i dare say it isnt money stopping manly and canberra its more they dont want their players playing in a rubbish comp like the nsw cup and in a much stronger and competitive comp like the qld cup
I think it was a strategic cost cutting plan by both clubs. I mean why not move to a stronger competition and spend less money? Niether club is flush wih money, and want to get the best value for their buck. The NSWRL competition is a joke, if they got their acts together there would be no issue.
At State of Origin time I love the NSW vs Qld hate, but other than during those 3 weeks we are playing a NATIONAL competition. It's time that everyone starts pulling in the same direction for the good of the game. Banning junior teams is most certainly not in the best interests of the game!!
I think it is time for the NRL to start a reserve grade competiton. Once the tv deals are signed and there is more money available (lets hope...), they should help each club fund a reserve grade side in new reserve grade competition. So each week there will be three games played, mirroring the NRL fixture like in years gone by, i.e.
Manly vs Canberra Under 20s
Manly vs Canberra Reserve Grade
Manly vs Canberra NRL
This will give the players that aren't eligible for the 20s anymore, but aren't ready for first grade somewhere to go that doesn't feel like a huge demotion.