Waratahs 2021

[Derpus]

Yep, but in retrospect I think they should have just set up home at Parramatta Stadium

I don't get why they didn't - Bankwest is the best stadium in Sydney.

 

[barbarian]

I don't get why they didn't - Bankwest is the best stadium in Sydney.

Because the bulk of their membership sits in the Eastern Suburbs, and they also have a commitment to SCG/SFS members too.

While Bankwest would have been a good option on a number of fronts, they still need to cater to their base, most of whom would be travelling one hour plus to get to the stadium.

I think the strategy they have pursued is the right one. It's the least worst option.

 

[fatprop]

He paid lip service to building a dynasty but the Wallabies snatched him up.

The true test of great management is the seamless replacement of key employees through mentorship, structure and a coherent direction

 

[I like to watch]

Because the bulk of their membership sits in the Eastern Suburbs, and they also have a commitment to SCG/SFS members too.

While Bankwest would have been a good option on a number of fronts, they still need to cater to their base, most of whom would be travelling one hour plus to get to the stadium.

I think the strategy they have pursued is the right one. It's the least worst option.

No argument about the demographic of their membership, but what commitment do they have with SFS members?


Here’s a pretty good article on how we got to where we are..

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-...tahs-plunged-into-crisis-20210304-p577pq.html

 

[barbarian]

No argument about the demographic of their membership, but what commitment do they have with SFS members?

I can't remember the details, but I recall reading they had some obligations to the SCG Trust?

 

[Derpus]

Because the bulk of their membership sits in the Eastern Suburbs, and they also have a commitment to SCG/SFS members too.

While Bankwest would have been a good option on a number of fronts, they still need to cater to their base, most of whom would be travelling one hour plus to get to the stadium.

I think the strategy they have pursued is the right one. It's the least worst option.

Blurgh. That first paragraph summarises why the Tahs aren't and won't be shit for a while. Time to expand the horizons from Potts Point to the rest of the state they purport to represent.

 

[wamberal]

Blurgh. That first paragraph summarises why the Tahs aren't and won't be shit for a while. Time to expand the horizons from Potts Point to the rest of the state they purport to represent.

They are damned if they do (because it would be a big financial challenge) and of course its easy to damn them if they don't.

For as long as I have been watching the game, it has been propped up in the main by the wealthier suburbs, and wealthier schools. Even back when NSW Country was as strong as, or stronger than, City, most of Country's players were GPS products, the sons of wealthy graziers and farmers.

 

[Braveheart81]

The Waratahs have a contractual agreement with the SCG Trust.

They have received compensation due to not being able to play at the SFS.

They clearly do want to return to the new rectangular stadium at Moore Park once it is built. It should be the best rectangular stadium in the country.

BankWest is excellent but making it their permanent home ground is a) unwise because that's not where a lot of their base resides and b) the lack of a good stadium at Moore Park is temporary.

Lastly, they literally can't play all their home games at BankWest. It is tenanted by Western Sydney Wanderers, Wests Tigers, Parramatta and the Bulldogs so it is in heavy use already. Outside of the Wanderers and Parramatta, all those other teams have multiple home grounds.

 

[barbarian]

Blurgh. That first paragraph summarises why the Tahs aren't and won't be shit for a while. Time to expand the horizons from Potts Point to the rest of the state they purport to represent.

But they've been doing that. Playing games all over the place, as well as in Sydney's east, which is still the easiest place for a lot of their fans to get to.

 

[Derpus]

They are damned if they do (because it would be a big financial challenge) and of course its easy to damn them if they don't.

For as long as I have been watching the game, it has been propped up in the main by the wealthier suburbs, and wealthier schools. Even back when NSW Country was as strong as, or stronger than, City, most of Country's players were GPS products, the sons of wealthy graziers and farmers.

I guess. It's always easier to identify the problem than solve it. It is a giant problem, though.

 

[Derpus]

But they've been doing that. Playing games all over the place, as well as in Sydney's east, which is still the easiest place for a lot of their fans to get to.

Do you mean at the SCG? because fuck that right off. The worst Rugby (sporting?) viewing experience I've ever had.

 

[Derpus]

The Waratahs have a contractual agreement with the SCG Trust.

They have received compensation due to not being able to play at the SFS.

They clearly do want to return to the new rectangular stadium at Moore Park once it is built. It should be the best rectangular stadium in the country.

BankWest is excellent but making it their permanent home ground is a) unwise because that's not where a lot of their base resides and b) the lack of a good stadium at Moore Park is temporary.

Lastly, they literally can't play all their home games at BankWest. It is tenanted by Western Sydney Wanderers, Wests Tigers, Parramatta and the Bulldogs so it is in heavy use already. Outside of the Wanderers and Parramatta, all those other teams have multiple home grounds.

