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An avid supporter of the National Rugby League (NRL) and advocate for all things Rugby League, taking an expansionist view of the game - particularly the growth of the International game, English Super League, Oztag and reserve grade - in the effort to #growrugbyleague
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In 2010, the NRL adopted their own version of an all-stars concept which pitted a fan-voted squad involving at least one player per club…
In 2020, the restart to the NRL season on May 28 saw a raft of rule changes that shaped the game dramatically, notably the…
With just under six weeks out from the kick-off to the upcoming NRL season, I looked into the crystal ball for 2021 and conjured…
At the halfway point of the 2020 NRL season, I discussed who the most valuable player was for each club. My argument was that…
Another storm is brewing in the Victorian capital with the potential to prolong the club’s past decade of success and usher in another ten-year…
For years, rugby league fans always wondered if State of Origin would work better if it was played in the NRL’s postseason rather than…
Due to the COVID-affected sporting calendar, the NRL made the unprecedented decision to move the State of Origin series to the post-season and have…
There has been plenty of conjecture each year the Dally M award ceremony has been held, mainly surrounding the current process in which the…
Everyone loves an underdog, and that sentiment cannot be expressed stronger than the displays of the proud and passionate New Zealand Warriors club in…
State of Origin was born in 1980, pitting New South Wales against Queensland, in a three-game series played under residential eligibility rules. After two…
Prior to COVID, it was exciting that ANZ and Allianz stadiums were to receive some much-needed upgrading, with the NSW government pledging $1.8 billion…
The recent signing of Sonny Bill Williams to the Sydney Roosters has sparked an outcry of unfairness and controversy among supporters of the game.…
After looking at the bottom eight teams yesterday, let's move on to the MVPs for the top eight clubs. Manly Sea Eagles: Tom Trbojevic…
The following is a list of most valuable players (MVPs) for each NRL club currently languishing in the bottom eight of the ladder. The…
The prospect of a second COVID-19 wave across Australia is feeling more and more like a matter of when, not if, the further we…
On March 10, the NRL suspended Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs players Jayden Okunbor and Corey Harawira-Naera indefinitely for their role in an act of consensual sex…
The third and final article for my post-COVID rugby league vision will be rapid-firing a range of topics surrounding the game. If you missed…
I hope everybody reading this article is praising our new rugby league god, Peter V’landys - the messiah who prevailed through all the adversity…
For the past 27 years I have been a supporter of my beloved Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, although last night’s 42-6 drubbing at the hands of…
The recommencement of the NRL season saw the introduction of the new set-restart rule giving teams a fresh set of six for ruck infringements…
Hi TB,
It isn’t necessarily the winner that the public are up in arms about – it’s usually the process in how it is done and the public perception that an ex NRL player judging the game doesn’t vote correctly. Best way to mitigate that stigma is to have multiple judges vote for one game whether it be rating each player 1-10 or 3-2-1.
Another issue I highlighted is how they determine the best players in their position – the process is as clear as mud.
The awards still seem to be media driven rather than NRL driven – despite the prestige of the award.
ALTHOUGH the process for the RLPA award is completely player driven and determined by their votes, which has seemingly gained a lot of traction as the more sought after individual player award (as it is determined by 400 of their peers)
Overhauling the Dally M voting process is best and fairest
Hi Paul,
I actually am a fan of the 1-10 rating system as that example you provided is probably the best way to demonstrate a rating from player performance rather than forcing 3-2-1 voting for the “three best on the field”. Issue with that again would probably be the judging system – but it would no doubt be fairer than the current system.
And the same 15 judges each game is a big ask – maybe 10 or 5 with different experiences in the game would be more plausible. Plus asking them to do this wouldnt be for free. Dream job would be to get paid to watch the footy hahaha.
