Hope Hewat (who is hugely similar) offers more then Schatz, Quirk, Browning etc in the long run.....Reds seem to be the heroes of signing U20 190cm 105kg utility backrowers .
These guys all were solid super rugby players and were great clubmen, but all signed on as that years u20 stars that never went on to be senior stars.
The importance of following a pathway is IMO also so they don't get a big head in their early years signed as a 'Star'...at 18..., touted as future wallabies etc etc, then when they don't become the starting no.8 and wallabies captain by age 22 they aren't packing up their kit and bailing, or wondering why they aren't pulling in the big $
Calling this the " Reps 2 Reds " Pathway. Just making it up as I go....
Step 1 - Play Rep for Qld and Aus Schoolboys.
If you are going to pick from a cohort 1 year at a time, you need to pick the best in the country, not the best in the state to progress to step 2
Step 2 - 2 Year U20 contract
Play for QLD u20 and try to make Aus Schoolboys. If you are going to pick youngsters from this 30 strong cohort each year to offer a Professional Development contract, they need to be among the best in the Country.
Those who miss out on a 2 year contract after SB, can still earn a 1 year contract if they are playing well for 1 year in Prem Grade. (eg. Schatz captained Prems 1st year out of school I think) The door isn't shut!
Step 3 - 1 Year Professional Development Contract.
A bridging course to ensure your teenage stars are supported in their transition to Senior Rugby. Train with Senior Squad Bodies are physically maturing as they hit 20yrs+. Need to be making statements in Prem Grade and NRC opportunities.
This band also available for Premier players who have earnt NRC opportunities off their own bat and performed strongly in their performances outside of the Reps 2 Reds Pathway. Yay for grizzled club veterans!
Step 4 - Senior Professional Contract
You've made it to the big boys! Depending on salary cap and performance expectations, timelines offered are on 1 - 3 years. If a player performs poorly in their 1st year, they should expect to be either only offered 1 year extensions or bumped back to a professional development contract to make room for a graduating step 3 player.
We haven't IMO had a teenage player that has actually deserved a fulltime professional contract as a teenagers since Pocock/Beale/JOC (James O'Connor). They actually dominated as teenagers and became vital wallaby cogs at a verrrrry young age. At u20 level, they were amongst the WORLDS best, not just Australias, let alone a states.
