Pre Season Challenge

[Southern Rooster]

I think the pre season should consist of something more than just trials. A Pre Season challenge where we can also include some regional sides. NSW Country, QLD Country etc. Winning something like that could be of great value to a side like Wests or Souths as well as being a great pick up for there supporters.

I remember when the Roosters won the 7's it wasn' much but at the time it was the only thing I had seen my team win so it was good. I saw the same thing with Wests last year and last night was a great night for the Souths fans. I think the NRL should strongly consider it we are going to the country for trials might as well make em mean something whilst we are at it. If some ckubs take it more serious then others so be it.

 

[Jake the snake]

It would be just another Trophy that the Roosters would lose, Do you really want that after the last couple of years??

 

[Five Dock Bulldog]

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[Big Mick]

way to bring down a serious thread.

 

[aids]

the sevens were ok, why didn't they have it this year?

 

[CliffyIsGod]

AMCO Cup!

 

[aids]

amco cup!!

 

[The Mighty Rabbit]

Great idea Southern Rooster

The pre-season comps were great value

1994 Tooheys Challenge final - Souths defeating Brisbane 27-26
One of the great games of league

 

[Southernsaint]

Bring back the Panasonic Cup:

 

[SpaceMonkey]

Trial replaced by a pre-season knockout comp, starting just after the WCC (defending premiers get round one bye while we still have 15 teams). All sides must include at least 4 NRL rookies, and games are played with a 6 man bench and unlimited or increased number of interchanges, with games played in quarters. Games to be primarily held at country venues (the modified interchange rules will help cope with the inevitable heat at many venues this time of year).
1st roud losers can arrange addition trials amongst themselves if they so wish.

 

[RICHO]

The only problem there is that it is a logistical nightmare.

The NRL clubs have trial games scheduled for regional areas up to a year in advance. Quite often 3 games.

If they were to be knocked out of the pre-season cup in the 1st round, they won't go to these 'bush' areas for 2 more trials. They'll stay in their own area, simply because you can't organise a trial for NRL teams in a regional area in a week or two. It simply doesn't happen.

They'd need a guarentee of 3 scheduled games for each club, and then a final after that I guess.

 

[Southern Rooster]

The only problem there is that it is a logistical nightmare.

The NRL clubs have trial games scheduled for regional areas up to a year in advance. Quite often 3 games.

If they were to be knocked out of the pre-season cup in the 1st round, they won't go to these 'bush' areas for 2 more trials. They'll stay in their own area, simply because you can't organise a trial for NRL teams in a regional area in a week or two. It simply doesn't happen.

Easily fixed.

4 pools of 4 with winners going on in the tournament and the losers playing trials against each other

Example

Pool A

Saints v Souths
Canterbury v Canberra

Winners
Souths
Canberra
progress to next round

Saints v Canterbury to play in a trial.

All venues can be booked in 12 months in advance and all that needs to be done is the gaps filled in as teams progress.

 

[RICHO]

So would clubs then not be able to have a say in where they played?

I don't think the clubs would be up for it. Not the least of which being that they like to have some say in who they play against.

Also, where are you getting your 16th team from?!?
:lol:

 

[Bulldog-Power]

theres no point because usually 75% of clubs wont take it seriously

dont want to risk injury etc..... I dont understand how people get enjoyment out of their side beating sometimes a 3 or 4th string side


reeks of "Im a stupid downy"

:evil:

 

[nqboy]

Also, where are you getting your 16th team from?!?
:lol:

Space Monkey answered this one -(defending premiers get round one bye while we still have 15 teams).

I think the idea is very commendable but I recognise the problems with pre-planning and such. I'd be surprised if you couldn't work through these though one problem is the expansion of the NRL with the inclusion of NQ, Melbourne and the Warriors - it's no longer good enough just to have games in country NSW and SEQ.

I like my annual trial in Cairns, Cowboys v Whoever, and would hate to lose it

 

[Southern Rooster]

So would clubs then not be able to have a say in where they played?

I don't think the clubs would be up for it. Not the least of which being that they like to have some say in who they play against.

Also, where are you getting your 16th team from?!?
:lol:

As I stated above in the original post it could be NSW Country, QLD Country, Port Moresby even.

As for the clubs it wouldn't really matter where they played in the bush and I don't think clubs would care either as they would know well in advance.

 

[Southern Rooster]

Also, where are you getting your 16th team from?!?
:lol:

Space Monkey answered this one -(defending premiers get round one bye while we still have 15 teams).

I think the idea is very commendable but I recognise the problems with pre-planning and such. I'd be surprised if you couldn't work through these though one problem is the expansion of the NRL with the inclusion of NQ, Melbourne and the Warriors - it's no longer good enough just to have games in country NSW and SEQ.

I like my annual trial in Cairns, Cowboys v Whoever, and would hate to lose it

You wouldn't.

North QLD v Brisbane at Cairns would be good.

 

[Twizzle]

good idea, I'm for it

 

[DIEHARD]

They should also play QRL clubs. But I'd settle for the Sevens or pre-season challenge.