Newms,
Certain clubs on the Gold Coast were renowned for stacking a team in each age group and would poach players from other clubs. Free rego, all their footy gear and the chance to play rep footy were the 'incentives'. This club also had it's share of ex-first graders as coaches , members etc.
To try and stop this practice, a transfer rule was put in place whereby no more than 3 players could transfer from one club to another unless of course they moved address and were now in that club's area. I think it was less if they were current rep players.
We had a club that had a few rep players but were mostly there because of mummy or daddy and would get beaten by other teams so during one pre-season, they ran dead for the first 3 rounds and were subsequently put into 2nd division. Needless to say they beat everyone and won the comp.
Another problem that can be fixed with weights, is the influx of Polynesian kids. Most are born weighing 80kgs and are 170cm - and that's in under 12s.
Good luck all of you blokes dealing with juniors. Glad to be out of it. Too many egos and far too many parents replaying their careers through their sons.
The temptation to belt a father or two was almost over whelming, all consuming. These same turds never put their hand up to assist in any way. Wouldn't sell a raffle ticket, run water or support other boys - just yell for their kid. I suppose this is the way all over now with the money for NRL careers the way it is. The sad part is that for the vast majority of these boys, they will never be that elite and will walk away.