You always have great explanations for why mediocre outcomes are acceptable.

 

[barbarian]

Do you mean at the SCG? because fuck that right off. The worst Rugby (sporting?) viewing experience I've ever had.

Yep. It's a pretty shit experience. But they still draw a crowd there, because it's easy and familiar for a lot of members.

I'd love to see them spend a season travelling through the NSW countryside, I really would. Add in a game at Brookvale, one in Wollongong, couple at Bankwest. But with COVID, the membership base, the long term deals with the SCG Trust, I can accept them taking the route they have this year.

And if they are playing like this then it doesn't matter where they play, nobody is going to pay to watch them.

 

[Pfitzy]

Got 2 free tickets as a ref, but due to change in circumstances have to turn them down.

I like Bankwest. Great stadium BUT the public transport links should have been better thought out really. Realistically could have mown flat a large part of the Parramatta CBD that isn't in use, and put it closer to the train station.

 

[fatprop]

Got 2 free tickets as a ref, but due to change in circumstances have to turn them down.

I like Bankwest. Great stadium BUT the public transport links should have been better thought out really. Realistically could have mown flat a large part of the Parramatta CBD that isn't in use, and put it closer to the train station.

Due to the freeway updates and the joints good escape design, it is quicker for me to get home from Bankwest than it is to get home from the SFS despite being twice as far away

 

[I like to watch]

The Waratahs have a contractual agreement with the SCG Trust.

They have received compensation due to not being able to play at the SFS.

They clearly do want to return to the new rectangular stadium at Moore Park once it is built. It should be the best rectangular stadium in the country.

BankWest is excellent but making it their permanent home ground is a) unwise because that's not where a lot of their base resides and b) the lack of a good stadium at Moore Park is temporary.

Lastly, they literally can't play all their home games at BankWest. It is tenanted by Western Sydney Wanderers, Wests Tigers, Parramatta and the Bulldogs so it is in heavy use already. Outside of the Wanderers and Parramatta, all those other teams have multiple home grounds.

Any agreement they had, fell over with the demolition of the SFS.

I agree they want to move back into Moore park, but that’s not necessarily the optimal choice.

There’s an argument that the best solution would have been to contract 1/2 their games at Moore park, then individual games at Brookvale, parra,Sutherland, Bathurst,Newcastle,Coffs or Port, etc etc.

Let’s be honest, if there were no SCG members at Moore Park the last few years, the on field participants would have outnumbered the crowd.

 

[barbarian]

I like Bankwest. Great stadium BUT the public transport links should have been better thought out really. Realistically could have mown flat a large part of the Parramatta CBD that isn't in use, and put it closer to the train station.

Once the West Metro comes in (in next 4-5 years I think) then you'll be able to get from the CBD to your seat in about half an hour. It's not perfect but combined with the Westconnex I find it a breeze to get to and from.

 

[Sheepie]

I like Bankwest. Great stadium BUT the public transport links should have been better thought out really. Realistically could have mown flat a large part of the Parramatta CBD that isn't in use, and put it closer to the train station.

Just checked google maps. Shortest walking distance Central Station to SFS 1.9km. Shortest walking distance Parra Station (not the closest point of it) to Bankwest 1.5km. A whole 400m shorter. What are you talking about, it needing to be closer?

Here’s a pretty good article on how we got to where we are..

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-...tahs-plunged-into-crisis-20210304-p577pq.html

Just read this article a few minutes ago and thought it gave great insight that a lot of discussions seem to not have. Especially the Rapp / Penney disagreements on play style and squad.

 

[Braveheart81]

There’s an argument that the best solution would have been to contract 1/2 their games at Moore park, then individual games at Brookvale, parra,Sutherland, Bathurst,Newcastle,Coffs or Port, etc etc.

Something similar to this is largely what has happened.

They have played home games at the SCG, BankWest, Brookvale, Newcastle and Wollongong while the SFS has been unavailable.

The SCG sucks but it has also drawn the biggest crowds and I don't think that is just from the SCG/SFS members.

Brookvale draws a good crowd but is a different demographic who mostly don't go to the games elsewhere and they lose out spectators from elsewhere. One Brookvale game a year is fine in my view but it is terrible to get to.

The SCG is the worst location they're playing at for watching games but the best location in terms of eating and drinking before and afterwards.

They also can't ignore their members. This is the core that has ultimately stuck by the team through thick and thin. That isn't easily replaced just by playing at a different stadium.

 

[Blazing Saddles]

This is also a great article, hits the nail on the head around player development and recruitment.2 years in shute shield should be a minimum, if they are good enough to get a contract at 19 let them prove themselves in a tough week in and week out environment.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/...y/news-story/c94a350aedf88c33fbacc713029fda0f