Register a free account today to become a member of the world's largest Rugby League discussion forum! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
Thunder striking a deal for NSW Cup
THE TARGET: Former Rothmans Medal winner Mike Eden believes Albury player Lou Goodwin (pictured) would be the perfect candidate to play in the NSW Cup if the idea takes flight next season. Picture: Oscar Colman
PAMELA WHALEY
10 Jul, 2012 07:00 AM
FORMER Sydney rugby league star Mike Eden yesterday confirmed Alburys bid to create a NSW Cup team as soon as next season, saying growth is necessary to the codes future in the Riverina.
Tired of watching quality players leave the Riverina to chase rugby league success, the 1983 best and fairest Rothmans Medal winner yesterday declared the Thunder are making moves to create a feeder club for the NRL in the NSW Cup.
The Thunders outrageously successful Group Nine season is the best indication the idea could take flight, according to Eden, who currently works as a solicitor in Albury.
If we dont grow, we die, Eden told The Daily Advertiser yesterday.
Its definitely not a done deal at the moment, but weve been turning players away this year because we dont have three teams to accommodate them.
Albury has been trying to do this since last year.
We came up with this option to give an opportunity for more mature players like Kyle McCarthy, Josh Toohey, Lou Goodwin, Mitch Davis, players like that, to improve and have a genuine shot at playing NRL when theyre over 20.
If Group Nine had a NSW Cup team based in Albury or Wagga or anywhere, those players could have a real shot at making the NRL.
We just dont want to be losing these players.
Theres no opportunity for them here at the moment.
With the support of NSWRL and the Independent Commission, Eden believes an Albury team could provide a certain number of players to an NRL team on a weekly basis, as is the case with Canberra Raiders and its feeder club Mounties.
If properly sustained, Eden said the competition could expand to include other teams from regional areas such as Wagga and Dubbo in the long term.
We need to expand rather than subtract, Eden said.
Were in a great position here, just like Wagga, weve got great airports and were an hour out of Sydney or Melbourne.
This is not a silly idea.
The Thunder have been linked with Melbourne Storm as Alburys potential NRL parent.
Eden said Wagga export turned Victoria Rugby League chairman Greg Brentnall expressed his appreciation of the concept at Alburys NRL trial game at Lavington Sportsground in February.
When Greg Brentnall was here earlier in the year he told us if Albury or Wagga could come up with a sustainable plan they would definitely have to consider it, Eden said.
I think its a great idea and if the Independent Commission think its a good idea, I have no doubt they are considering it.
The NSW Cup is starting to take applications on a two-year basis, so that gives us a tenure of at least two years to get things moving.
It would just benefit moving those players into the next level and encouraging the kids to stay in town.
Its a pathway from the grassroots for players with potential, and the Riverina has got that in spades.
If the stars aligned you never know next year or the year after.
The CRL is monitoring the situation, but is trying to keep a lid on the proposal.
A decade ago the CRL had plans to introduce a state league involving teams from Wagga, Dubbo and other major regional centres.
However, exuberant costs and other factors forced the idea into abandonment.