Overhauling the Dally M voting process is best and fairest
In my opinion it shouldn’t because Lebanon is still a tier two nation and Josh is still aligned with NSW – he effectively fits the criteria I believe should be set out which is:
1. Must have grown up and played all or majority of junior footy in said state;
2. Align with Australia as your tier one nation, regardless if you qualify for a tier 2 nation
The best rugby league players don’t have to play State of Origin
Hi Greg,
My opinion for not letting NZ or England players participate in State of Origin is the fact they’re tier one nations.
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There is an argument that if you grew up in one of the states but have tier one heritage (e.g. hypothetically if Kalyn Ponga chose NZ) that you should be able to play – but ultimately with this concept still utilised as a Kangaroos trial then players that cannot play for Australia (tier one reps aligning with nz or eng) effectively take up a spot.
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I am a strong supporter of the international game, so this isnt the matter of strengthening Australia, because if tier two nations satisfy the stated criteria then I dont mind if they play SOO, I just feel that NZ should play England in their own three-game series during origin for more rep exposure.
The best rugby league players don’t have to play State of Origin
I agree with tier two reps that grew up in NSW/QLD turning out for their respective side as long as they also align with Aus as their tier 1 nation. Any player aligned to NZ or England shouldn’t be able to play.
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I still believe SOO is used as the main focal point for the makeup of the Kangaroos squad. Besides Keary, Meninga has chosen squads filled with SOO reps.
The best rugby league players don’t have to play State of Origin
The passion for country and state may be similar for some, especially for those that have choices. That isn’t the issue. I just feel Kiwi and Englishmen shouldn’t be able to play considering their stance in the game as tier one nations. There is an argument that if a Kiwi or Pom grows up in NSW or QLD then why shouldnt they be picked, but I am still not a fan.
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On Tonga/Samoa/PNG/Fiji/Lebanon/Italy etc. these tier two nations have not got the same professional setup as the tier one nations do, therefore if a tier two rep can satisfy criteria that their juniors and upbringing falls in NSW/QLD then why not let them play? So’s long as they also choose Australia as their tier one nation. This means someone like Josh Mansour could be passionate for where he grew up (NSW) and his heritage (Lebanon).
The best rugby league players don’t have to play State of Origin
The Tigers should play out of the new Liverpool stadium when/if it is built – despite the fact their centre of excellence is currently being built in Concord. I also agree that Central Coast needs more use from a RL club – most fitting would be Manly but not if they get a new Brookie Oval. Highly doubt the CC Bears will be gaining a licence any time soon..
Can government funding for NSW stadia still be justified?
NOIP, you factor in some very relevant points. Sydney peak hour is a nightmare and public transport to Nth Beaches is practically non-existent. All the ‘Connex’ tunnels and CBD tramlines, as well as the transformation of Liverpool as Sydney’s third CBD could benefit our sporting codes in the future. Unfortunately, our Government of previous did not like to plan further than 10 years ahead – hence all the mentioned headaches you listed being a problem of today.
Can government funding for NSW stadia still be justified?
I agree Barry, they should look ahead. Therefore building new or significantly renovating suburbia stadia and transforming them into English Premier League-style venues would be absolutely ideal – ultimately that’ll classify them as world class and return tribalism to our rectangular codes.
Can government funding for NSW stadia still be justified?
Hi Paul, you make an excellent point for shovel-ready projects boosting employment opportunities in such dire times, I am all for it.
Can government funding for NSW stadia still be justified?
Hi Mark, I wish ANZ was knocked down first although I am still glad Allianz is getting a new stadium at least, despite the fact they probably could have spent less on it for a “facelift” Reno instead
Can government funding for NSW stadia still be justified?
Hi Nat, Seeing as the funding was pulled from ANZ and the NRL has lobbied for tribalism through 4-5 boutique stadiums in suburbia – I’d hope that the three rectangular codes have access to them at all times throughout their respective seasons. Further to this, their lower grade semi-pro and school representative levels should make good use of them too.
Can government funding for NSW stadia still be justified?
