EXCLUSIVE: Phil Gould Acknowledges Decline in NSW Cup Standards as Former NRL Star Shines

The recent performances of Warriors standout Te Maire Martin have sparked fresh discussions about the reserve grade competitions, particularly as Phil Gould concedes that the “standard has fallen” in recent years.

Despite not breaking into the Warriors’ first-grade squad in the opening three rounds, Martin has excelled at the NSW Cup level.

In their latest match, the gifted playmaker notched up two tries and assisted in another four during an emphatic 46-12 victory over the Sydney Roosters.

When asked this week if the Kiwi international was performing at a level beyond reserve grade, Gould concurred and elaborated on why the Warriors may hesitate to release him.

“Absolutely, he is,” the rugby league expert remarked on Wide World of Sports’ Six Tackles With Gus.

“I caught a glimpse of the NSW Cup match recently, and Te Maire Martin scored the first few tries, showcasing that he is far too adept for reserve grade.

“A genuine NRL player like him holds too much quality for the NSW Cup level.”

“Many clubs would benefit from having him, but the Warriors have every reason to keep him. If anything were to happen to [Luke] Metcalf or Chanel Harris-Tavita, he’d be the perfect replacement ready to go.”

“That’s what a professional roster ought to embody.”

Metcalf recently overcame a rocky start in Las Vegas to help secure victories over the Sea Eagles and Roosters in the past two weeks, while Harris-Tavita has performed reliably in the No.6 jersey, despite calls for him to take on a bench utility role.

Gould also commented on the evolving nature of reserve grade and outlined how his own club, Canterbury, is using it to develop future NRL players.

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“It has transformed into a development-focused grade,” he remarked.

“This year with the Bulldogs, we intend to primarily utilise it to allow our younger players to gain valuable experience playing at under-age levels. The results are secondary; our main focus is on providing them with playing time and nurturing future NRL talent.”

“This serves as the ultimate testing ground and is crucial for NRL football, yet the standard has noticeably declined over the years.

“The disparity between grades is becoming more pronounced, which is a situation we need to address.”

As they approach round four, the Bulldogs’ line-up features few players with first-grade experience, with newcomers like Jethro Rinakama and Joseph O’Neill in the running for their debut.

Since Cameron Ciraldo took the reins as coach, he has elevated players such as Bailey Hayward and Jacob Preston, both of whom have established themselves as regulars in the NRL after progressing through the ranks.

Meanwhile, the Dragons are set to include some of Australia’s top teenage talent in their reserve-grade squad, featuring forwards like Loko Pasifiki Tonga and Jacob Halangahu.

Shane Flanagan has expressed his determination to reward young talents who have deserved their opportunity after progressing through lower grades, as highlighted by recent debuts from local juniors Hamish Stewart and Dylan Egan.

Newtown has been the benchmark in the NSW Cup for the past five years, nurturing a host of players who have gone on to make their debut for the Sharks.

While balancing the objectives of results versus development, Gould’s insights indicate that clubs are meticulously reevaluating their approaches to the reserve grade system, contrasting with practices in the past.

The absence of a national youth competition has further complicated matters, with the Jersey Flegg now frequently bypassed by the most gifted newcomers en route to the elite level.