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I listened to Papworth three days a week for two years in 2015/16. I had more than a couple of on air Barneys with him. Mainly on two topics. His lumping us in with the Rabble as he big drain on resources and ignorance of where our players come from. I particularly grilled him about the actual finances and where they were going. Incredibly he didn't know and said someone in the know had told him. Fortunately, others like Jones, Dwyer are much more attuned to the value of WA. Dwyer was scathing over the Force axing well before it happened. I think they, along with the performances of our players since 2016, probably have educated Papworth. There are many in the East who are much more aware now as well.
Like it or not WA Rugby really is a minor playe. But we have some powerful allies now. The way to stay relevant in this action is to fight inside the tent. It is very obvious that the financial and administrative penny has finally dropped and who/where it has dropped on. Alison's hours of delving, Senator Renolds' and Andrew Forrest's relentless determination, and possibly this website have played their parts. We owe all concerned a big thanks. Long road back but it's probably the only one.