'It's the NZRL's job to create pathways, not the Warriors'

Some robust Warriors feedback to get you through Wednesday, plus a weekly dose of BYC (better for your health than multivitamins*), and a little bit of housekeeping.

THE BYC #44

In the latest episode of the BYC, we drill deep into our state of despair after hearing India had cancelled/ forfeited/ postponed the fifth test v England; discuss the pros and cons of the Black Caps series in Bangladesh; have a close look at Tim Paine’s bulging dick issue; and much, much more.

* The BYC v Multivitamins study is yet to be peer reviewed.

THE WARRIORS… FEEDBACK LOOP

I wrote about the Warriors yesterday and asked for feedback. I got some. Abridged and edited for clarity.

“I believe NZ sports teams have to exist to represent kiwi fans.  Fans want players who play like they are representing them – they don’t have to be kiwis but they have to go onto the field and pull on the jersey knowing they are out there running around for supporters across the Tasman.

“If you want a precedent, the Phoenix have only really started being successful once Mark Rudan came in and started playing guys from the academy and recruiting NZ players from abroad.   Rudan was a bit of a wrong ’un but he got that part right, and creating a connection between the fans and the players was something he can take credit for.  Ufuk Talay has carried that on and the Phoenix are a better side now than at any time in their history – there is no doubt that the recruitment of NZ players is a big part of that.

“The Breakers had a similar situation when they were successful, but have also recently lost their way because the overseas players play like they have no connection to NZ. 

“The Warriors are still feeling the effects of the Steven Kearney regime which was completely disastrous, but I think they need a complete refresh if they are to change the culture around the club.” 

- Jonathan N

“I am reasonably big into the Warriors. I don't necessarily understand the inner workings of grassroots league and the pathways here, but we've always viewed the Warriors as a professional club in an Australian comp - end of story.

“If they are creating pathways for youth it’s obviously going to be for their benefit, not the benefit of league in NZ. Would it not fall on New Zealand Rugby League to be looking after the grassroots, with their goals for younger players to be representing any professional team and the Kiwis. Do the Blues create pathways for juniors? Or is it NZ Rugby working with Auckland Rugby to make that happen?

“It feels like since they became the “New Zealand” Warriors - that there has been an expectation from fans and media that we should be playing a team full of the best NZ-born talent. Surely that’s what the Kiwis are? 

“If it was up to me, we’d be based in Australia and play all our home games at Mt Smart. We might actually be able to attract some decent Australian talent that way, although I do like the recent signings. Guys like Addin Fonua-Blake, Josh Curran, Marcelo Montoya, Bayley Sironen and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak might not all have the best talent but they give 100% and don’t give up, which is a trait the Warriors need.”

- James W

“I'd suggest you have to go back a long way to find evidence of a strong positive culture: Daniel Anderson, Kevin Campion, Ivan Cleary (as a player and coach). Stacey Jones and Ruben Wiki are both from that era and cannot seem to recreate a strong disciplined approach in a team that is short on talent and has been for a number of seasons.

Fans were never left in any doubt that Kevin Campion would bleed for the cause. Photo / Getty Images

“Poor recruiting has not helped, with too many second-tier Australian players who never really cracked it in Australia.  

“They may have a core of supporters, but they rely on engaging the casual fan and who wants to invest their time and energy into such an inconsistent lot? Results aside, they can't be relied on to even look like they are trying at times.

“I grew up in a league household, but unfortunately I don't think the Warriors have done much to improve the sport’s perception in NZ.”

- Kieran

“Have we ever recovered from letting Ivan Cleary go (and by default, Nathan)? We've certainly suffered from two years away from Mt Smart but there always seems to be something broken at the club that no one has ever been able to identify.

“Still, they're all I've got. Lets gone Warriors.”

- Macca

A LITTLE HOUSEKEEPING

Thank you to all those who have signed on and particularly to those who have joined as paying subscribers. Once again, it’s been gratifying to see the support for sports writing that is attempting to break out of the traditional media mould.

At this stage all the content has been free. The reason is pretty simple: I want to give potential subscribers a taste of what they can expect from The Bounce. From the end of next week, some newsletters will be available to paying subscribers only, though there will be at least one free weekly newsletter.

A PRIZE!

A friendly neighbour had an idea to send a bottle of whisky to one lucky subscriber who signed on in the first fortnight. Although I’d love to introduce a reader to the unique delights of a Campbeltown malt, I’m not sure about the ethics or even the legality. Instead, I’ll draw a name from the hat and that person will be given the opportunity to nominate a friend or family member (or an enemy depending on how you feel about it) for a free yearly subscription to The Bounce.

Keep an eye out for your name at the bottom of Friday’s “The Week That Was and the Weekend That Will Be” column.

COMMENTS

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