On the side please tell me - where are the juniors going?
This is infact one of the main reasons why a second NZ team should be in the NRL immediately. Where are the juniors coming out of Auckland and NZ going to go, now that the Warriors have a top class, youngish, fully established squad? Obviously the Warriors will try to keep the absolute cream, but anyone else looking to play top flight Rugby League is forced to leave NZ. Or worse, they may decide to switch to Union and its large professional structure in NZ. There is definately enough talent coming out of NZ to support 2 teams. Look at this side of NZ juniors running around in top class sides. I'll put a W next to the ones who were once on the books of the Warriors.
1.Richie Barnett (Hull)
2.Lesley Vainikolo (Bradford) W
3.Paul Whateira (Penrith) W
4.Nigal Vagana Dogs) W
5.Tevita Vaikona (Bradford)
6.Robbie Paul (Bradford)
7.Henry Paul (Gloucester RU) W
13.Stephen Kearney (Melbourne) W
12.Joe Galavao (Penrith) W
11.Ruben Wiki (Canberra) W
10.Paul Rauhihi (Cowboys) W
9. Henry Peranara (Dragons) W
8. Joe Vagana (Bradford) W
14. Shontayne Hape (Bradford) W
15. Willie Talau (St Helens)
16. Michael Smith (Castleford)
17. David Vaeleki (Parra) W
18. David Solamona (Parra) W
What an incredable amount of talent that once were Warriors. Out of the above only 3 haven't played for the Kiwis. And remember the Warriors have only been around for 8 years.
Having a second NZ side will give even greater depth to the NZ Test team, by giving more opportunities to Kiwi Rl players. If the NRL is worried about losing revenue from this poker machine Tax in NSW, one way to get greater income is to strengthen the international side of the game. If we could develop a 3 Test series between Australia and NZ that is half as popular as the Bledislow Cup, then it will be a money spinner for RL. More money for the ARL makes them more self sufficient and maybe even one day we may have a case when the ARL can give the NRL a grant to distrbute to clubs. Greater international recogition leads to greater sponsorship opportunities.
I believe QLD needs another side, but we've done nothing up there for years, so not much more damage can be done. We need to get another side in NZ whilst the game over there continues to go up and up. If a Belgian Bilionare is keen to back this team, then I say get him involved right away.
With pommie clubs cutting the import quota for 5 to 3 over the next 2 years, there will be less of our players sucked over there for the pound. Talent wise I have no doubt within a few years the game can support 18 clubs. Wellington, the Gold Coast and one other should be admitted within 3 -5 years. Weelingotn for mine, ASAP.