Pre Season Comp

[Bazzinator]

I know this idea has been chucked around before but never really got going. Similar to the AFL's NAB cup i would really like to see the NRL do the same thing to start the season. A knock out competition will give the teams something to play for instead of trials where basically anything goes. It gives each club 4 pre season matches and can be seen as a level playing field for all. The AFL make matches between knocked out teams each week until the final.

I see the only thing holding this back is the World Club Challenge which traditionally takes part in late February. I see no point in holding it at that time considering the team that takes the field is not the same team that won the grand final with players leaving etc. Why not hold it two weeks after the grand final and make it proper.

What does everyone think on the issues

 

[Juro]

I'm pretty neutral over the idea. The preseason is for fine-tuning a team's lineup and getting players up to match fitness. I doubt most teams care too much about any particular game's result, except maybe the charity shield and world club challenge. Having a formal tournament may be good but probably the teams would not give it too much impoartance.

 

[benjibrotown]

I would love to see some sort of ore season comp. Always a weird feeling walking away after having won a game and knowing that it meant nothing.

 

[triserratops]

Gallop will never model anything in the NRL from the AFL.
Look at the finals system….....should have been changed years ago.
I'd like to see something but I believe that "No pre-season comp" will ever kick start the NRL season.

 

[Yossarian]

The NAB Cup is the biggest waste of time in major Australian sport. 95% of the teams don't give a stuff and most of them do their best to lose. Think about it - if you get to the final that's 4 games against other 1st grade teams. Most teams seem to prefer two full trials and another one or two trials with fringe players.

Unless it was worth a squillion bucks the NRL clubs would be apathetic or hostile.
Bring back the mid week cup I say!!

 

[Marshall_magic]

Gallop will never model anything in the NRL from the AFL.
Look at the finals system….....should have been changed years ago.

The AFL used the McIntyre system in the late 90s, the NRL used the one they use now. They are both as bad as each other.

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

i'd prefer a mid week comp like the old amco cup - with a mix of 20's, state cup and first grade players in the team.

 

[Chris]

Will never happen. The players are complaining already that they are playing too many games as it is.

 

[spearby]

we had a pre season comp in the 1960s and maybe 1970s it was a good comp but you didnt have the players running on and off like a trial of today you played your best team there was lots of injuries. i thing it was the wd & ho wills comp i may be wrong .I liked the mid week comp best but it would be to hard on the players today with origin the game today is so intense leave it as is

 

[tiger_sean]

Bring back the Sevens!!
So we can defend our title!

 

[bjm8]

The NAB Cup is the biggest waste of time in major Australian sport. 95% of the teams don't give a stuff and most of them do their best to lose. Think about it - if you get to the final that's 4 games against other 1st grade teams. Most teams seem to prefer two full trials and another one or two trials with fringe players.

Unless it was worth a squillion bucks the NRL clubs would be apathetic or hostile.
Bring back the mid week cup I say!!

5100 at the St Kilda semi final last night says the fans dont care either.

 

[steven_tiger]

Horrible weather though… it wrecked some of the stadium!