NRL considering radical changes to player pathways...

[Tiger_Watto]

BB, ISC clubs get $100k from the QRL plus most have strong sponsorship arrangements due to its profile.

It is well known the ISC is the 2nd Tier Competition in Australia, which is evident with the number of NRL contracted players representing clubs throughout all regions.

It hit a snare a few years ago because of a ruling by the NSWRL, but the ARLC have vitually wiped that agreement for NSW based clubs. Moving forward, all NRL Clubs who dont have an affiliate in the NSW Cup can form an alliance with ISC clubs.

Easts Tigers are a very rich club. They have one of the richest leagues clubs in Queensland and could easily fund an NRL Franchise if they chose to. Currently, the CEO doesnt want to go down that path, but that may change in the future.

Easts arent alone… ISC clubs like Redcliffe and Blackhawks would also have the funding to support an NRL Franchise. [Blackhawks are an huge club linked to Brothers in Townsville and Cairns - BIG $'s]

We are also currently working on a project which will see the Sunshine Coast become another region that could be self-funding. If we aquire the appropriate grants & approvals etc, we will have a sports and community club by 2017, supporting Rugby Union & League in the region. This project will be a life changing experience for sport on the Sunshine Coast. The Melbourne Storm will play a big part in this, and as a result, have already committed to 5 years of their NYC/Development programs being based on the coast and in our proposed club once up and running.

[John Grant stole the QRL TV money [negotiated separately] for the last NRL TV Rights to promote a numbers to put the NRL on an equal standing as AFL.]

 

[ricksen]

The 'platinum' league stuff sounds bizarre, but the age limit has potential given it sounds like it'll be coupled with a rookie draft.
Basically means the talented kids will be shared around the league rather than just end up at whoever flashes the cash.

Still, would like to read the full proposal rather than the sensationalised short hand stuff in the telegraph.

 

[Geo]

NRL blueprint for the future
**NRL Media Release**

Tue 15th December, 11:04AM

The NRL on Tuesday outlined a proposed blueprint to take the game forward over the next decade.

The plan, drawn up by the Head of Game Strategy and Development, Shane Richardson, is designed to improve player welfare and pathways, upgrade and strengthen the second tier and assist in protecting elite players from burnout.

The strategy will reduce costs for clubs, further grow the game outside the current reach and provide a new level of awareness regarding player welfare as they progress through the elite pathways.

Mr Richardson said Rugby League has an opportunity to extend its reach beyond its current footholds to country Australia, Affiliated States, New Zealand, Pacifica and ultimately internationally.

He said the strategy takes a "whole of game" approach to the challenges of the future.

The key recommendations include:

- Increasing the size of NRL squads to 36 players – including six rookies

- Restricting players from making their NRL debuts until the year they turn 19\. No player to be signed with an agent until he is 17 - and contracts for these players should be for a maximum three-year term

- Restructuring the National Youth Competition into a state-based under-20 competition

- Introducing rookie contracts for the start of the 2018 season with each club allowed to sign three rookies each year on two-year contracts

- Revamping and upgrading the State League into a Platinum League to spread the footprint of the competition into all the areas that play Rugby League

- Easing player welfare by considering additional leave, creating a formal International window over an eight-year period and reducing the number of five-day turnarounds

Mr Richardson said the phasing out of the NYC and payments for under-18 players - along with a new business model for the second tier - would result in a $20 million saving for the NRL clubs.

There would be a significant increase in expenditure in the pathways and in particular the second tier by the NRL.

"We are looking to improve and extend the pathways not detract from them," Mr Richardson said.

Mr Richardson said a committee representing the State bodies would help determine the teams which take part in the Platinum League.

**He said the models being shown during consultation for 11 teams in NSW competition were only examples to demonstrate how far the game could reach if the new League was established. But no determination had been made on the final makeup of the League.**

"We want to give everyone the opportunity to play in the NRL – whether they come from the country, New Zealand, the Affiliated States, Pacifica or anywhere else in the world of Rugby League," Mr Richardson said.

"This strategy is not intended to squeeze anyone out of the game - it is designed to include more participants than ever before."

Mr Richardson rubbished suggestions that there had not been sufficient consultation on the blueprint.

He said meetings had been held with all stakeholders and that consultation was on-going.

"Further consultation with the RLPA and other interested parties will be held before any final decisions are made," he said.

"This is an exciting time for the game…we have an opportunity with the new broadcast rights deal to stretch our vision and allow the game to break out from some of the restraints of the past.

"Most importantly, we have started a discussion about the way forward and that has to be a positive start for the game."

http://www.weststigers.com.au/news/2015/12/15/nrl_blueprint_for_th.html

 

[Tiger_Watto]

It's a restriction of trade stopping players signing with agents and will only push them into non-accredited agents.

The best athletes will be snapped up by other sports before NRL Clubs can sign them?!

 

[Geo]

It's a restriction of trade stopping players signing with agents and will only push them into non-accredited agents.

The best athletes will be snapped up by other sports before NRL Clubs can sign them?!

No it wont…chicken little

#inrobbiewetrust

 

[Tiger_Watto]

It's a restriction of trade stopping players signing with agents and will only push them into non-accredited agents.

The best athletes will be snapped up by other sports before NRL Clubs can sign them?!

No it wont…chicken little

#inrobbiewetrust

chicken little???

#wtneedtogotoperth :laughing: