Originally Posted by
rick boyd
Aussie Mack, how long have you been watching WA club rugby?
It's difficult to compare eras but in my opinion the current standard of club rugby has never been higher. The Western Force have helped raise the profile and the standard of club play and the number and quality of players coming into the state have been very beneficial to the game, although some clubs have indulged and benefited more than others.
Some clubs are trying to develop purely local talent and while this is a must for a sustainable rugby future, it means they will struggle to match the standards of imported players in the short term.
I can't agree with your comment about second grade sides. The better second grade sides aren't putting too many cricket scores on their opposition second grades so I find it hard to believe they would be capable of "smashing" that club's first grade side.
And as for the referees -- WA refereeing is always going to be criticised, firstly because eveyone loves to bag the refs, and secondly because while clubs import better players, no one is willing to pay to import better referees. Overall I think they're doing a reasonably good job and I have been impressed with what I've seen of the refereeing coaching process.
Personally, I have noticed a remarkable improvement in refereeing when my own club is not involved! People who accuse refs of bias are more likely to be guilty of that failing themselves.