MapSports knows that to become a top NRL player it is important to be involved in an elite development program from mid teens through to the Toyota Cup. This development gives the players the opportunity to evolve both their game related field skills and associated disciplines but it also offers and continuance of education and career training programs off the field which are putting these young men in great stead for their futures.
MapSports is in tune with this and is working and developing with clients to give them the best opportunities possible through detailed mentoring feedback and ongoing support. Results are usually a fairly good determining factor in this and 2010 has seen the outcome of the applied development and feedback with over 40% of MapSports Toyota Cup playing list winning major awards this season.
With representation at only 9 of the 16 NRL clubs in the u/20’s Map Sports players accounted for 4 Player of the Year awards with a 5th being named in the illustrious Toyota Cup Dream Team.
When discussing these awards the players were unanimous that pathways and mentoring played a huge role in where they are today and how that has given them assurances moving forward with their career. Bulldogs U/20’s Player of the Year, Josh Jackson commented, “Map Sports have assisted in providing me with the opportunities to progress my career. Specifically Andrew’s support and encouragement on and off the field has helped me greatly with the transition from amateur football to a highly professional sporting competition.”
Team mate Dale Finucane who followed up his 2009 NSW SG Ball Player of the Year with 2010 Toyota Cup Dream Team selection was also adamant how important the role of mentoring was in his decision to join MapSports, “It became apparent very quickly that Andrew was offering a very different service to what I had heard was the norm in the player management industry. He has been a tremendous help with my transition from moving to Sydney from the country and has been the main catalyst for my improvement as a footballer in that time, offering feedback and insights into playing at the highest level. He not only takes care of the welfare aspects he engages with me on a personal level with regards to developing skills to help me achieve my best.”
Whilst mentoring and pathways are extremely important for a lot of the players, it is the personalised relationship that develops that is crucial to others, Rory Brien Parramatta’s U/20’s Player of the Year said, “Being from the bush made me and my parents sceptical at first about the role Andrew and MapSports would play in our lives. Looking back on the 4 years I have been associated with him I am confident I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without MapSports. Some decisions and conversations you have are extremely important and thanks to the relationship I have with Andrew I know he is always assisting me in making the right decision for the future. He has become a close friend of mine and my families.”
The insight taken from these conversations show that whilst not the biggest agency in the marketplace MapSports does take the time to work with its exclusive list of players in achieving their goals. These actions develop skills and habits that prepare players for the rigours of the sporting arena but also importantly prepares them for life outside the game.
MapSports - Toyota Cup Honour Role
Rory Brien – Parramatta Eels Toyota Cup Player of the Year
Dale Finucane – Toyota Cup Dream Team
Tohu Harris – Melbourne Storm Toyota Cup Player of the Year
Josh Jackson – Canterbury Bulldogs Toyota Cup Player of the Year
Mitch Rein – St George Illawarra Dragons Toyota Cup Player of the Year
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Under 20’s, what should we do with them?
I have been hearing alot of dissention about the current format for our elite tiers of Rugby League in this State and the most contentious one is where the Toyota Cup sits amongst the other senior grades.
On one hand you have exciting young footballers who are testing themselves against the best of the best in the code right up and down the eastern seaboard and into NZ. This gives Rugby League a pathway to showcase the very best athletes in Australia on the big stage and also gives the NRL a ‘vehicle’ to generate value with bradcasters and sponsors. The players are treated like their NRL colleagues, by training 4 – 5 times a week, having support crews, multiple coaches, premium equipment and training facilities, are flown around Australia and overseas to play all at the ripe age of 18 and above.
On the other hand you have a lot of footballers who are over age for Toyota Cup and not quite in the top 25 being left to follow their dreams at suburban grounds in front of family and friends, training 2 or 3 nights aweek at sub standard fields with little or no support mechanisms in place.
For me personally I beleive there is room for both, as we need our over age comps to allow our next generation players to cut there teeth against hardened semi professionals and our youth competition needs to continue to generate interest in the game at an elite youth level.
My solution for this is to play the VB Cup (Second Grade) as a precurser to the NRL fixture and where possible play the U/20’s at the undercard for the VB Cup fixture. This will keep the quality chronological and give patrons value for money and a reason to get to the game early. Where games fall that teams play interstate or overseas then the U/20’s team will not travel and will become ambassadors for the code in remote locations like Dubbo, Wagga, Orange, Bathurst, Toowoomba, Rockhampton, Mackay, Sunshine Coast, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie etc. This will keep costs down and where possible play these games in these locations to help raise funds for struggling bush footy clubs.
On one hand you have exciting young footballers who are testing themselves against the best of the best in the code right up and down the eastern seaboard and into NZ. This gives Rugby League a pathway to showcase the very best athletes in Australia on the big stage and also gives the NRL a ‘vehicle’ to generate value with bradcasters and sponsors. The players are treated like their NRL colleagues, by training 4 – 5 times a week, having support crews, multiple coaches, premium equipment and training facilities, are flown around Australia and overseas to play all at the ripe age of 18 and above.
On the other hand you have a lot of footballers who are over age for Toyota Cup and not quite in the top 25 being left to follow their dreams at suburban grounds in front of family and friends, training 2 or 3 nights aweek at sub standard fields with little or no support mechanisms in place.
For me personally I beleive there is room for both, as we need our over age comps to allow our next generation players to cut there teeth against hardened semi professionals and our youth competition needs to continue to generate interest in the game at an elite youth level.
