Another Second Tier

[Ideas Man Stephen]

I think the NRL would be wasting a bit of a golden generation not to capitalise on grassroots opportunities in the Pacific.

With such competitive nations in Samoa and Tonga, I would like to see a top down approach in each of Samoa, Tonga and Fiji participating in a Pacific second tier, alongside NSWRL and Q Cup including Hunters, maybe even a second PNG team as well as Warriors reserves/21s, NZII and maybe one more. Not sure how big Rugby is in New Caledonia, but would love to see some big bodies improving the French national team.

Using the NRL performance pathway to deliver high standard fortnightly fixtures in each of these nations to entice young islander talent into the RL system at a younger age to help boost the profile for more grassroots activity.

 

[İzmir Zaferi]

I have thought about this a fair bit with similar thoughts HOWEVER I would frame it slightly differently.

Launch a new NRL 2 Conference in the Pacific but based largely in NZ.

This could look like

1. Fiji Kaviti Siltails (maybe difficult due to Australian Gov paying at present)
2. Samoa - Auckland based but also playing in Samoa.
3. Tonga - Auckland based but also playing in Tonga
4. Auckland

5. Waikato
6. Wellington
7. Christchurch

It would side alongside the Q CUP and NSW CUPS (and preferably a renewed more elite PNG Cup)

Finalists would move into the NRL 2 Finals.

 

[Ideas Man Stephen]

I

I have thought about this a fair bit with similar thoughts HOWEVER I would frame it slightly differently.

Launch a new NRL 2 Conference in the Pacific but based largely in NZ.

This could look like

1. Fiji Kaviti Siltails (maybe difficult due to Australian Gov paying at present)
2. Samoa - Auckland based but also playing in Samoa.
3. Tonga - Auckland based but also playing in Tonga
4. Auckland

5. Waikato
6. Wellington
7. Christchurch

It would side alongside the Q CUP and NSW CUPS (and preferably a renewed more elite PNG Cup)

Finalists would move into the NRL 2 Finals.

Interesting, although why do you want the Tongan and Samoan teams based in Auckland?

There may be good reason, but in my opinion that would drastically reduce the opportunity for bettering the grassroots and pathway in those two countries. There already is a strong pathway in Auckland and outside of rep fixtures, I am not a fan of setting up club teams which select players on a national/cultural identity basis.

Teams 5, 6 and 7 sound great, although I would be guessing on the capability of the NRL to establish 5 new clubs for this division. In a country like NZ, that would be very expensive. Ideally, Tonga, Samoa, Fiji and PNG all get some national funding, minimising what is already a minimised financial requirement for NRL funding.

There is far more opportunity to get government backing where there is a legacy to be established in the land the clubs are set to represent.

I definitely feel there is a future for growth in locations 5, 6 and 7. Maybe one of them can be funded immediately.

 

[İzmir Zaferi]

I get the idea of basing the club fully in Tonga / Samoa but at the end of the day there are more Tongans and Samoans in Auckland. The player base is already there. İt would also reduce travel costs for the teams.

I do think games should be played in both, just note primary. Samoans and Tongans evidently have no problem moving to / living in Auckland.

 

[siv]

NZ Cup idea has strong merits - Auckland comp plus Provisional teams

But we may want a Pacific Cup club comp as well

- Fiji 4
- Samoa 2
- Tonga 2
- New Caledonia
- Cook Is

 

[Ideas Man Stephen]

My idea was primarily to set up a legacy for what RL can mean for people growing up in Tonga and Samoa, long before families move to NZ.

Those who do move to NZ will be covered off by two or three NZ second tier teams, the Tongan and Samoan based squads would be creating a home grown culture and legacy for RL, giving a pathway to the professional game for players based in each of those countries.