC match. The NSW Cup has a live game on each week on Fox this year and to date it has been significantly better quality than Holden Cup. Lets face it Holden Cup is just Jersey Flegg. The other big issue with using H/Cup as essentially the platofrm for firsts is that all the players are starting in first grade at a younger age, so at the back end of their careers, instead of being able to play until they are in their mid 30's they will be done by 29 or 30. In 10 or 15 years time first grade will look a lot like Holden Cup at this rate.
shane
Guest
it is easier to teach a try scorer to tackle than it is to teach a tackler to score a try .a player that saves three tries will always watch as the awards go to the player that scores three tries..sad but true
Meesta Cool
Guest
What is wrong with "You score,we score", ninety thousand people turned up to an AFL game yesterday to see this!. Basketball is exciting, why not see more tries, I enjoy em!.
Justin2
Guest
Id imagine that Smith has more pressing issues...
eagleJack
Guest
Predictions are generally a bit of harmless fun Jaiden. Often influenced by our passion for a particular team. The Wallabies rarely beat the All Blacks but I always seem to convince myself that this upcoming match will be different, and can list off reasons. Wiz has simply done this with the Kiwis. Not sure you should get so uptight about it
peeeko
Roar Guru
Could it be because most under 20 players are chosen on size and athletic ability rather than defensive abilities and work ethic and discipline