When will we have a Victorian in the NRL?

[aarondoyle]

There was a melbourne kid (about 17) who was up here recently trying out for Wynnum-Manly. Don't know how he went.

 

[yosh64]

We are doing fine in getting league developed in VIC. It took close to 20 years for the Swans to get their first NSW junior playing AFL. League numbers in VIC are improving so im happy. Course we could do heaps better but we all know our games administration isnt going to try harder and come up with new ideas and more money to develop the game into vic at the moment.

 

[Paullyboy]

Sorry I realised after I read my initial post that started this thread that it could have been mis-interpreted.

I'm all for Melbourne being in the NRL and I think it's great for the sport. The point of the thread was merely to ascertain whether there was any prospect of local kids coming through.

And contrary to what someone else said - yes it does matter, if one kid make it to first grade for the Storm it will inspire another host of kids that it's possible.

 

[aarondoyle]

And contrary to what someone else said - yes it does matter, if one kid make it to first grade for the Storm it will inspire another host of kids that it's possible.

The more kids we get playing, the higher quality of players overall as there will be more to choose from.

Also if you play the game, chances are you'll support the game. That's why Soccer spent so long, and fought so hard for Australia's juniors.

 

[Perth Red]

Unfortunately the Storm were set up wrongly from day one with no emphasis on local development.

When the Reds were originally set up (and again now it would seem) it was with a clear plan to have a predominantly WA born and bred team within a decade. If we want to expand the NRL without dilluting the talent it is the only way to go. The NRL is reaping the benefits of the original WA plan with a number of kids who started playing back then now coming through.

 

[douglasallen91]

isn't the storms jeremy smith from melbourne?

no hes from christchurch, NZ!

 

[KeepingTheFaith]

The Toyota cup under 20's comp will be a good chance to bring in some young Victorian juniors, even though most of the team will still be from QLD.

I think getting Victorian born players is vital for the Storm's development. I'm sure the Storm fans love Inglis, Slater, Folau, Smith etc, but nothing beats supporting a true home grown players. Johns for the Knights, Lockyer for the Broncos, Jones for the Warriors. There's something extra special about that which will bring a few extra people through the gates.

Also if you've got a Victorian junior who has a lot of family and friends who support AFL, then they're going to turn up to a Storm game to support him still and may be converted.

 

[meltiger]

Largely because there was no junior structure in place. I can remember reading an article a few years back where he remembered watching his dad run around in the seniors and was always disappointed that there was no comp for him.

Did he live in Melbourne or Country Victoria?

If he lived in Melbourne then he is lying ...

 

[meltiger]

The Toyota cup under 20's comp will be a good chance to bring in some young Victorian juniors, even though most of the team will still be from QLD.

:thumn


I was thinking this only on Monday when at the game chatting to my ex about how there will be a decent curtain raiser every week.

Hopefully the Storm see this new comp as a huge oppurtunity to develop some local boys into NRL players.


Whilst obviously the numbers are far greater in the northern states, there is the pure talent here to produce NRL quality players.

 

[Mr. Fahrenheit]

in later years i reckon there should be an unformal quota

like the RSA cricket team with 'coloured' players.

Their guidelines mean taht that must have one 'non-white' player in the starting XI and 2 in the XII.

IMO if the storm are in a position for this to occur, it can only be beneficial

n.b. im not saying that this be a rule or anything, just a goal to be working towards