Country Trials.

[EOL now nesting on the GC]

Why don't NRL sides play trials against country and regional sides anymore? Is there some NRL rule these days dictating all pro matchups?

I'm 42 and have lived in London since 2001 after moving over from Orange. I remember Manly playing a trial against the Mudgee dragons( i think thats right?) In about 98 which was a great day out. Gave the boys a run against players that put in a shift but generally didn't push too hard.

Any interest out there for trails to return to the roots of the game?

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

I think one was played against a Wagga side but you are right it doesn’t happen often.

When I lived in Moree the Eagles came up to Narrabri and played a combined Group 5 side and thousands turned up.

 

[Woodsie]

Years ago the main difference between NRL and country teams was talent and a bit of condition ....... however, now the main difference is fulltime professional athletes who are bigger, faster, stronger and muscle toned to perfection ... against .... part time country boys ....

It became a no contest and too dangerous 30 years ago ...

 

[globaleagle]

Why don't NRL sides play trials against country and regional sides anymore? Is there some NRL rule these days dictating all pro matchups?

I'm 42 and have lived in London since 2001 after moving over from Orange. I remember Manly playing a trial against the Mudgee dragons( i think thats right?) In about 98 which was a great day out. Gave the boys a run against players that put in a shift but generally didn't push too hard.

Any interest out there for trails to return to the roots of the game?

Did you move to London to get a quieter pace on life?

I think Woodsie may be right.

 

[Bearfax]

Ask Greenberg. Wonderboy has been on a mission to fix the League since 2013, only 6 years ago. You can see his innovative finger dealing with all the important issues of the game, like checking Manly's drug issues, salary cap issues, ground issues, gambling issues. Whew he's got a hard job to manage. Worrying about country league is way down the list of priorities. In fact I think he forgot the game is out there.

 

[EOL now nesting on the GC]

London is a much slower pace of life than say Orange. I used to leave for work at 8.55 for a 9am start and used to get annoyed if the one set of traffic lights on the way was red....

Now living near Wimbledon which is only 12 miles from centre and in rush hour takes me 90min in the car. You do what you do until you don't fancy that anymore.....

I completely get the divide between country league sides and the NRL standard. My main point was that a softer lead in match perhaps as the first trial may be beneficial to get a bit of match fitness. Injuries in the first match v sharks could happen anywhere and at any time but wondering that instead of straight into a full on game v pro opposition a slower more open run against lesser opposition may manage the players a little better...