Quote: Smew "The only reason there are not enough quality players around is that the clubs aren't being forced to develop them. If we keep reducing the number of SL clubs depending on how many quality players we have, then pretty soon we will be down to just 4 or 5 teams.
The issue has to be tackled, otherwise we wont have a top level of the game as we wont have enough quality players and we will never catch the Aussies up.'"
No, the trouble is that the clubs don't have TIME to develop them. The current system that has 1st team then U19 means that once you're over 19, if you're not some wonderkid superstar then your career is pretty much done. Of to a lower team to get spanked every week and have your development stunted if you're lucky. If you're unlucky, guess what kid? You're only going to be playing and training part-time.
A proper reserve grade needs to be introduced. Not only will it allow players time to develop but it will also mean teams do not have to push players back into the first team following injury.