ONE of the region's top players has called on Group 4 to help clubs recruit stars, despite officials believing it is already "one of the strongest" competitions in the state.
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Former Kootingal-Moonbi Roosters front-rower Chris Vidler believes the group could be doing more to help clubs land marquee players from other areas.
"This is only my opinion: I know money is tight around here, but to have a good comp you've got to buy players," Vidler said.
"I have played in Group 21 as well, and I know things are different there, but that's how it worked and I think it made for a more even competition.
"If the Group 4 committee can get together and donate a little bit of money to each club, to buy players, I think it would make for a stronger comp."
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Vidler's comments came in the wake of the Roosters' 40-4 grand final loss to the North Tamworth Bears - the Bears sixth first grade premiership in a row.
"I think the need for money injected into the clubs is especially important now, given how many old second-division clubs are playing in first grade," he said.
"We [Kootingal-Moonbi] proved that these clubs can make an impact at first-grade level.
"Again this is my only opinion, but I think a little bit of extra money can help those clubs go to the next level.
"It's not all about money, but if Group 4 wants to go ahead and have a strong comp, they have to splash out a little bit."
Group 4 chairman Ray McCoy said while Vidler's opinion was valid, it "wouldn't be feasible" for the organisation to "subsidise players".
"Not to be disrespectful to Chris - because he is a great player and a great person - but this idea is not something Group 4 or any governing body would look at," McCoy said.
"As far as governing bodies go, we are about developing and strengthening our group and to subsidise players wouldn't be feasible.
"Instead, our aim is to work closely with Country Rugby League to ensure our junior pathways remain strong and continue to act as a feeder system for the senior ranks into the future."
McCoy said he was confident Group 4 would only continue to grow stronger and more competitive in the future.
"Not to sound arrogant, but I believe we have one of the strongest groups in the state," he said.
"With the rise of the old second-division clubs and the growth of the women's game, I'm confident that will continue to be the case."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
