New Zealand 2 will deal a massive blow to NZ rugby

[SpaceMonkey]

I mean 12k isn't exactly barging down the door.

It’s a trial… in a fairly crappy temporary stadium way beyond its design life

 

[Perth Red]

Why would you have a comp with the same number of teams in Aus as for NZ and the pacific when you consider the player depth? The Australian sides would get slaughtered every time they played inter conference finals

Because if I was ARU I'd let Twiggy loose on the game! He'd be able to fund player development nationally out of his pocket change. They've got a pretty decent Jnr numbers base across the country, its clearly investment in pathways that is the big issue. And clubs not having enough money to bolster squads with overseas signings.

 

[Thatwasnthighref]

Why would you have a comp with the same number of teams in Aus as for NZ and the pacific when you consider the player depth? The Australian sides would get slaughtered every time they played inter conference finals

Opening up eligibility for all players within SR (only) would help. I know there’s a school of thought that says why should we share our depth, but bigger picture… a more even talent pool makes for more even games and (hopefully, for the game’s sake) renewed fan and tv/sponsor interest.

It won’t fix everything, there’s still the small issue of shitty rules the old fogies in WR are wedded to, but it’d be a start.

 

[Brian potter]

Thast interesting, obviously not planning to bid themselves.

Is their actual a RL team in wellington called the orcas or is it just a bid?

 

[SpaceMonkey]

Opening up eligibility for all players within SR (only) would help. I know there’s a school of thought that says why should we share our depth, but bigger picture… a more even talent pool makes for more even games and (hopefully, for the game’s sake) renewed fan and tv/sponsor interest.

It won’t fix everything, there’s still the small issue of shitty rules the old fogies in WR are wedded to, but it’d be a start.

Yeah that would go a long way towards evening it out.

 

[Perth Red]

Is their actual a RL team in wellington called the orcas or is it just a bid?

I think its a rep team name? Bit like we used Pirates for our jnr rep teams and SG ball.

 

[MugaB]

Is their actual a RL team in wellington called the orcas or is it just a bid?

Funnily enough, they decided to call themselves the Orcas after that bid, their brand name has been around ever since, they are in the north island conference of the NZRL national competition
Colors of black and yellow, the original bid team was Teal, black and white from memory

 

[Perth Red]

Funnily enough, they decided to call themselves the Orcas after that bid, their brand name has been around ever since, they are in the north island conference of the NZRL national competition
Colors of black and yellow, the original bid team was Teal, black and white from memory

yeh it was. Im surprised Chalmers didnt trademark the Orcas brand!



Its surprising Chalmers has seemingly given up. This was the last time we heard from him 2 years ago.

Wellington Orcas make their case to become the NRL's 18th franchise

Andrew Chalmers believes the Wellington-based side should be granted the 18th NRL licence.

www.sen.com.au

 

[flippikat]

Thast interesting, obviously not planning to bid themselves.

Yeah, I'm a bit disappointed if this means no Wellington bid, being keen for an NRL team in my city.. but maybe this means the South Island NRL bid has promised a game (or more???) per year in Wellington?

If even ONE Wellington game gets locked-in each season, thats a positive.

It certainly strengthens the South Island bid's case if they're the only NZ bid in this expansion round, and it looks like they've made a big step towards ensuring that's the case.

 

[Dark Corner]

Because if I was ARU I'd let Twiggy loose on the game! He'd be able to fund player development nationally out of his pocket change. They've got a pretty decent Jnr numbers base across the country, its clearly investment in pathways that is the big issue. And clubs not having enough money to bolster squads with overseas signings.

If I was Twiggy I waste my money on getting a Perth NRL team knowing I get a return in the long term.

 

[MugaB]

If I was Twiggy I waste my money on getting a Perth NRL team knowing I get a return in the long term.

Drop the breakaways twiggy, and port them over as the western force, black gold and blue, swan emblem

 

[Wb1234]

Should’ve been Sunday afternoon

 

[SpaceMonkey]

Drop the breakaways twiggy, and port them over as the western force, black gold and blue, swan emblem

Funny thing is if you were going to do that they’d actually be two of the first players you’d keep- it’s the props and locks you’d probably be punting.

 

[Bukowski]

Funny thing is if you were going to do that they’d actually be two of the first players you’d keep- it’s the props and locks you’d probably be punting.

Would you lose the hooker? They seem like a third prop

 

[SpaceMonkey]

Would you lose the hooker? They seem like a third prop

Union hookers are generally a lot more mobile and skilful than props- they’d likely transition ok to being league front rowers.

 

[Bukowski]

Union hookers are generally a lot more mobile and skilful than props- they’d likely transition ok to being league front rowers.

Would half-backs become hookers?

 

[SpaceMonkey]

Would half-backs become hookers?

That or they’d still be halfbacks.
Union loose forwards would transition ok to second row or front row. Don’t see too many props or locks managing it though. Top union props these days are just too big and locks too specialised, you’d get the occasional Brad Thorn type player but not many.

 

[Perth Red]

Should’ve been Sunday afternoon

Watching it now, looking at the crowd clearly no-one cares in Australia, play it in nz.

 

[Brian potter]

Watching it now, looking at the crowd clearly no-one cares in Australia, play it in nz.

Does anyone really care fullstop.

why not have a fullblown Australia v New Zealand trans-Tasman test instead.

 

[Wb1234]

Watching it now, looking at the crowd clearly no-one cares in Australia, play it in nz.

Qld govt paid for it