Hugh McGahan: We need more than the Bartercard Cup

How can the Warriors recruit for the future while at the same time developing local talent? These tasks are in contrast but vital to sustaining the club in the NRL.

There is no doubt that New Zealand players are a critical factor of the NRL competition but we do not see the same development of talent to that of the Australian clubs e.g. Sonny Bill Williams, Benji Marshall, Karmichael Hunt, Tony Puletua and the list goes on. These players are brought through a development system that the Warriors cannot match or even come close to. For example, the Sydney clubs have Harold Matthews Cup (U-15), S.G. Ball (U-17), Jersey Flegg (U-19), Premier League (reserve grade) and then First Grade.

Young boys are given intensive exposure to high-level competition weekly and players must perform or risk being dropped.

There is a comprehensive progression of players through the system whereby the head coach keeps an eye on the small percentage of players who show what it takes to make it.

Remember, just because players are in this system it does not guarantee they will make it to the top grade. A very low percentage progress through the ranks to regular appearances in top grade but these levels of development certainly assist and provide the opportunity to all players. The cream of the crop accelerates through the system quicker but they do not short cut the process.

What do the Warriors have? They have the Bartercard Cup. This competition was realised out of the desire to help New Zealand league players stay in the country and possibly play for New Zealand's team. The Warriors have committed to it more so this year than previously but the results will not be instant. If talent does pop its head up it will go through a transition of training with the club and brought into the professional environment.

Playing time will be restricted as it will not be expected that the club will field this player immediately. The first taste of playing in this competition will be a shock for the player in terms of speed of the game. Some players will be frightened and take a while to adjust, but a few will relish and be comfortable with it.

I am pleased to hear whispers that the Warriors and Auckland Rugby League may be investing in another team to play in a proposed Australian youth team competition.

I don't know any details but it would be a step in the right direction.

The rumours of Clinton Toopi moving on have become a reality with the announcement by CEO Wayne Scurrah that permission has been granted for the centre to seek alternatives for his playing future.

Personally I am sad to see Clinton leave as I have taken an interest in him since his arrival at the club in 1999. He was always stretching the limits of tolerance in his early days and many times the club was close to releasing him but time and maturity have seen him develop into a world-class player.

Unfortunately he is not playing to the expected levels and is struggling to regain that form, which is why a change of environment for Clinton and his family may be the catalyst for him to regain his confidence.

The next question is where will his replacement come from?

Is there the talent in the Bartercard Cup to fill the void or will the club seek an experienced overseas recruit now there is an increase in the salary cap?

With Clinton and Awen Guttenbeil destined to leave at the end of the season, a good salary component will become available.

Unfortunately we cannot depend on the Bartercard competition to fill the Warriors' requirements on an ongoing basis, hence a look at other alternatives is paramount for the future of this organisation.