Is it character building or detrimental??

[novice chook]

Give our young'uns the choice between playing in the Under 20s with the kiddies and first grade with the big boys and they'll take first grade every time.

None of us were experts in our field when we started out, and there's nothing better than 'on the job' training.

It would be nice if our little apprentices had more 'supervisor support' on the field, but hopefully that will arrive in the next month or two.

[JAF]

Good thread!
My 2c worth - the NRL is both a mental and physical challenge where only the tough survive.
So to make it in this game, these losses can only be character building for our budding superstars, as long as they learn from these experiences.
A winning streak is just as important to build their confidence, and hopefully this is just around the corner!

[eddie]

IMO it depends how they take it, but it should be character building if they are REALLY first grade players (i.e. have the right mental toughness).

Nailed it Issy.

Keep reading posts on here saying crap like Mitchell's confidence will be permanently damaged if he drops a ball while playing fullback. Or Trent will be destroying Nikorima mentally if he plays him off the bench ..................................
If they're up to first grade standard they'll benefit from the experience.
If they turn to water they'll probably end up like Adrian Lam in a close game , MIA.

Best to find out sooner than later.
Good players don't like being held back if the team's under-performing either.No matter how old they are.

[HEGtheROOSTER]

Massive benefit long term for players with a bit of ticker. We just have to suck up a bit of short-term pain in the meantime....

[One Eyed Willy]

Massive benefit long term for players with a bit of ticker. We just have to suck up a bit of short-term pain in the meantime....

There lies the other question, ticket. We will find out who has it and who doesn't.
I'm a realist and always knew this year would be tough and thought we may sneak into the 8 but once junior transgressed I was resigned to the fact that we may go 0-8 to start the year. The good times of the past 3 yrs will far out weigh the struggles of this year for most fans. It's the minority that demand success every year that won't be able to understand this

[crikey chris]

This year was always going to be a tough one. But did not expect us to be at the bottom of the ladder though. ....Short term pain, long-term gain!