9's world series

[Sinman]

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...-with-the-auckland-nines-20160102-glyahm.html


Steve Mascord writes in the SMH about an off season international 9's circuit using players not in the NRL or ESL..

What do people think??

 

[Last Week]

Well, first thought that comes to mind is f**k off Phil Gould.

 

[JasonE]

Good idea but I would leave it open to NRL/SL players if they want to.

 

[CQ Italia]

Yep love it, but definitely open to anyone.

Fiji and PNG events would be possible with government and sponsors support very likely, both would get 20k+ crowds you would think as well

 

[Sinman]

Yeah.. I reckon in the Island nations it would be a hit! I also think it would do well on TV and in Aus simply because during December/January league fans are really bored.. The product I think would improve over time because some more quality players would commit to it as what they do and as a way to lengthen their careers.. With the right backing you could aim for 5 or 6 weekends over the off season but I would think it would probably start with maybe 3??

It's definitely something to explore!!

 

[alien]

it's a great idea but it should be open to all players. have it at sam boyd stadium in las vegas, on a weekend

 

[Sinman]

The only problem with it being open to all players is that the clubs won't go for extra stress on their players... Maybe something like each club has to provide 2 players from its what will soon be 35 man squad and 2 players from the 20's squad might be more feasible for the clubs but opening it up to everyone won't be tolerated by clubs or the players crying burnout. I also think Mascord's thought that having non NRL or ESL players gives the minnow nations an opportunity to actually win with their domestic players is a good thought.

 

[roughyedspud]

I won't click on the link but i'll have a guess at what mystical mascord as wrote...

He'll propose somekind of off season 9s comp featuring up and coming players and recently retired "stars" like matt king and brad fitler playing in the auckland 9s in recent years...good idea by the way

Won't be surprised if he mentions GB at some point either?

 

[Last Week]

I won't click on the link but i'll have a guess at what mystical mascord as wrote...

He'll propose somekind of off season 9s comp featuring up and coming players and recently retired "stars" like matt king and brad fitler playing in the auckland 9s in recent years...good idea by the way

Won't be surprised if he mentions GB at some point either?

Well, no actually he doesn't. What he's essentially suggesting is that there be an international 9's tournament in the off season. He's essentially suggesting that the tournament be an invitational so that clubs aren't obliged to let their players go.

Next time, read the article.

 

[roughyedspud]

Ive just read it...its not a million miles away from my guess...and GB got a mention..

I don't need to read his stuff...ive done it for 10 years...he just recycles his ideas...


Though i do agree with a touring 9s program

 

[alien]

The only problem with it being open to all players is that the clubs won't go for extra stress on their players... Maybe something like each club has to provide 2 players from its what will soon be 35 man squad and 2 players from the 20's squad might be more feasible for the clubs but opening it up to everyone won't be tolerated by clubs or the players crying burnout. I also think Mascord's thought that having non NRL or ESL players gives the minnow nations an opportunity to actually win with their domestic players is a good thought.

yeah but what if this world nines tournament REPLACES the current nines tournament. each nrl club would have less of their players playing..

 

[jim_57]

This would be great IMO. Have an RLIF 9's World Cup every 2 years with NRL, SL players. But every year have a 3 game series in different locations around the world with mostly semi-pro players and amatuers. Leave it open to any pros who wish to play as well.

 

[yakstorm]

With Fox Sports creating a new dedicated League Channel, there is actually a really strong opportunity for multiple Nines tournaments in the Australian and UK off seasons.

Fox will want any fresh content they can get for this dead window which would help the RLIF secure some funding for such a concept.

As mentioned multiple times already in this thread I agree with the concept of allowing NRL/SL players to take part in such a circuit if they want (and can negotiate the opportunity with their clubs) whilst mainly focusing on amateur and semi pro players.

Ideally such a circuit should require teams to contain a minimum number of resident players per team. If the aim is to use this to help the emerging nations grow then they need to give locals a chance to make the side.

In terms of location a 3 game circuit works best when starting. One in Europe, one in Oceania and the last wherever wants it.

We can then have a certain number of teams play in all 3, and then spots open just for local sides (ie. Belgium might only play the Europe leg, and Vanuatu in the Pacific, but Australia, NZ, PNG and England play all 3)