NSW Cup 2025

[SeaEagleRock8]

Bollocks. There is plenty of benefit, both to the individual as well as the team! 19 is more than old enough if you're good enough, as evidenced by the countless 19yr old forwards that have historically debuted.

Having the majority of your pack at 19 years of age is a different story obviously, but there is absolutely no issue with any NRL team having one or two 19 yr old forwards who are good enough to compete athletically. Remember, they don't necessarily have to be the best on the park

Yeah but did you see post #475 above - even the best young forwards might only play a handful of games in their debut year. Martin was a bit older and could manage more games. Coincidence?

 

[manlyfan76]

 

[Pete W]

It isn't just about ability... There would be an element of 'duty of care' that needs to be considered as well.

As a forward they have to be physically and mentally ready to run into 300+ kilograms of hardened NRL footballers over 10 times a match, and tackle 100+ kg ball runners, 25+ weekends a year. It would surely be better for him to have a full NRL pre-season under his belt, after which he will still be 19 years old, before giving him a debut.

Who is calling for 25+ weekends in a year? We're talking about a debut. Real game experience that should be offered gradually - if they're good enough. 19 year olds go to war. It's really not that big of a deal for a 25yr old to run at a 19yr old

 

[Pete W]

Yeah but did you see post #475 above - even the best young forwards might only play a handful of games in their debut year. Martin was a bit older and could manage more games. Coincidence?

Why is it all or nothing? Who cares if they only play a handful of games in their debut year? That in itself is the duty of care shown by the club. It's supposed to be a gradual process. But the point is that they get the opportunity to debut as young as possible if they're good enough

 

[Scorpio]

Who is calling for 25+ weekends in a year? We're talking about a debut. Real game experience that should be offered gradually - if they're good enough. 19 year olds go to war. It's really not that big of a deal for a 25yr old to run at a 19yr old

To be clear I'm not saying he shouldn't debut as a 19 year old... I'm saying that it doesn't seem smart to debut him this season.

He will still be 19 years and 6 months old when the 2026 season starts, except with an NRL pre-season under his belt. I'm sure the club is planning on giving him starts next year.

He looks promising and I want him to have a long career here... but there will be nothing learned or gained if he goes out in the last 2 games of this year while we are still a slim chance of finals football, and then gets seriously injured or concussed. Which of course is always a risk when playing NRL, but it doesn't seem like one that is wise for the club to take at this point.

 

[TheSoaringEagle2023]

Why is it all or nothing? Who cares if they only play a handful of games in their debut year? That in itself is the duty of care shown by the club. It's supposed to be a gradual process. But the point is that they get the opportunity to debut as young as possible if they're good enough

You've been around long enough to know how the club works...they will likely sign Klemmer who will get a start and then the young fella either stays in reserve grade until he's 30 and then hes given a run or he does a runner like Kaeo.