As much as I love the Jets I do not think that they should be entering the World Sevens. I have a few reasons.
As an internationalist I believe the Sevens should be about seeing RL nations exhibiting themselves to the world. Club teams (NRL) should only be there to draw lots of fans. But that is an academic reason and not what really worries me about the Jets.
I think this is a high risk move for the Bluebags. Newtown has to field the cost of entering a side in the qualifier (without reimbursment if they do not win the qualifier). Also, players risk serious injury wghile playing in what is essentially a nothing tournament. I do not think the benefits of exposure (minimal because of the low chance of qualifying and the fact that TV coverage is poor) does not outweight the risks (cost and injury) that a small club like ours finds significant. Perhaps if Newtown were in a stronger situation I'd feel different.
What do you guys think?
As an internationalist I believe the Sevens should be about seeing RL nations exhibiting themselves to the world. Club teams (NRL) should only be there to draw lots of fans. But that is an academic reason and not what really worries me about the Jets.
I think this is a high risk move for the Bluebags. Newtown has to field the cost of entering a side in the qualifier (without reimbursment if they do not win the qualifier). Also, players risk serious injury wghile playing in what is essentially a nothing tournament. I do not think the benefits of exposure (minimal because of the low chance of qualifying and the fact that TV coverage is poor) does not outweight the risks (cost and injury) that a small club like ours finds significant. Perhaps if Newtown were in a stronger situation I'd feel different.
What do you guys think?