NRL: Could we have a State of Origin including this?

Question

Teams from like the North and South island of NZ?? Maybe as a trial - or get teams from different states in NZ to compete - granted I know very little about the geography of NZ so feel free to offer something better - like even NSW vs Auckland for instance. I dont know where most of the players come from (apart from WHAKATANE of course)

Answer 1

When it comes to the final of the NZ provincial premiership, the final is more often than not Auckland v Canterbury. So there is some league talent in the South Island, and some league interest in the South Island as well, This is shown by the fact the Roosters v Warriors game in Christchurch attracted a crowd of over 20,000 even despite dodgy weather on the day.



So a North Island v South Island "State of Origin" concept is not a bad idea. Up and coming talent in NZ does not get any recognition - in terms of the national provincial competition it is only the Grand Final that gets televised. The Auckland competition, the Fox Memorial Shield, does get limited TV coverage but viewer numbers are not very high because it is only an Auckland thing.



It would be good to get some of the up and coming talent some exposure. It would provide some scouting opportunities for NRL clubs, and don't all league players in Australasia aspire for an NRL contract? Maybe it could be squeezed in before the Toyota Cup game as a curtainraiser to Warriors games - a tripleheader. However thar would give the Nth Is an advantage because they would get more home games than their southern counterparts.



Most of the players are from Auckland but in recent years Canterbury have had their fair share of success in the finals against Auckland so it would be an even enough competition, and there is only one way of finding out if it works - try it!



One idea that might be worth looking into also that I've just thought of: a triseries between an NZ Provincial Championship XIII, a Qld Cup XIII and a NSW Cup XIII. It can be staged after the club season is over, possibly as curtainraisers to Four Nations games when staged downunder and as standalone fixtures when the international stuff is in that other country. Maybe even bring in a fourth team, possibly a PNG side, so it can be played with a doubleheader for three consecutive weekends and then a GF.Maybe have the final in NSW, with NZ getting a double-header, Qld get a double-header and PNG get a double-header if the internationals are overseas. If the Quadnations is in Australasia, then each Quadnations match can have a match from my proposed Quadseries as a curtainraiser. Simple!

Answer 2

Let's change a phrase the real estate agents use when trying to sell property. Instead of 'location, location, location' the Rugby League version could be 'exposure, exposure, exposure'. I like the idea of having those matches a lead-ins to the QLD v NSW SOO or connected some way to the 4 Nations series. I'm not sure, because I live in the US, what comes on TV down under prior to the SOO or 4 Nations broadcasts but I am pretty sure you could give it a try (no pun intended).



I was also thinking State of Origin wise - what about a NZ vs VIC match or two. Not sure how many VIC born players there are in League or have their parents or grandparents born in VIC!, but it would seem to be somewhat of a natural thing to do. That way you would have all four areas of the NRL covered. Seems rather strange that NZ and VIC are kept out of a SOO type contest while QLD & NSW are having a go at each other.

Answer 3

As Jay pointed out, there probably wouldn't be enough leaguies in the South Island. What about a competition involving Maori, Tongan, Samoan and Fijians playing a series. This would be one way to improve the international quality of the game. These games would only be open to those born in these areas or whose parents were born there. These would be their international sides not Australia or NZ. Likewise these players would not be eligible for SOO or City v Country games.

Answer 4

It's a good idea. But there are'nt enough leaguies in the south island, the kiwis are all north island & aussie born. It'll work well for rugby though.

Answer 5

Nuh.



That type of thing will only happen if people stop going to the pubs and start turning up to the games. State of Origin is in trouble over here as we speak.



NZ is dead when it comes to comparing ground to TV broadcasting takings.



NZ needs bums on seats and it aint gunna matta even if they win the premiership.