Agree with you Zander, I know of young Kiwi players and their families being brought out to play NRL here in SG Ball , Toyota Cup and 1st Grade and the NRL clubs in question pay the Rents and give further Assistance to their families. Not fair as well to the locals lads who are talented.
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Quick Hands
David Wilson (68)
NO doubt one of the worst decisions that the ARU has made. This is where these guys should be - training and playing curtain raisers to Aust super rugby matches.
George Smith
Ted Thorn (20)
Isnt there some discussion on this in
Isn't there some discussion on this in National Tournaments 2014 thread?
strokeside
Larry Dwyer (12)
At the NSW teams presentation last week, Cheika spoke to the boys and outlined the plan to expand and strengthen the Tah Acadamy, no real details but some hope. Cheika must be very pleased with the recent NSW schools form, winning both finals last year(1st&3rd) and going one better this year.
George Smith
Ted Thorn (20)
Them fighting words when they have played the best of all the other states including Qld I's!
George Smith
Ted Thorn (20)
what the Is v IIs game provide the selectors tomorrow is a chance to compare 2 players who are penciled in as 'near equivalents'. Tomorrow's game presents a great opportunity to view Walker v Warren-Vosayoco or Deegan v Clancy or Short v Lussick or Morris/McCalman/Crichton/Paenga-Amosa.
In terms of heads to heads the two NSW 10s will both be selected (albeit very different players), McCalman and Crichton & Morris are the better flankers in the tournament and Jones & Kellaway can cover the centres, fullback and wings spots so both will be included. Lussick, IMO, is better then Short. Hutchinson will be selected in As or reserves "for the experience and 2014 grooming". As for the other crucial position, Hooker, Koutsoukis is better than Fotukava and Mafi (Qld) has not come on this year after a great 2012 18s and 16s campaigns. I wouldn't be surprised if McLean (#16 from Trinity) gets selected in A's.
Milne and Moeroa are no brainers.
In terms of heads to heads the two NSW 10s will both be selected (albeit very different players), McCalman and Crichton & Morris are the better flankers in the tournament and Jones & Kellaway can cover the centres, fullback and wings spots so both will be included. Lussick, IMO, is better then Short. Hutchinson will be selected in As or reserves "for the experience and 2014 grooming". As for the other crucial position, Hooker, Koutsoukis is better than Fotukava and Mafi (Qld) has not come on this year after a great 2012 18s and 16s campaigns. I wouldn't be surprised if McLean (#16 from Trinity) gets selected in A's.
Milne and Moeroa are no brainers.
Inside Shoulder
Nathan Sharpe (72)
I think one of the backups is better than both.
Paenga-Amosa and Walker are my 2 Favourites, tough as.
Do you think the TSS/NC players selected were only selected because of where they went to school?
Is red black for GT?
Michael Cheika was also at Riverview yesterday. He was talking to Tepai Meroa for a long time after the final game
Do you think any of the CS or Vic Boys have played well enough to warrant a gig in the Schoolboys, A's or shadow?
There are some NGS boys in the CS team. They sometimes get a look in.
Should be in the afternoon after the final game
Rugby Winner
Bob McCowan (2)
Agree. Paenga-Amosa strong over the ball & a havoc at the breakdown.
I have heard a figure of $7k being bandied around as the player contribution for the Aust Schoolboys European Tour. Could be urban legend.
If true this is probably a bit steep IMHO for the privilege of representing your country.
Inside Shoulder
Nathan Sharpe (72)
If the kids are paying then I cant see any proper basis on which the ARU or ARSU could choose between kids on the basis of what they plan to do after school.
There's a nice point in all of this: these kids are minors so there must be a question mark as to their legal capacity to enter into a contract to play league after they leave school.
No doubt someone will point out how the loig clubs make it kosher - there are couple of ways but I'm not going to help them.
Inside Shoulder
Nathan Sharpe (72)
What time is the playoff for first??
12.30 pm for 1sts. Does anyone know if the grass area at the school will be open for Car Parking, otherwise its going to be a Nightmare to find a spot.
DYEL
Bob McCowan (2)
Keep in mind that as of last year NRL surprising contract List:
THIS IS FIRST GRADE NRL (NOT HOLDEN CUP)
Adam Reynolds (South's) - $50,000 (2012)
Dane Gagai (Newcastle) - $20,000 (2012)
Josh Reynolds (Canterbury) - $60,000 (2012)
Willie Mason (Newcastle) - $40,000 (2012)
These are just some of the average salaries that these relatively HIGH level league players are on. I'm sure there is more enticement to play Holden Cup than the chips of money they are being offered.....
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