Hi Brendan, the crux of this article highlights how the PPS is much more transparent than the salary cap and weighs heavily toward a fairer system.
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There are flaws no doubt, but for me to go into the finer details would require a very long winded and convoluted article. Some ideas being floated in relation to clarifying what a junior is, to using the ‘bell-curve’ model to discount older players, cross-code discounts, positional ranking etc. are brilliant in contributing to tweaking this PPS model.
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In relation to SBW, I am all for rugby league acquiring the best players in the world and I am not knocking the Roosters for signing him – it isn’t their fault. It is the NRL’s job to value players appropriately, and under the current system for SBW to be valued at 400k (150k for this years remainder) for the calibre of player he is – i can understand fans questioning these methods. The PPS takes $ out of the equation and is based on exp. I wouldn’t cry foul towards the Panthers for playing a homegrown, youthful team that happens to be playing out of their skin to then sign a superstar – that isnt their fault either. But keep in mind: squads of 30 would be finalised by June 30th and points-penalties come into play with manoeuvring players under contract – so it isnt a free-for-all.
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Overall, i do agree there would be flaws as it isnt a perfect system, although it would be a lot harder for clubs to do anything dodgy point-cap-wise
The player point system needs to replace the salary cap
Cheers Alex, I do believe it is a much fairer and transparent system overall. A bit of tweaking here and there will make it a near-perfect system for sure.
The player point system needs to replace the salary cap
I like that idea Greg, further incentive for NRL clubs to invest in grassroots across the country
The player point system needs to replace the salary cap
Hi Dwayne, I agree with the merits of a ranking system for the situations you outline – would clear up a couple loopholes for sure
The player point system needs to replace the salary cap
Hi TB, you make some very relevant points because this system would need tweaking no doubt.
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Some solid suggestions received are “club debutant” discounts rather than juniors – despite the fact I still believe those producing high amounts of juniors should receive some sort of benefit, the “club debutant” idea would mean all 16 teams could receive this discount rather than the larger nursery clubs.
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To your other point, only the most relevant representation applies, therefore Fergo would be regarded as an origin player (2019) as he last played for Aus in 2017 so that wouldn’t even count, therefore Fergo is 90 points. In saying this, there should be a price for playing rep footy in the past three years BUT the idea to utilise the “bell curve” method for age (discounting really young/old players) is another solid idea.
The player point system needs to replace the salary cap
Hi Brendon, the concept would definitely be 100% transparent.
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Removing salary $ control from clubs ultimately makes the system fairer imo, and would allow players to make whatever the NRL and sponsors believe.
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The club debutant idea has a lot of merit because youre right, there are some clubs renowned for their methods in junior development – and others doing the opposite, so would be interesting to see indeed.
The player point system needs to replace the salary cap
Hi Barry, yeah there would need to be some minor tweaks – a suggestion I received in relation to this would be the ‘bell curve’ method for young/old age dispensation – but ultimately removing $ as a factor from clubs is the sticking point for me believing the PPS is a better system.
The player point system needs to replace the salary cap
Hi Anthony, this is a good question hence why I did not calculate the discount points for clubs in 2020. A suggestion I received on Facebook was for a club to receive the discount for allowing the player to debut for their club – I didn’t mind this idea.
The player point system needs to replace the salary cap
Is it? I’d love to see their system. The NRLW want to use it too apparently.
The player point system needs to replace the salary cap
Hi kk, really appreciate the kind words mate.
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In regard to conjuring up a new system, it is definitely difficult – there’ll always be a flaw somewhere which is picked up by someone which is good because it helps minimise those points of contention.
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I’d be really interested to see what you’ve come up with.
The player point system needs to replace the salary cap
Hi Steve, what do you mean there is ‘nothing here for the players’?
The player point system needs to replace the salary cap
I agree with your comment Dexter, I am of the opinion that off-field suspensions should not hinder your Dally M tally.
Overhauling the Dally M voting process is best and fairest