They should still have a national 20s comp just dont put them on tv yet in the spotlight and public eye. The toyota cup was good footy its just too many found it hard to make the jump straight to first grade. So still set pathways through reserve grade. Although theres occasionally going to be a Fittler or SBW come through.
Why was he let go? Did the club choose to persist with Montoya and Holland over him? Also did he leave under the current mob or the previous mob?
Willie wasn’t selected as the Dogs Flegg coach a couple of years ago and cracked the shits. None of his boys have signed a new deal since.
So basically he didn't sign because his dad had a hissy fit over the fact that he didn't get a gig? I don't know what to say tbh.
Pretty much.
I am not a fan of the board nor pay but really its not there fault a self righteous fool cost the club a potentially good centre.
Tigers also offered him a Development contract - Dogs had limited capacity to do so because of contracts with players never going to play first grade. A combination of things - this should be the last year that Dev contract situation is compromised.
At this point just need to get games happening at all levels - and longer term sort out a pathways development program n series of competitions that keep players interested, fit, motivated enough to keep playing.
Its really bit them on the ass with the development contracts this year hasn't it. There is no way Winters-Chang or Harding are ready for first grade.
Why were the development contracts compromised to begin with?
More to do with recruitment as well as salary cap - there are /were players on multi year contracts playing Sydney Shield n Ron Massey Cup and occasionally NSW Cup - they were never going to, or at best highly unlikely to ever play first grade - rather than take up top squad positions n cap money, contract obligations can be fulfilled by having them as development players. This then meant that some of those juniors with genuine potential to be developed into first grade players could not be accommodated under development contracts - this was how it was explained to me by someone involved in another club.
Should be the last year its an issue - current management will have more flexibility next year
Thanks for the explanation that makes a lot of sense. Nice to know the club will finally be able to recruit and retain without one hand tied behind its back
Just go back to the old system.
Hell yes, why can't the NRL see the potential in this, in helps the players immeasurably and will attract fans.
There is often a big gap between being good against other schoolboys and junior reps and being able to cut it against the monsters that generally filter into the NRL. As Malla mentioned, the current system has a tendency to let some talent fall through the cracks because if by 21 they're not physically developed, they often find themselves in a position where the paid contracts dry up and they're forced into other jobs to pay the rent.
It's one of the deficiencies of the aged based lower levels and the differences in physical maturity which often masks football talent. Added to the non aged based competitions being held on different days and at different locations, out of sight out of mind.