roughyedspud said:
what new jets are these then??
I'd say he is referring to the AirBus'. Yes Roopy?
Anyway, I think there is more merit in clubs scoping for a couple of american guys to play in the ESL than a whole club just yet. Maybe that is something to build towards as the local comp and international side gathers some momentum. The AMNRL, whilst making progress is still one comp with a few hundred players. To put it in perspective, the Illawarra comp is bigger. Not to put it down, it's great, its jsut we need more organic growth. More social leagues, 7's comps, schools, kids etc.
The big challenge in my view would be to get a couple of americans playing first grade in the ESL and NRL. Then you get the comps on TV in the states and show them some local guys doing well in some distant high quality exotic leagues. Then you can sell merchandise etc etc and the interest builds.
Young kids out of high school with athletic ability should be targetted for the u/20 comps and fast tracked through acadmey structures developed in the USA as well as other nations. The players will acquire skills, and if they don't make it, will return home to raise the standard of the dometic comps.
I would eventually love to see an competitive AMNRL franchise in the ESL, how cool. would have massive potential for revenue and sponsorship.