Seen on the news last night that they held a 2 day camp for u16 Players... The older boys return to training tomorrow at 4pm and will be training 3 days a week
mrblonde
matiunz
This year yet?
Contributor
V’Landys pushing to bring back reserve grade and under 21s all playing game day
snake77
Having 3 grades especially reserve grade would help strengthen the competition, would need to b a higher level than the state leagues. That would depend on how many of the players are full time professionals.
Give the clubs more depth.
Give the clubs more depth.
matiunz
This year yet?
Contributor
There’s a bit of a double edge sword with some claiming it would kill the NSW and QLD cups- think there’s room for both but the current state comps would likely drop in standard a bit but I think it will improve the pathways for NRL.
Other sticking point is how Thurs and Fri games would work with the semi pro nature of the lower grades
Worried2Death
Nice idea in theory but sounds unaffordable when everyone's taking pay cuts. Where does that leave the feeder clubs like Dolphins?
matiunz
This year yet?
Contributor
Just doing what they were doing in the 90s, being a Queensland cup side and possible feeder into a reserve grade side.
Worth noting the reserve grade would be non playing top 30 players with the rest made up from players now playing in NSW/Qld cup feeder teams which many work supplemental jobs currently
Tony Martin
For anyone interested the NZRL under 20s Comp kicks off today.
Six teams in the comp. Auckland White, Auckland Blue, Central Districts, Waicoa Bay, South Island and Northland
both Auckland team lists and players to watch below. A few gun warrior juniors in there. Ali Leiataua, Zyon Maiu, Salesi Ataata, Tony Tafa
bit.ly
bit.ly
Both live on Skysport 4 from 2 o’clock today
Six teams in the comp. Auckland White, Auckland Blue, Central Districts, Waicoa Bay, South Island and Northland
both Auckland team lists and players to watch below. A few gun warrior juniors in there. Ali Leiataua, Zyon Maiu, Salesi Ataata, Tony Tafa
Preview | Auckland Blue v Central Districts
Auckland Blue open their NZRL National 20s campaign at home against Central Districts at Opaheke Sports Park this...
bit.ly
Preview | Wai-Coa-Bay v Auckland White
A trip south to Rotorua to take on Wai-Coa-Bay awaits Auckland White in Round 1 of the NZRL National 20s. Coach...
bit.ly
Both live on Skysport 4 from 2 o’clock today
Gizzyfan
At that age they should be shown how to be professional, it isn't just about being paid, it about how you approach the game and life itself
Navigator
Christchurch Born n bred white bait fed.
Contributor
I just found on Kayo Nzrl under 20'S central district v south island, do we have any of our jnrs in these?
Any young halves to keep an eye on?
Looks like we've got some good young hookers coming through, just not sure where our next great half is coming from
Tony Martin
Unfortunatly no.
If we did, I’m hoping they would be on the first plane out and joining up with some of the other younger guys at the Dolphins.
After reading an article in the weekend where Chanel Harris-Tavita talked about how brownie was teaching him some basic fundamentals that he never learned and how he thinks maybe the Aussie system is streets ahead was pretty alarming
Navigator
Christchurch Born n bred white bait fed.
Contributor
Toby Elliot is a Hooker / Half for the dolphins, don't know much about him except he's about 20 y.o and has promise.
mt.wellington
Warriors Orange Peeler
Contributor
Just before level 3 started I went and watched a Roosters clinic for 13-17 year olds run at the Ellerslie RL club by Brent Webb and Ali Lauitiiti. Im guessing Daniel Anderson called in a favour from his former charges. Was at least 30 kids from all over the country in attendance. Was meant to be a two day clinic but the Sunday turned into lock down. Saw a couple of the Warriors juniors in the mix...
Five&Last
Except Taumalolo is 6’3 and Maiuu isn’t. Agree that he’s a strong runner though, and physically more developed than everyone else in that U20 comp.
Put it this way, there’s no halves in the junior set up right now that are even close to the same junior pedigree as Chanel Harris-Tavita or Turner.
So we're really hoping they kick on otherwise we're paying overs for an average or barely above average aussie half to fill the void. That's encouraging.....
Five&Last
I mean to be honest, with those two we’re already in a better position than most clubs in terms of young upcoming halves.
I know you’re a noted Chanel Harris-Tavita hater but, kicking game aside, he’s a pretty advanced half for his age.
Both have had massive wraps on them for years. Chanel Harris-Tavita was chased by every club before he had even made his NYC debut. Turner was also chased by most clubs after his first Harold Matthews season before he decided to come home.
I’m not saying they will be stars but there’s no reason to think they won’t kick on into regular first grader given their age.
Five&Last
But to answer your original question, the junior half in the club’s system that they rate the most is 18 year old Sebastyan Jack. He trained with the first grade squad and is in Redcliffe now.
But again, he’s nowhere even close to same level that Chanel Harris-Tavita and Paul Turner were at the same age.
Never said I hate him, not even close. I just don't rate him as high as you do. For me he's solid if not slightly above average as a ceiling. He's in that Josh Reynolds category, good enough to contribute as a number 2, but not good enough to be the main attraction.
If Turner kicks on his running game compliments Chanel Harris-Tavita well (although kicking wise it's a concern).
