Revised QRL Pathways

[siv]

From QRL website

Developing a pathway for local talent to progress through the rugby league ranks – without the need to move away from familiar surroundings – is at the heart of changes made to next year’s competition structures.

The restructure adopts a statewide focus and is a critical undertaking as the game prepares for the disbandment of the current NYC format in 2018.

In 2017, the Queensland Rugby League will:

· Cease the Cyril Connell Cup (Under 16) competition with players in this age group to instead compete at the QRL State Junior Championships held on the Sunshine Coast in June-July. (Championships also include Under 14 boys and girls, as well as Under 16 girls)
· Run the Mal Meninga Cup (Under 18) statewide competition.
· Introduce a statewide Under 20s competition to be played at the start of the season.
· Conduct a shortened FOGS Colts Challenge for South East teams following the completion of the statewide Under 20s.

Both the Mal Meninga Cup and statewide Under 20s are likely to be played over an eight-week period and will be aligned with the Intrust Super Cup.

In consultation with clubs, the QRL is currently drafting competition draws and working on other key requirements.

QRL Head of Football Neil Wharton said the new season was effectively a trial period in preparation for 2018.

“The exact structure of our elite junior competitions in 2018 is still a work in progress as there are a number of options available in regards to the length of our statewide Under 20s competition,” Wharton said.

“We’ll continue to have a voice in the whole of game discussions with all key stakeholders to ensure we get the best possible outcome.

“Our immediate focus is to now ensure a smooth transition into the new 2017 competitions.”

With a strong statewide focus, Wharton said it is an exciting time to be involved in the game.

“We’re pleased with the framework already in place for next year,” he said.

“Player welfare is a priority, which is why we’re proud of the fact that our young talent will have the opportunity to represent their region without having to move away from home

 

[johnny plath]

Wow what an ill thought out shit concept. Qld kids will get left behind in development from a young age and will either miss opportunities or slip away due to leak of opportunities. Qrl really struggling in development If you go back in head to head results with nsw counterparts. ..seems like origin success has blinded their vision.

 

[CC_Roosters]

From what i can gather, the under 20's format in 2017 is just a bridging solution until 2018. Understandable given the vast majority of u20 talent will still be NYC aligned in 2017. You would think once 2018 rolls around they will run a full season U20 competition, the only question is will their be NRL branding in it?

Must be a worry for queensland clubs that their U16 talent is at increased risk of being poached by interstate clubs without an U16 rep program. In fact that decision seems to contradict the QRL stated goal of keeping kids in their home region longer as they now have no elite competition until U18 except for carnivals.

If this an ARL directive on how both states will run elite pathways, it will go down like a lead balloon in NSW if they try to end Harold Matt's.

I hope this plays out for the best.

 

[johnny plath]

From what i can gather, the under 20's format in 2017 is just a bridging solution until 2018. Understandable given the vast majority of u20 talent will still be NYC aligned in 2017. You would think once 2018 rolls around they will run a full season U20 competition, the only question is will their be NRL branding in it?

Must be a worry for queensland clubs that their U16 talent is at increased risk of being poached by interstate clubs without an U16 rep program. In fact that decision seems to contradict the QRL stated goal of keeping kids in their home region longer as they now have no elite competition until U18 except for carnivals.

If this an ARL directive on how both states will run elite pathways, it will go down like a lead balloon in NSW if they try to end Harold Matt's.

I hope this plays out for the best.

If it isn't an ARLC directive the QRL really are going backwards... really struggling to understand the rationale. High level juniors ie 15/16 need more incentive to stick with the game, not just be stuck playing against boys that are so far below them in skill and commitment that they become bored. Speaking from personal experience boys at that age want to keep being challenged, and if they don't find that challenge well they look for it somewhere else. A once a year carnival for u16s is just ridiculous, if anything the old CC and MM cups should have been extended to be more in line with SGB and HM cups in NSW. Results don't lie, and they have been poor for QLD in junior comps over the last few years. Even looking at emerging origin players the QLD cupboard is not looking that flash, and to me thats a symptom of average development opportunities through the QRL systems. Shit outcome imo and hopefully they see the errors quickly and fix them before we have a generation of lost talent.

 

[siv]

U20s in Townsville will be interesting next year

They will run a A and B team

 

[johnny plath]

U20s in Townsville will be interesting next year

They will run a A and B team

So is that their nyc team plus a state league team or two in qrl plus nyc...they must have some talent locked away up North.

 

[siv]

So is that their nyc team plus a state league team or two in qrl plus nyc...they must have some talent locked away up North.

Thats in Townsville alone - plus they also have their other State League u20 teams

 

[CC_Roosters]

By cancelling in U16 in 2017 Are they just worried about having 3 statewide teams to cover the costs for I.e 16,18 and 20's?

Really difficult for Queensland as they have only 3 Nrl sides in thr state, the home grown pathways provide so few options for a young player to go from under age reps to NRL. state based u20 only really suits nsw as it goes from under age to NRL with 11 pathways providing opportunities.

Hardtop know what the right answer and final solution in 2018 will be, I certainly hope it involves U16 statewide

 

[jim_57]

It would be great to see PNG Hunters field a team/s in at least one of these.