Are we seeing the gap close?

[legend]

With the Cowboys signing Matthew Reick and Matt Sing and the Panthers picking up Ben Roarty and Martin Lang will we see some of the strugglers move up the ladder. So far Penrith, Cowboys, Tigers and Warriors are all building up well for next year which will make them a lot more competetive. Canberra unfortunately, seem to be stagnant and could very well be in line for the wooden spoon next year if players are'nt signed. The Sharks who are in a purple patch at the moment will more than likely pick up M Johns who will improve their attacking options. Brisbane and Parra will still be very strong.

 

[imported_Rasputin]

Personally I don't think so. True, these clubs are picking up honest players but they still face the problem of no real depth in their squads.It is a long season and tobe successfull clubs need depth to cover the wear & tear. For example how many clubs could afford to lose players like Tallis, Ikin, Berrigan etc and yet still maintain a place in the top 4. Same as the eels, take any 4 out and they simply swap around. We all know what happened to the Knights after losing just one key player and the Dragons depend just as much on Barrett.

What will really affect the gap, especially for clubs in NSW, is the revamp of the 1st div and the cessation of the Flegg. The new 2 teir NSW comp which is combined of current ist div & metro cup clubs prohibits playerscontracted toNRL clubs. That restrictseach NRL club totheir fulltime squad and prevents them fromhording players in ist div & flegg as is currentlythe case. This will makea lot more quality juniors available to other clubs.

Well, that is the way the negotiations are currently headinganyway though the final regulations havenot yet been fully agreed.