Dave Smiths dream plan for NRL and expansion a pipe dream!

[Swans4ever]

With clubs on the bread line, a lack of playing talent and a developing underclass of struggling NRL sides on the field Dave Smith appears to be day dreaming about NRL's hopes to dominate the AFL or even expand outside of NSW and QLD!

Lack of player talent delaying NRL expansion aspirations, say leading rugby league identities
DAVID RICCIO
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
MARCH 22, 2014 8:00PM
21 COMMENTS

Dave Smith’s goal of expanding the NRL competition has hit a major hurdle. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: News Corp Australia
EXPANDING the NRL competition would prove an unmitigated disaster, according to leading and influential rugby league identities who believe there simply isn’t enough quality playing talent to add any further teams.

The issue of expansion and re-location reared it’s head last week following revelations that the financial plight of the Wests Tigers is at breaking point.

NRL chief executive Dave Smith has consistently stated that discussion on expanding the competition will feature on his end-of-season agenda, with no extra clubs or relocation of teams expected during the current broadcast deal, which concludes in 2017.

But according to the game’s leading coaches, players, chief executives and commentators, the issue of expanding the competition needs to be withdrawn and replaced by a more intense focus — there simply isn’t enough talent to satisfy more than 16 NRL teams.


It’s a belief was never more evident than last weekend.


Leading rugby league identities believe expansion would be an unmitigated disaster. Source: DailyTelegraph
The Sunday Telegraph can reveal that an alarming 83 NRL players were unavailable for selection either through injury or suspension last weekend, which contributed to three of the seven matches finishing with record-breaking scorelines, mediocre TV ratings and far from satisfying crowd figures.

Missing only their starting hooker Nathan Peats, Parramatta fielded their best possible side before succumbing to their biggest loss in 67-years against the Sydney Roosters last Saturday night, losing 56-4.

Surrendering 40-12 to the Wests Tigers, the Gold Coast Titans flatlined to finish with their biggest ever defeat at home in the club’s short history.

And without eight members of their starting line-up last Monday night, Cronulla suffered their heaviest loss to Canterbury in 47-years.


Bob Fulton and Ray Hadley say there is a serious lack of depth to contemplate expansion. Source: News Limited
Rugby League Immortal Bob Fulton said a serious lack of depth of talent is the issue the game needs to address well before expansion or relocation talks begin.

So alarming is the inconsistency of playing talent, the former Manly champion said he is in no doubt that an expanded NRL competition would lead to further fan dissatisfaction and decreased interest in the game.

“There is not enough talent in the competition to take another 60 players out which, you’d need to form for two new clubs,’’ Fulton said.

“There is just not the depth of talent and the product would be eroded to the point of even worse television ratings, even worse score lines and worse crowds.

“It’s all well and good to say we need a second team in Brisbane, but what we really need to be saying is we a second strong team in Brisbane.

“We have this level of players right now, which is close to consistent but as soon as you get a few injuries the standard of play drops alarmingly. Particularly if you lose one or two of your x-factor players out of your team.

“We’re a long, long way from expansion, at least another five years.’’

Former NSW Origin and Test coach Ricky Stuart said the length of the current season — 26 rounds — coupled with the new rules, which has sped up the game, should also be considered when expansion plans are tabled.


Ricky Stuart believes the NRL should be focused on other issues before an expansion plan is tabled. Picture: Zak Simmonds. Source: News Corp Australia
“The season is too long, there’s too many games and with the game now faster than ever before, the attrition rate will be like we’ve never seen before,’’ Stuart said.

“So with that comes the forced promotion of players from the junior level who are not conditioned for NRL.

“We should be focusing on keeping our aged players, of early thirties, in the game longer before we talk about expanding the competition, which in essence would only dilute the talent.’’

NSW State of Origin captain Paul Gallen entered the debate on radio last week, admitting that as a player there is a major concern with the quality of playing talent in the game.

“I hear about expansion of the game and how we want another team in and without being rude, there’s just not enough good players to fill another team,’’ Gallen told 2KY’s Big Sports Breakfast.

“You’re not going to find another 25 to 30 first graders who are going to be able to compete week in, week out.’’

At least 12 NRL clubs currently sit on or below the financial breadline, forcing the NRL to consider the possible relocation of teams, highlighted by reports last week that the Wests Tigers could be moved to Perth, while last year the Sharks were identified for a future home in Rockhampton.

