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The Tip Sheet stays in international mode as the Pacific Championships ramp up into Week 2. Sixties, Forty20 and Clint are set to review all of the action from the first week of games as well as previewing what lies ahead this weekend.
First though, it is time to check in with what is happening in Parradise. The roster moves involving the signing of Morgan Harper and the medical retirement of Andrew Davey were made official. Elsewhere this week, Sixties and Forty20 were in attendance at the Parramatta Junior League Awards and report back from the gala night.
Junior Amone’s career hangs in the balance after he was found guilty of assault with a hammer, Jarome Luai is set to test the open market while Papua New Guinea are now in the box seat to claim the 18th berth in the NRL. The boys discuss all of these topics and more before looking at the weekend action in the Pacific Championships!
Thanks again for the podcast, the one consistent in that last 2/3 seasons is for some reason the lack of interest/investment in th 3/4 line. 2023 really shone a light on the situation and unfortunately the club seems to remain in exactly the same situation heading into 2024.
Basically not only too few backs on the roster , and unless there is some last minute releases after Nov 1, we are just 1 or 2 injuries away from using back ups who have struggled previously. The juniors coming through are a year or so away from helping, although a NRL pre season for them could spring a surprise.
Any thoughts why this occurring again, obviously some projected improvements didn’t happen, is it the committee recruitment system at fault or a reluctance to enter bids for the rep level players outside the club entering the market. Michael Jennings and Fergo made a massive difference and it’s certainly a while ago they were signed.
Given all the things in place ( apart from a rich benefactor ) , the R & R team of this big club need to do more than just retain the current roster.
On the issue of the 18th team for the NRL I completely agree with Clint on the matter. I hear what you say about NRL being the national sport of PNG but that is on a par with bragging about being the world’s tallest pigmy.
The case to win selection as the 18th team should be based on what is the best commercial outcome for the NRL. This bid relies on the generous handoff from the federal government which could disappear as quick as it appeared. Look at the recent decision in NSW to defund the stadium upgrades.
For me based on what I have discussed here in the past. Perth ticks all the boxes. It is not taking a slice out of the pie but expanding the size of the pie in a new, not so insignificant, market.
Looking at what local content any PNG team could have in their metrics for recruitment. I would look at the number of NRL games that were in the Dolphin’s squad this year and use that as a metric benchmark for recruiting.
Seems like a great night at the awards and congratulations to all involved. A lot of hard work by the volunteers at various clubs and commitment by the players. A big shout out to the PLC for their massive contribution to the juniors making it easier for families struggling with the cost of living.
I may have this wrong but I understand that our junior player of the year has been recruited by the Roosters. We do not seem to be learning from our mistakes.
This kid should have been signed as a minimum to a Development contract. It is beginning to get infuriating that these players are walking away from the resources that are being invested in them.
No fault stand down as it is needs to be done away with. They are getting involved in things that the NRL has no expertise.
Thanks gents.
There was some noise on Fox that Papenhuyzen was being shopped around. If true, I wonder if that would be of interest. He’s had a horror run on injuries and before then was having HIA issues I think? He’s electric at his best and I think would play very well off Moses and Brown, but I do wonder about longevity in the game. Plus hard to swallow Gutho moving position. He’s the best tactical FB in the game by a stretch.
Feels to me far too early to be talking about 18 teams. Surely we need to see the Dolphins embed and succeed before we talk about expansion. There are already depth issues with the lack of talent currently on market.
Clint makes a very good point about PNG. I personally think that they are not ready to be the 18th franchise and Perth is the one who deserve it more.
Thanks for the podcast- anything to do with any level of govt will smell of backhanded deals. Let’s be honest here, and stand back and see how many of Australian sporting bodies backed the recent referendum and we will see what occurs. And govt are using taxpayers funds too.
PNG are just getting some international exposure and need time; let alone the at home issues with security etc. They’ve been good to watch in the pacific tests.
Perth would be my choice to expand nationally- but the govt needs to stay out of this. It will end in tears if a change of govt and international strategy.
I can’t see Parra interested in Paps tbh – when was the last time we splurged?
Parra need to focus on keeping our best juniors and not allowing them to head to the east…
I just shake my head at the fact we haven’t filled our centre spot since Jenkins left. We take years to fill spots while Penrith fill them year on year. So poor from mark o Neil and co
There should be no expansion for another 10 years, the pathways just aren’t set up in non-traditional areas across the country and PNG. What needs to happen is the NRL work with the governing bodies of WA, Vic, SA, and NT to come up with elite pathway competitions coinciding with the Harold Matts, SG Ball, Mal Meninga and Cyril Connell comps. Once those have been established you will not see regular first grade players coming through for at least another 10 years. You won’t have the current 16+ year olds making their way into first grade, it would be the current 11-15 year olds that will be first grade players.
If they set up those programmes today you will have enough first graders by 2033, but as it stands right now unless you want to lower the level of play massively there just isn’t enough players to sustain over 540 players.
That’s a very fair point Ham, but don’t forget that Govt $$$$$ changes how the NRL sees things. It would be quite laughable if PNG get a NRL licence over Perth / Another QLD team and a team in NZ / Pacifica when you think about where players come from.
Heard reports today that Albo may take V’Landys to the Oval Office…let’s hope there is no cigar story / Monica Lewinsky