LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The debate over player recruitment strategies in rugby league, particularly the concept of 'bred not bought,' has intensified with the advent of social media.
According to zerotackle.com, clubs experience cycles of success and failure, and managing a salary cap is an art form.
While some teams focus on long-term development, others prioritize immediate results to appease fans.
Statistically, since only one team can claim the premiership each year, a club can realistically expect to win once every seventeen years.
This competition structure doesn't align with fan perceptions, which often suggest that certain teams intricately develop talent through their junior systems while others focus on acquiring established stars from competitors.
The ideal of nurturing homegrown players is a cherished aspect of rugby league tradition, but the reality of assembling a successful team involves a complex mix of talent development, recruitment, and substantial financial investment.