2GB’s leading commentator Ray Hadley has been calling rugby league for 27 years and said the NRL needed to push expansion plans back to 2018, while also warning of the dangers associated with uprooting teams. “There should be a period of consolidation,’’ Hadley said.
“The last time they expanded the competition to 20 teams it was a disaster. “They’ve (NRL) got new rules, a whole new regime who have changed the game, so put expansion plans back four years and don’t even think about it. “Not enough good players to fill a team,” says Paul Gallen. Picture: Matt King. Source: Getty Images. “And if they are to do it, concentrate on another team in Queensland, revisit the Central Coast with their own team as opposed to one transplanted from elsewhere. “As far as relocation goes, it doesn’t work. Just look at Manly and the Northern Eagles.v “And I don’t think Sydney Swans or Brisbane Lions supporters in the AFL identify with Fitzroy or South Melbourne either.” St George-Illawarra chief executive Peter Doust said that ahead of expansion, the ‘quality of the product needed to be of greatest concern’. “We can’t afford to add teams to he competition at this point in time because our priority is to make what we’ve got more sustainable, I think it’s been well documented that we need to do some investing in growth before we can expect to be able to afford any additional teams,’’ Doust said.
“While a national footprint notionally has a solid flavour to it, I just don’t think we have the capacity short-term to think about that. “Sustainability needs to be at the top of the list.’’ However, Peter Mulholland, the inaugural coach of Perth’s now defunct Western Reds franchise, which was established in 1995, was of an opposing view. “It might not be the intense competition that you want it to be, but it’s about opportunities,’’ Mulholland said. “The under 20s competition has given us opportunity to school kids better and to develop them better than any other competition.

[AFLcrap1]

Lack of player talent delaying NRL expansion aspirations, say leading rugby league identities
DAVID RICCIO
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
MARCH 22, 2014 8:00PM'
Thats as far as i got.
News Ltd ...it will be accurate ,well researched & impartial..NOT

[adamj1300]

Lack of player talent delaying NRL expansion aspirations, say leading rugby league identities
DAVID RICCIO
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
MARCH 22, 2014 8:00PM'
Thats as far as i got.
News Ltd ...it will be accurate ,well researched & impartial..NOT

still bitter about newt ltd selling off a dud investment
where will the NRL expand central queensland inbread bogan central. there a few good poke venues up there, thats a good start to fund a RL club

[cos789]

Lack of player talent delaying NRL expansion aspirations, say leading rugby league identities
DAVID RICCIO
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
MARCH 22, 2014 8:00PM'
Thats as far as i got.

We all assumed you were literary challenged. that probably confirms it. (IMO)

[AFLcrap1]

Lack of player talent delaying NRL expansion aspirations, say leading rugby league identities
DAVID RICCIO
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
MARCH 22, 2014 8:00PM'
Thats as far as i got.

We all assumed you were literary challenged. that probably confirms it. (IMO)

[cos789]

And your reply confirms it.... yet agaian.

[AFLcrap1]

How so?

I laughed at you not quite grasping the concept of a RL fan NOT reading anything from News ltd.

& im laughing ,more now.

:_<> :_<> :_<> :_<> :_<> :_<> :_<> :_<> :_<> :_<> :_<> :_<>
You would be a star in Fumbleball...
All the times you try ,but being unco you miss & get a consolation point .

[Cracker]

On the contrary, the article is a very good one and serves as a stern warning for the standard of the game below elite level.

There was one aspect of the article however that was incorrect, but it was the quote and not the report itself. The comparison between Manly and the Northern Eagles experiment alongside Sydney/South Melbourne and Brisbane/Fitzroy. The Sea Eagles never moved far whereas the other two were state border crossings. Also, Fitzroy and South Melbourne supporters have in fact taken out Lions and Swans memberships. So Gallen (if it was him that was quoted) is not correct.

There can be no doubt that Brisbane can sustain a second NRL team. It is also the case that the Central Coast can sustain a team, particularly at a stadium like Blue Tongue. But the grand final that I saw in Albury was of a good standard and yet this appears to not be carrying on to elite level. That is a concern, especially if the issue is in New South Wales. It's all about competing with the AFL, and it needs to be done.

[cos789]

There can be no doubt that Brisbane can sustain a second NRL team.

Like there can be no doublt that AF is played in NZ eh crackpot.

[adamj1300]

On the contrary, the article is a very good one and serves as a stern warning for the standard of the game below elite level.

There was one aspect of the article however that was incorrect, but it was the quote and not the report itself. The comparison between Manly and the Northern Eagles experiment alongside Sydney/South Melbourne and Brisbane/Fitzroy. The Sea Eagles never moved far whereas the other two were state border crossings. Also, Fitzroy and South Melbourne supporters have in fact taken out Lions and Swans memberships. So Gallen (if it was him that was quoted) is not correct.

There can be no doubt that Brisbane can sustain a second NRL team. It is also the case that the Central Coast can sustain a team, particularly at a stadium like Blue Tongue. But the grand final that I saw in Albury was of a good standard and yet this appears to not be carrying on to elite level. That is a concern, especially if the issue is in New South Wales. It's all about competing with the AFL, and it needs to be done.

every AFL fan eagerly awaits for NRL expansion. a 2nd team in brisbane. will drag down interest in the broncos,
place a team up on the central coast, after all games where taken way from there because of shit crowds even by NRL standards!

put a team up in central QLD Rock Hampton or even Mackay. there are several cashed up bogan lonely coal minors up here to spend their cash on the pokes to keep the club alive

[AFLcrap1]

There can be no doubt that Brisbane can sustain a second NRL team.

