Issue 50

THE positives first. Queensland’s victory in Adelaide was one of the greatest efforts I have seen from a team that battled against the odds for much of the game. Statistically, they simply should not have won. The Blues dominated possession for much of the game and it was only a never say die maroon tackling effort that denied them victory. Well done to Billy and the boys.

Our four Queensland-based NRL teams are tracking okay with even the North Queensland Cowboys, currently sitting in 16th spot in a 17-team competition, showing glimpses of form. Their three Origin players were simply magnificent with Reuben Cotter (Man of the Match), Valentine Holmes and Murray Taulagi all heavily involved in the Queensland victory.

Down to the negatives. I’m concerned with the continual threat of Queensland-based NRL clubs wanting to play a stand-alone NRL reserve grade team in the Host Plus Cup. I can see why they want to do it in their own self-interest, but I cannot see what it can possibly do to improve the game at a local level.

The current model works well. The Dolphins-aligned CQ Capras and Redcliffe Dolphins are playing well with NRL standard players like Anthony Milford spending time in their ranks. The Melbourne Storm, which doesn’t appear to breed Victorian-based NRL players, have a good feeder club arrangement with the Brisbane Tigers and Sunshine Coast Falcons while the Broncos feeding players into Norths, Souths-Logan and Wynnum works well.

The Gold Coast Titans who want to create a standalone team in either the Host Plus Cup or the NSW Cup currently feeds players to the ladder-leading Burleigh Bears and Tweed Heads Seagulls (7th position). Will that mean three Host Plus teams on the Gold Coast?

The current Host Plus Cup has several mismatches with the Ipswich Jets and Mackay Cutters struggling on the field and in need of QRL support either in playing strength or financially. Bringing NRL strength teams into this competition will make the situation worse.

I feel that the Australian Rugby League Commission should man up and look at the overall picture of rugby league and make a call to support state internal competitions like the Host Plus Cup before it gets out of hand.

Regards,

Tony Price