West rugby looks east to keep talent
WESTERN Australia rugby league officials have revealed plans to introduce under-20s and reserve grade teams into NSWRL competitions in a move that will provide professional pathways for players affected by Western Force’s departure from the Super Rugby scene.
The ARU ended months of speculation by announcing the axing of the Force, although Rugby WA has indicated it will consider challenging the decision in the Supreme Court. The Forces’ likely demise is a boost to rugby league officials as the codes battle to attract sponsors, viewers and playing talent.
NRLWA funds the West Coast Pirates to play in the NSWRL’s SG Ball competition and officials recently met with NRL head of football Brian Canavan to discuss other potential pathways. The ambition is for an under-20s and then a reserve grade presence in the NSW Cup, viewed as the first steps towards potentially fielding an NRL team in the west. GETTY IMAGES
The Force’s closure will leave Perth without a professional rugby code following the demise of the Western Reds in 1997.
‘‘If the Force were to depart the sporting landscape in Perth it would be advantageous for rugby league,’’ said NRLWA boss John Sackson. ‘‘People’s lives would be affected by that decision, and I am sympathetic, especially after the devastation that followed what happened to the Western Reds.
‘‘Competitively speaking, rugby union is our No1 competitor and for many years they have cherry-picked many of our best young players due to their ability to lure them across to the Western Force academy with the prospect of playing the game at an elite level without leaving the state.
‘‘If they were to depart the scene it would probably make it a more level playing field between rugby league and rugby union.’’
The Pirates program has unearthed the likes of Waqa Blake and Curtis Rona, and Sackson hopes an additional presence in the NSWRL competitions will boost the 13-man game in the region.
‘‘We’re mapping potential pathways for the game in Western Australia and we’re exploring all possibilities,’’ Sackson said.
‘‘Obviously there’s a lot of work to be done and we’ve got a business plan we’re working on with the NRL in liaison with the NSWRL.
‘‘We all still harbour that great desire for one day having a franchise back in Western Australia, that’s the jewel in the crown moving forward.’’
Western Australia is increasingly becoming a destination for premium league content. The state hosted a Kangaroos-Kiwis test last year, Souths play an NRL game there annually and there will be a Rugby League World Cup doubleheader there on November 12. The Sun-Herald