Quote: Gotcha "That stagnation of players starts with the clubs rather than just the players. Take Leeds as an example, under McDermotts reign, he has continually picked his teams NOT on form, but on reputation. Therefore what is the incentive for the player with the reputation to improve his game?
All clubs should pick teams on form and ensure their players are working to the top of their game more consistently.
Not sure if it can be said a salary cap aids this or not.'"
Might have to agree to disagree here, but the stagnation of players starts and ends with the player IMO.
The "incentive" for the player to continually improve their game should be simple professional pride and what they can contribute to the team if they get better. Also if they're not happy at their current club, surely becoming a better player helps them to get a move elsewhere, whether that's another SL club, NRL or Union.
I'll give you Jamie Foster as an example. With work on the defensive side of his game, Jamie Foster has enough skill to be playing in SL. Instead, he's playing in some tinpot Union side in Hull and tweeting pictures of his brand new flash Mercedes. Did he want to do the hard work it would have taken to make a success of his rugby league career? On the face of it, doesn't look that way.