General Bartercard cup

[Northern_Union]

I've only seen two games this season but i have to say that the standard of play is of a good level. One has to think that the future of NZ rugby league is bright.

 

[JonB_old]

It ain't bad but I have played against one or two guys when they played rugby the talent level still is not as high as it could be.

 

[Northern_Union]

I remember my uncle telling me about 3 years ago that there was 400 to 420 kiwi born and breed league players playing in Australia, England and France. Imagine the standard of the Bartercard if all these players were back in NZ.

Having said that i'm liking what i see from the B Card cup.

 

[JonB_old]

Fair enough, but I think the standard should be aproaching the equivalent of the NPC for rugby I don't think it is that high yet.

 

[Northern_Union]

Hows that knee of yours Jon?

Northern Storm look a little tackle shy....more games in the Bartercard will improve there game.

 

[JonB_old]

Hows that knee of yours Jon?

Northern Storm look a little tackle shy....more games in the Bartercard will improve there game.

Knee is not too bad at the moment, it is still effecting my top speed (which is really important for tighthead props) but it doesn't go stiff anymore. which is great. When i am running full tilt it is like my knee kicks out of place or somthing, but just a little the worst part is the coach has a thing with sprints at the moment aswell.

 

[Paul Holmes_old]

Fair enough, but I think the standard should be aproaching the equivalent of the NPC for rugby I don't think it is that high yet.

mate it will never be anywhere near that.. these players arent professional they usually only get match payment or win bonuses which is usually bugger all and sometimes they dont even get that! they arent training fulltime like npc squads are so obviously the fitness and skill level wont be as high and also talent-pool wise union pretty much dwarfs league so your expectations may be out of line with reality

 

[Northern_Union]

It's true what Paul Holmes says. However i believe that league makes far better use of the available talent due to the nature of the game.
There are alot of different areas in union that players can specialise in.....however in league you specialise in running passing and tackling in ever position.
This is why i say that league players are more rounded players than there union counterparts.

 

[JonB_old]

Fair enough, but I think the standard should be aproaching the equivalent of the NPC for rugby I don't think it is that high yet.

mate it will never be anywhere near that.. these players arent professional they usually only get match payment or win bonuses which is usually bugger all and sometimes they dont even get that! they arent training fulltime like npc squads are so obviously the fitness and skill level wont be as high and also talent-pool wise union pretty much dwarfs league so your expectations may be out of line with reality

I know all that I know some players, I worked with Jimmy O'Brain for a while. However the NPC was not always professional either. But I think a semi proffesional competion is sustanable, and realistic the NZRL should be putting things in place for this to happen. Im not talking 2008 or 09 but like 2015 sort of thing. What is needed is alot more tv coverage, like on CTV for starters.
Then build.

Even the greatest waterfall starts from a single drop of water.