Press conference

[4 the all in brawl]

I think Thirsty Masters touched on it in relation to NRL talent across the 16 clubs - outside the top 13 players many clubs struggle with depth even for the bench and to replace players that are injured/out of form or on rep duty for instance- basically saying there isn't enough depth for a 16 team comp as it stands - Any proposed expansion will need to take this into account especially as the reserve grade comp is not a high standard one and no national under 20's comp anymore.

The old days of the three grades on the one day (1st grade/reserve grade/ under 23/21's/20's) gave you a view of possible up and comers and replacements for the first grade side. There is an issue with the development pathway for players from as early as 16 and especially 18 onwards since the demise of the under 20's Comp too which will mean the standard of players and games and depth in NRL talent for the current 16 clubs and any expansion (new teams) into the future will only decline more rapidly than it is now.

what are the posters view on this?

I have banged on about this in the past.

Bring back a proper reserve grade (make it a national comp), all clubs field reserve grade teams in their colours and play it before the main game.

The suits at the NRL need to invest more money in the grassroots and pathways. The clubs need to partner in on this and direct some revenue towards a reserve grade comp, they need to be more innovative too as most NRL clubs are loss making organisations. They need to work out how to attract more to games, bargain for better outcomes from rights deals, etc

Ideally an u23 or an u21 comp as well......

Its a bit of a joke that most NRL games are now standalone.....its the result of the product the NRL matches now being made for TV audiences...

[The Axe]

I think Thirsty Masters touched on it in relation to NRL talent across the 16 clubs - outside the top 13 players many clubs struggle with depth even for the bench and to replace players that are injured/out of form or on rep duty for instance- basically saying there isn't enough depth for a 16 team comp as it stands - Any proposed expansion will need to take this into account especially as the reserve grade comp is not a high standard one and no national under 20's comp anymore.

The old days of the three grades on the one day (1st grade/reserve grade/ under 23/21's/20's) gave you a view of possible up and comers and replacements for the first grade side. There is an issue with the development pathway for players from as early as 16 and especially 18 onwards since the demise of the under 20's Comp too which will mean the standard of players and games and depth in NRL talent for the current 16 clubs and any expansion (new teams) into the future will only decline more rapidly than it is now.

what are the posters view on this?

I’m appalled by cutting back initially of reserves, then u20s. Now we have nothing or rubbish exhibition games women’s u20s.

Does not surprise lack of depth

[ROC181]

If I close my eyes when Robinson is doing a press conference, I imagine this guy is talking.

[bondi paul]

I watched a few press conferences of Jamaican Aisha Praught prior her commonwealth games win in the 3000 mtr steeple chase - fantastic to listen to and unlike any other coach or sportsperson with the exception of Ali. A must watch.
Trent has become boring and his eyes are like he has been caught by headlights. Fear.