Set an age limit for the NRL

[Hello, I'm The Doctor]

Just reading a bit into this NRL Pathways Review just released, i noticed a point that consistently crop up as complaints...

NYC Under 20's was brought in to teach younger players about life as a pro footballer, but it has overtaken the State Leagues as the feeder comp for First Grade NRL teams. This means that a player needs to make the NRL before they turn 20 or they are pretty much no chance.


Id like to see the NYC be set as the age limit to qualify for First Grade NRL. In the same way that the NFL wont let anyone under 23 years play, this would force younger players to play in this youth comp until they are physically and mentally ready.

The Under 20's comp would be kept at the elite Level it is now and maybe the age even raised slightly, but as long as a player is under 20 years old, this is the highest level of Rugby League they can play in Australia

Instead of being seen as a week-to-week thing with players always looking to get promoted to the NRL, these young guys would playu the whole year, trying to impress the clubs enough to give them a squad position when they turn 21, much like college footballers moving into the NFL.

It would also put the focus entirely back on State comps to feed players straight into first grade.

So what do you think?

 

[AlwaysGreen]

If they're good enough they're old enough.

 

[Dutchy]

Old enough to ble...

 

[mxlegend99]

At the moment I worry that the better Under 20's players are likely to look at moving to another club if their current club doesn't select them in first grade. It seems the better players think they are entitled and if their was a minimum age requirement, that might help keep players around at the clubs that have developed them.

But if some of these players still have an ego where they think they are too good to be playing in the youth competition or reserve grade, they might look at moving to a rival code. Then again it might not even require a player with a big ego, these guys could potentially be losing out on a lot of money if they have to wait until they are 20/21 to play first grade football. If they can are restricted in their ability to earn decent money until a certain age, I could see many of the better players jumping codes.

Maybe there's a middle ground that would work better. The current second tier salary cap limits players outside of the top 25 making too many appearances unless they get an exemption. Maybe there should be something in place that limits how many games Under 20's players are eligible to play. Another downside to not allowing them to play first grade is that it would stunt their development a bit. Some guys are well and truly good enough to play when they're 17 years old.

 

[Dragon_Taylor6]

Age limit is 18 I think.

 

[Armageddon.]

Age limit is 18 I think.

Correct

 

[Noise]

Yep the age limit is 18 and has been that way for a number of years.

 

[whall15]

Jarryd Hayne played Origin at 19 and won the Dally M at 21.

This is a ridiculous idea.

 

[Burwood]

Just reading a bit into this NRL Pathways Review just released, i noticed a point that consistently crop up as complaints...

NYC Under 20's was brought in to teach younger players about life as a pro footballer, but it has overtaken the State Leagues as the feeder comp for First Grade NRL teams. This means that a player needs to make the NRL before they turn 20 or they are pretty much no chance.

Is that really the case? The review showed that only 23% of NYC players progress straight into the NRL. 53% of players still progress from NYC through the State Cups. 2% went to Union and 6% stopped playing league. The remaining 16% I'm guessing still played league, just not at the higher levels.

So overall 24% of NYC players, for whatever reasons, do not progress onto a higher level of rugby league. All things considered, is that really a high percentage of players?

 

[thorson1987]

Yep the age limit is 18 and has been that way for a number of years.

I think they have to be turning 18 the year they debut.

Folau was 17 when he debuted but turned 18 later that year.

Although that was in 2007 so they may have changed it since then

 

[Porkie]

The new 2nd tier 'pathways' improvements will go someway to fixing this.

Edit; Not allowed to post a link yet.

 

[Porkie]

Post # 21 Now I'm legal....

http://www.theland.com.au/news/metr...-second-tier-with-108m-injection/2679441.aspx

Just noticed....21 posts .....or is that premierships ?

 

[adamkungl]

No. Some amazing players have debuted at 17-19

 

[The_Team_Won]

If they're good enough they're old enough.

100% Correct

 

[Usain Bolt]

I like the NFL rule how players have to go to college at least 3 years before they can enter the NFL draft

 

[magpie4ever]

Let's be serious, the changes to the State Cup comps are so miminal and trival that it is a token gesture. The State Cups will remain 3rd tier and the pathway step from NYC to NRL will remain too large for the majority of NYC players; which in turn will lead to a continuing drop in standard of the NRL.

 

[rabbitohs95]

Personally i think they need to raise the NYC age to 21, 22 or 23.

Too many times there are under 20's players who get lost to the game with great potential but can't seem to make it in first grade and are left dwelling in the NSW or QLD Cups.

 

[Loudstrat]

What they need is to bring back f*cking reserve grade!!!!

The NYC prepares players for NRL as effectively as as a new set of mags on the oldTorana makes it an XU1! Example - Konrad Hurrell is unstoppable in NYC. Makes first grade - gets smashed by Luke Burt. Reserve grade was the step up against NRL experienced players mixed with other young guns. Its a gradual improvement that is needed, not age limitations.

 

[Loudstrat]

I like the NFL rule how players have to go to college at least 3 years before they can enter the NFL draft

You seen some of the dumbass college degrees they have? Or being able to run a sub 10sec 10m means 100% in a Philosophy test.

 

[Masoe_eats_babies]

What they need is to bring back f*cking reserve grade!!!!

The NYC prepares players for NRL as effectively as as a new set of mags on the oldTorana makes it an XU1! Example - Konrad Hurrell is unstoppable in NYC. Makes first grade - gets smashed by Luke Burt. Reserve grade was the step up against NRL experienced players mixed with other young guns. Its a gradual improvement that is needed, not age limitations.

Hurrell was unstoppable in first grade. Joint leading try scorer despite being canned for being shit on defence

Would love to see Luke Burt try and smash him again, assuming he ever "smashed" him in the first place :lol: