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The RLWC ramps up in the semi-finals, big news for the salary cap and NRL draw and a pair of backrowers boost the Eels in an action packed edition of The Tip Sheet.
Sixties and Forty20 break down the latest from England as the chase for glory across the men, women and wheelchair tournaments approaches its zenith. With Australia throwing down with New Zealand and the hosts England locking horns with Samoa, the boys look at who will make it through to the big dance.
The Eels have received a twin boost to their backrow stocks. Former Parra prospect Matt Doorey returns home on a 2-year deal and immediately enters the frame to replace Isaiah Papali’i on the right edge. The Blue & Gold have also locked up rising talent Toni Mataele until the end of 2025 and he could feature in the NRL very much sooner rather than later.
The general NRL news is dominated this week by the growing feud between young star Kurt Oloapu and the Brisbane Broncos. Sixties and Forty look at the delicate balance between player empowerment and club responsibilities and how this situation could play out.
Big news for the Eels comes in the way over a new deal with the Northern Territory as well as updates on the cap scenario heading into next year and their 2023 draw. Parramatta will be all over prime time footy next season and it starts in Round 1 as they kick the season off by hosting the Storm. The Eels’ 4-year streak inside the Top 8 will be pitted against Melbourne’s 22-year Round 1 victory streak.
Finally, Sixties caps off the show with a quick recap of the first week of preseason training!
Good day sixties hope u r well champ, and thank u for all your updates on the Eels, just wondering do u think we will add a couple more mid to high profile signings b4 end of year, as I believe we have 26 players contracted, that’s including Nat brown, disappointing that we not addressing our centre position depth , I’m expecting 3 more additions soon, and leave 1or 2open for mid year as usual, Cheers mate
Cheers Ray. I believe that we technically have 3 spots available but there will be at least one more given Nathan Brown seems likely to move on. I agree that we need a backline signing, and by that I mean experienced. We have to name 28 players by round 1. The later we leave any of those the less of the preseason they get.
The RLWC has added to the issue of signings, but it’s been pretty underwhelming so far. Losing 6 NRL starters and signing 3 regular reserve graders and a hooker recovering from a serious injury is not impressive for probably the biggest Sydney club. Not sure it should be called pressure, but big clubs don’t lose players like Mitch and Dylan despite interest elsewhere.
As suggested, need to get things done certainly before the end of the year to have a decent start to the new season. A a adequate first grade centre and possibly an experienced half is the minimum addition.
Always the negative , no faith in coaching staff but you’ve always backstabbed them !!!
Fairs fair, he didn’t have a serious knee injury when we signed him. I reckon you’ll be pretty happy with the recruitment class come the end of the year, Hopgood especially has enormous potential.
The experienced half is a pipe dream though, if you are an experienced NRL half you’d have a first grade spot or a good offer in England. The Robson type of player just doesn’t exist in footy anymore.
He has had two ACL’s and I am sure if we didn’t want to sign him, we could have got out of the contract. I have no problem with him being recruited,and our eyes are open to his injuries…..what I don’t understand is who are you trying to defend and why Gol?
Big Derek, good to see you again, I am still in Brisbane but I am looking for a commentary on the report issued by Nathan Brown on the pathways. I have not actually seen the report, is it available to the public? that said I know you have a very good and strong understanding of the junior system. The results to date for the past few years (covid etc) have not been encouraging. Are the people on the ground such as yourself seeing any noticeable improvement and what if anything needs to be done to get our pathways up to where they should be.
As a club supporter for more than 70 years I am becoming very disenchanted with the less than impressive stats we are pulling from our juniors, I know you have also been concerned for the same reasons. Finally and on another matter the “who ha” over BA’s son etc is not going away…..are you seeing any effect on club culture as the post you made here about not losing players such as Mitch and Dylan is very worrying in the context of where we have been and clawed back to.
Great podcast guys.
The salary cap negotiations seems just to be based on greed at the expense of grass roots and regional Rugby League. The AFL is swamping schools and local councils putting in their posts at schools and parks for free. Their players are visiting schools and Auskick programs are running for free. We won’t have a game unless the kids and clubs get better resources by NRL.
NRLPA wanting a seat on the commission LOL. It’s just Clint Newton trying to keep his career going. It’s just laughable. Players on the MRC and how is that going? Patton perhaps? The reason it’s independent is because club bias comes into play.
I’m supportive of players associations improving conditions for players and pay etc. But there comes a point when it’s just money grabbing and they are paid well. Now it’s just going too far.
Looking forward to WC final.
Thanks again
Pete, I have to give credit to the AFL. They have played the long game targeting schools. The after school program that I watched over a number of years as a teacher was bog ordinary but maybe it’s better now. That said, it does allow them to fudge the numbers with their after school programs getting participants included as juniors, but more power to them. And they have supported the PSSA competitions with staff and resources.
My kid was told by AFL visiting the school “we are your team”
My kid said ” No you’re not we follow NRL”
It’s actually a battle for hearts and minds and NRL is asleep at the wheel.
Pete I agree with all that you say on this, well said. The players have a limited career as professional athletes. I understand there search for the best deals they can get in their limited career window.
However the NRL is the adult in the game and has a responsibility to foster the game. Their task is to ensure that the game endures into the future. Giving the players a percentage of the games revenue was in my opinion a blunder.
The NRL has failed to invest in assets. They have failed to invest in the future of the game. They talk themselves up about working with the schools but I don’t see it.
My grandson goes to a Catholic school. The AFL clinic every is on every year. There is never an NRL clinic. Every year he brings an AFL ball home.
Every year I wait until nobody is around and I give the AFL ball to the dog.
He is only a Cavoodle but he does me proud and makes short work of the plastic AFL ball.
That’s great the dog gets the best use of their ball LOL.
Regardless of who’s balls get chewed up the result is a negative to Rugby league and the Elephant in the room is parents not wanting their children playing the Rugby codes.
Blind Freddie can see this without the head knocks and concussion.
The best thing is to go full on with Touch Rugby Programmes that are more inclusive than the impracticalities of AFL.
I grew up playing all 4 winter codes and of the games I stayed with as the most enjoyable were the Rugby codes, because 3 or 4 mates could get together after school and play touch, with little physical contact or size issues. Its a great way to keep fit and can be fitted in with various times that suit a modern parent working two jobs.
I might add I played representative at both AFL and soccer and my choices were not opportunity driven by success.
Trained with a background of touch will eventually deliver the boys who evolve to the tackle game.
I am guessing by the way (without knowing) that the senior body NSWRL in your case’s does not own the product with enough deliberacy and the local beaucracy’s take over.
Its a common factor in junior sport and something that AFL seem to have gotten right.