Preseason favourites to battle for NRC title

Many have. My point is players signed before the NRC, when they have played multiple seasons of NRC isn’t evidence the NRC is ignored.

Curious, you have been on the other side of this argument previously. "The franchises keep 1 or 2 spots open" just in case. Are you using an edge case to argue the point?

In your Banks example, he was already contracted to the Reds when he played for Qld Country. Again, I am not saying NRC isn't working, just that it isn't responsible for the talent spotting, it is more of a test environment for prospects. There are great players that would have been otherwise invisible, making their bones in the comp. The Force players that have been poached to Super rugby this year were on the radar long before this years NRC - It may be the first time the the East coast public would have seen them but they have developed in the main team or come through the Force academy. The modern model has the players being contracted into the academies at school age. It is what has to be done to stop our Locks playing Basketball and AFL and our Centers going to League. I was curious to know how my local school state was able to offer 11 year old boys and girls "Gifted and talented" AFL spots straight out of primary school. It turns out that it is co-funded by the AFL. So, the AFL model is: promote and subsidize clubs from u5's, Start elite Programs in Highschools, pipeline the kids into the Academies and premier clubs then onto the franchises. RA's approach is to pay a select number of high profile players Millions on long contracts and hope the kids who's parents are paying many $100's in fees every year will keep playing because they idolize players. I understand that the franchises and RA actually do a bit more but it is invisible to the public and is no where as effective as the competition.

Brett I haven't a clue. Please explain their involvements.

Say it were true and he had wanted to say it, what would he have said..."Gee, we wanted to have another crack, but our minerals are in an electoral handbag"? He owned it as any administrator should, but that the second tome around the clubs thought they would have an ownership probably tells you why the ARC got shot. The last few years have shown them the sharp scalpel of financial reality, but it seems they still don't want to hear it and cling to their delusions.

Brett, My previous comment referred to the NRC.. I am happy to below Matt Carroll's explanations on the ARC, arn't you?

Which specific Sydney Clubs are you referring to? Not Easts or Randwick they both went with NSW COUNTRY EAGLES,due to financial concerns initiated bythe ARU. Their Presidents,John Murray and Bob Dwyer are fairly easy to contact, give them a call,Brett.

I specifically remember Kerevi looked ok off the bench for the Reds in 2014 and then proceeded to light up the NRC until I think he was injured. I think from then he was always a Super Rugby starter if fit.

Brett, Brisbane Times article at the time, no mention of any Sydney (or Brisbane) Club Presidents. ''ARC scrapped after one season December 18, 2007, 9.28pm ''After just one season, the Australian Rugby Union has decided to scrap the Australian Rugby Championship (ARC) after the competition suffered a $4.7 million loss in 2007. A thorough review of the tournament revealed it was more than $2 million over the ARU's budgeted investment, plus there was a forecast of a further $3.3 million in losses next season. The cumulative loss of $8 million in just two years would be fiscally irresponsible, the ARU said. "Strong leadership is paramount to the success of our game and, to that end, there are times when tough decisions need to be taken," said ARU deputy chief executive Matt Carroll. "Continuing with the ARC was considered by the (ARU) board to be an untenable financial risk for the ARU and rugby as a whole." The ARU did say the failed league achieved many player development goals and the Union remained committed to improving talent pathways for players and coaches and expanding the game nationally. "While the format of ARC and the stakeholder investment strategy has proven to be flawed, the concept of an affordable high-quality rugby competition remains a key strategy," Carroll said. "We want to reach a full understanding and agreement on the most appropriate structure for the game in this country." From memory when the NRC commenced the ARU wanted Easts & Randwick & probably other clubs to ''underwrite'' a NRC team. Easts refused as they did not want to risk ''insolvency''

Fereti Sa’aga At the Rebels would be one. NRC squad in 2014 I believe. Played in 2015. Training squad for 2017 and then a full time contract after making his debut in 2017. Jordan Uelese also came through the NRC in 2015, played a trial in 2016 and has worked his way to where he is.

But even considering that is a little ignorant. For example Rory O’Conner was signed by the Tahs before last years NRC. But he also player I think every single season of NRC prior to 2018.

Plus it’s just repeating what nearly sent Welsh Rugby to the wall

Rubbish. JON came in and cut it because the Sydney loud mouth clubs were offside. Any saving from cutting the ARC was blown by corporate costs which grew under JON.

To be honest, I'd be half tempted to say they should just be given their head within the NRC. If NSW and Q'ld decide they want to put a couple of their clubs in, let them. But the rest don't need to dumb it down if they don't want to...still have the Drua, Force, Rebels and Vikings as are. And seeing as there are going to be some suburban clubs in it, maybe take the opportunity to introduce a team from each of the Newcastle/Hunter and Adelaide...they won't be so far out of place then that what would amount to state teams couldn't make up any gap. But if any supporters of a club comp feel that wouldn't be fair, then they should come out and explain why having teams playing a lesser standard of rugby is going to help.