Question about becoming an NRL player?

[Eelz]

Hey guys, I've just become a member of these forums, I'd like to start by saying I support the Eels (bit obvious) and I was disapointed with the first half played today, but the overall game was great, my heart was racing towards the end!

Anyway, on to the topic. I've always been curious, how do they choose NRL players? I know theres the Jersey Fleg, under 20s etc, but do they have yearly try outs for possible new players for the teams each year, or do they have to be picked?

It'd be great if someone gave me a run down on how one gets into NRL, just always wondered.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ulysseus]

Many teams hold open try outs mate.
Not sure how many current first graders come from this method though.
Many players are picked from the younger squads or plucked from stronger comps like the metro cup, QLD cup etc.

Hell, if you've got your heart set on it and your a 130kg extensively fit 7ft tall individual who can play quiet well, then there is nothing stopping you rocking into a club and asking for a shot in one of their feeder teams.

 

[Eelz]

Many teams hold open try outs mate.
Not sure how many current first graders come from this method though.
Many players are picked from the younger squads or plucked from stronger comps like the metro cup, QLD cup etc.

Hell, if you've got your heart set on it and your a 130kg extensively fit 7ft tall individual who can play quiet well, then there is nothing stopping you rocking into a club and asking for a shot in one of their feeder teams.

Thanks, thats what I meant. Do the younger squads hold open try outs etc, so basically the players just end up moving up, making it into a younger squad, playing well and getting picked up to play in the NRL?

 

[DJF]

Many of the younger squads, harold matthews & s.g ball have open trials but i think most are by invitation, i.e good players from that district.

So if you played for a club in balmain area, you would most likely be invited to trial with the tigers.

 

[eels2009]

Yeah, plenty of the current junior players make their way into first grade from playing

a/b/c grade district comps > jersey flegg > nsw cup > toyota cup > reserve grade

>>>> NRL

This isnt always the case because some first graders get sent back to the lower grades if they perform poorly.