Quote: Andy Gilder "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.'"
But if a player isn't unhappy at their current club, again where is the incentive to get better if they are already picked each week regardless?
I don't disagree with you on professional pride. But if clubs are picking sides regardless of form, I don't see the kick for the players to improve.
Pick on form and I am sure you will see a different ethic from players.