Te Maire Martin’s impressive performances in the NSW Cup have ignited discussions about the state of reserve grade competitions, particularly in light of Phil Gould’s admission that standards have declined in recent years. Despite not making the first-grade team for the Warriors in the initial rounds of the season, Martin has stood out in the reserve league, illustrated by his two tries and four assists in a dominant 46-12 victory over the Sydney Roosters.
Gould acknowledged during a recent broadcast that Martin seems to perform at a level above that of the NSW Cup, indicating that genuine NRL talent often outshines the competition. He noted the propensity for teams to benefit from players like Martin, but also highlighted the Warriors’ reluctance to release him given the potential need for a backup if first-choice playmakers like Luke Metcalf or Chanel Harris-Tavita were injured.
Gould went on to address the evolving role of reserve grade, describing it increasingly as a development platform rather than a competition focused solely on results. His own club, Canterbury, plans to utilise their reserve grade primarily to give younger players valuable experience, placing less emphasis on winning. This shift reflects a broader trend among clubs that recognise the necessity of preparing future stars for the NRL.
Notably, the gap between NRL and reserve grade has widened, with Gould pointing out that the testing ground for future players has become less rigorous over time. This change is evident in the Bulldogs’ recent selection of debutants who lack first-grade experience, underscoring the team’s commitment to developing talent like Jethro Rinakama and Joseph O’Neill.
Over at the Dragons, they are focusing on harnessing the potential of some of the brightest young talent in the country to strengthen their reserve lineup, illustrating a shift towards a developmental rather than purely competitive focus.
Shane Flanagan and his team have similarly emphasised the importance of rewarding young players who have bided their time in reserve grades, allowing for debut opportunities for local juniors in recent matches. Newtown has set a benchmark in the NSW Cup, successfully developing players who transition to the Sharks’ first team.
The evolving landscape of reserve grade poses a delicate balance between securing immediate results and fostering long-term development. Gould’s insights indicate that clubs are thoughtfully reassessing their approach to reserve grades as they grapple with changing youth pathways, especially given the absence of a national youth competition, which pressures many promising players to skip traditional developmental stages on their way to the top.