Like there can be no doublt that AF is played in NZ eh crackpot.

Fuck off ****** ,clogging up every thread with your international AFL jerk off.

[Beaussie]

I'd love to see the pending NRL disaster that is a Perth team in the NRL come to fruition. Bring it on. Did anyone note the crowd in Perth on the weekend for the NRL? Oh dear.

[Cracker]

On the contrary, the article is a very good one and serves as a stern warning for the standard of the game below elite level.

There was one aspect of the article however that was incorrect, but it was the quote and not the report itself. The comparison between Manly and the Northern Eagles experiment alongside Sydney/South Melbourne and Brisbane/Fitzroy. The Sea Eagles never moved far whereas the other two were state border crossings. Also, Fitzroy and South Melbourne supporters have in fact taken out Lions and Swans memberships. So Gallen (if it was him that was quoted) is not correct.

There can be no doubt that Brisbane can sustain a second NRL team. It is also the case that the Central Coast can sustain a team, particularly at a stadium like Blue Tongue. But the grand final that I saw in Albury was of a good standard and yet this appears to not be carrying on to elite level. That is a concern, especially if the issue is in New South Wales. It's all about competing with the AFL, and it needs to be done.

every AFL fan eagerly awaits for NRL expansion. a 2nd team in brisbane. will drag down interest in the broncos,
place a team up on the central coast, after all games where taken way from there because of shit crowds even by NRL standards!

put a team up in central QLD Rock Hampton or even Mackay. there are several cashed up bogan lonely coal minors up here to spend their cash on the pokes to keep the club alive

The reason why poor crowds went to NRL games in Gosford was because it was a home game for a Sydney club and their fans refused to travel. Base a club there and you will get different results.

If I remember, Rockhampton isn't a mining town at all, and Mackay is more a sugar town. The mines are a long way inland. I do not believe either of them could support an NRL team as the population of both would be too small.

[NRLCrap1]

It's all about competing with the AFL, and it needs to be done.

NEEDS to be done?? Are you out of your tiny mind? The NRL couldn't compete with a scout jamboree!!

[214Four]

On the contrary, the article is a very good one and serves as a stern warning for the standard of the game below elite level.

There was one aspect of the article however that was incorrect, but it was the quote and not the report itself. The comparison between Manly and the Northern Eagles experiment alongside Sydney/South Melbourne and Brisbane/Fitzroy. The Sea Eagles never moved far whereas the other two were state border crossings. Also, Fitzroy and South Melbourne supporters have in fact taken out Lions and Swans memberships. So Gallen (if it was him that was quoted) is not correct.

There can be no doubt that Brisbane can sustain a second NRL team. It is also the case that the Central Coast can sustain a team, particularly at a stadium like Blue Tongue. But the grand final that I saw in Albury was of a good standard and yet this appears to not be carrying on to elite level. That is a concern, especially if the issue is in New South Wales. It's all about competing with the AFL, and it needs to be done.

the article is bullshit, its sensationalised/tabloid style reporting at best. There isnt enough quality players for any expansion teams, that is utter bullshit. Before the super league war the ARL (which is what the NRL was called) was a 20 team competition, and during the split in 1997 there was a total of 22 clubs playing in two separate professional RL competitions and there wasnt issues having enough talented players to fill all their rosters.

As well as the NRL, theres a national under 20s competition which is played with all NRL clubs, thats 32 teams. The problem is not that there isnt enough quality players, the issue is that since the under20s competition was created, it took over as the the highest quality 2nd tier RL compeition/the stepping stone into the NRL. the problem with this is the age requirement for the players. If a quality RL player suddenly turns 21, he is no longer eligible for the under20s competiton and if he is still a year or two from making an NRL squad (which alot of 21 or 22 year old would) his only options are to play in the NSW or QLD cup competitions (which would now be the tier 3 RL compeitions) or go over to the UK and play in the english superleague.

leaving the under 20s (the 2nd strongest RL competion or tier 2) to then play in the state cup competitions (tier 3 rl comps) is the issue around RL players and the amount of quality RL players comming through. the progression into the NRL should be a stepping stone moving upwards as you progress, but due to the success of the under20s its now for some NRL hopefuls a step up (being in an under20s squad), then a step back (playing in a state cup competitions) and then they must basically need to jump up afew steps to get their shot in the NRL. the current set up is letting quality players seep through the cracks.

To fix this i would lower the national competiton i would make it an under18s national competition and focus to be the 3rd tier competition. the state cup competitions then would have players ovr 18 and would be the tier 2 rl comps.