Third Tier 2026

[Wilson]

I think we need to cool our jets on expectations a bit here. We're talking about a comp that's not even a half NRC. The 3 or 4 games these guys get will help, but it'll take years in a program for them to make much of a difference. At this point it's basically a glorified pre-season program. It's not nothing, and as part of a fuller schedule like the Reds run it's a bit more meaningful, but if 3 games was all it took to prepare these guys for super we probably wouldn't need a whole competition to do it.

None of this is meant as a criticism of Super Aus, it's a good start and something is a lot better than nothing, but it needs to be longer (8-10 games) and even then, the pay off comes from a few years in the program, not a single season. We can already see that with guys over on New Zealand usually getting a couple of prep years in NPC before arriving on the scene in Super Rugby.

 

[Major Tom]

Yeah I’m not suggesting that it will prepare a kid for SRP (Super Rugby Pacific). But the handful of games gives them a glimpse of what the level is like and extra incentive to hit the preseason. And the reality is, someone like Harvey is probably gonna be thrown in next year anyways so at least now he’s got some prep, as opposed to nothing.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

That's why I'm saying it will take a few years. Sides are going to approach it differently. The Reds have a whole of side cohesion aspect IMO and a side the Tahs are seeing what individuals may have the ability to step into a higher arena next year.

 

[Propsruntheworld]

Reds side listed for this week is unbelievable in terms of talent and depth. they are taking this comp very seriously it would seem.

 

[Wilson]

Reds side listed for this week is unbelievable in terms of talent and depth. they are taking this comp very seriously it would seem.

They are, but it's also the reality of a settled squad. Reds/Brumbies are not seeing anywhere near as much year on year turnover, so they have most of the guys they need locked down for next year already and can play them here, while testing a few fringe options out.

The Force and (even more so) the tahs on the other hand have a lot of departures and positions still open, and that means they're running a bunch of club guys from outside the system who haven't ever played together and patching up holes where they can.