My solution for this is to play the VB Cup (Second Grade) as a precurser to the NRL fixture and where possible play the U/20’s at the undercard for the VB Cup fixture. This will keep the quality chronological and give patrons value for money and a reason to get to the game early. Where games fall that teams play interstate or overseas then the U/20’s team will not travel and will become ambassadors for the code in remote locations like Dubbo, Wagga, Orange, Bathurst, Toowoomba, Rockhampton, Mackay, Sunshine Coast, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie etc. This will keep costs down and where possible play these games in these locations to help raise funds for struggling bush footy clubs.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Melbourne Storm keep game on hold
With the mid point of the 2010 NRL season upon us, the inner circle of the Rugby League community are affected by the NRL's decision to now move important dates to accomodate the issue involving the Melbourne Storm salary cap fiasco.
Player submission/registration dates have been pushed out to Round 17 so that the ongoing investigation at The Mebourne Storm, can be completed.
What does this mean to the players? It puts their lives and careers on hold AND more significantly, creates additional and unnecessary stress. Why? Because most NRL clubs are not recruiting until they see the player 'fallout' from the club, as it tried to off load over $1 million from it's 2011 salary cap.
To hasten the process the NRL have employeed an independant company, Deloittes, to review each of the player's past 3 years worth of financial documents. Whilst this idea has merit in trying to establish the actual amounts recieved, it also opens the players up to scrutiny and investigation from other external departments unnessecarily. If the NRL/ Deloittes could guarantee protection of the players information, they would receive even more co-operation from the players.
Player submission/registration dates have been pushed out to Round 17 so that the ongoing investigation at The Mebourne Storm, can be completed.
What does this mean to the players? It puts their lives and careers on hold AND more significantly, creates additional and unnecessary stress. Why? Because most NRL clubs are not recruiting until they see the player 'fallout' from the club, as it tried to off load over $1 million from it's 2011 salary cap.
To hasten the process the NRL have employeed an independant company, Deloittes, to review each of the player's past 3 years worth of financial documents. Whilst this idea has merit in trying to establish the actual amounts recieved, it also opens the players up to scrutiny and investigation from other external departments unnessecarily. If the NRL/ Deloittes could guarantee protection of the players information, they would receive even more co-operation from the players.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Who is to blame?
I have been asked on many occasions since yesterday what my thought's on the Israel Falou defection to AFL means for Rugby League.
As much as I hear the talk about how the player is just accepting a much bigger deal for himself and that the salary cap isn’t working, I can’t help but think alot of this is being driven by the advisors on this one. I normally don’t enter into debate and with Sonny Bill and Gaz I didn’t, these players scuppered overseas to increase their earnings and as a passionate Rugby League follower and professional, I was indifferent in that there leaving was a blow to the game, but not an orchestrated ‘direct’ blow like the Hunt and Falou defections.
Sonny Bill and Mark Gasnier went to make large swags of money on the mediterannean where no one in Australia cared, there loss could only be specualtive in relation to what we didn’t see. Unfortunatley the same cannot be said by the code skipping of Hunt to Gold Coast and Falou to GWS. What makes it even worse is it is being orchestrated by a former Rugby League man in David Riolo. A former Steeler who played for Parramatta and has built a strongt Rugby League agency off the game of Rugby League. This same Rugby League agency that has negotiated millions of Rugby League dollars from Rugby League clubs to fund the development of two athletes into Rugby League players, and that same Rugby League community worked tireleesly to build these players profiles using Rugby League resources to their now iconic status.
As a sign of gratitude and respect to the game of Rugby League they deliver these two players to the AFL so they can specifically win over the minority markets of Western Sydney and the Gold Coast for the AFL in their quest to have total football market domination in Australia.
To rub salt into the wounds, who do you think have been and will continue to be the loudest exponenets of an increased salary cap when the new TV deal comes in? Who will be at the front of the queue complaining that the salary cap hasn’t raised enough? Agents? Corrrect and they are the ones directly involced in the attempted saboutaging of the NRL’s market place in Gold Coast and Sydney
Both plyayers are only doing what they are advised to do, and if you stood to earn a percentage of $3 million dollars from both players over the next 4 years or earn a percentage of $10 million over the same period, what would you be advising?
As much as I hear the talk about how the player is just accepting a much bigger deal for himself and that the salary cap isn’t working, I can’t help but think alot of this is being driven by the advisors on this one. I normally don’t enter into debate and with Sonny Bill and Gaz I didn’t, these players scuppered overseas to increase their earnings and as a passionate Rugby League follower and professional, I was indifferent in that there leaving was a blow to the game, but not an orchestrated ‘direct’ blow like the Hunt and Falou defections.
Sonny Bill and Mark Gasnier went to make large swags of money on the mediterannean where no one in Australia cared, there loss could only be specualtive in relation to what we didn’t see. Unfortunatley the same cannot be said by the code skipping of Hunt to Gold Coast and Falou to GWS. What makes it even worse is it is being orchestrated by a former Rugby League man in David Riolo. A former Steeler who played for Parramatta and has built a strongt Rugby League agency off the game of Rugby League. This same Rugby League agency that has negotiated millions of Rugby League dollars from Rugby League clubs to fund the development of two athletes into Rugby League players, and that same Rugby League community worked tireleesly to build these players profiles using Rugby League resources to their now iconic status.
As a sign of gratitude and respect to the game of Rugby League they deliver these two players to the AFL so they can specifically win over the minority markets of Western Sydney and the Gold Coast for the AFL in their quest to have total football market domination in Australia.
To rub salt into the wounds, who do you think have been and will continue to be the loudest exponenets of an increased salary cap when the new TV deal comes in? Who will be at the front of the queue complaining that the salary cap hasn’t raised enough? Agents? Corrrect and they are the ones directly involced in the attempted saboutaging of the NRL’s market place in Gold Coast and Sydney
Both plyayers are only doing what they are advised to do, and if you stood to earn a percentage of $3 million dollars from both players over the next 4 years or earn a percentage of $10 million over the same period, what would you be advising?
Friday, April 30, 2010
Player Agent outburst disappointing
Originally I was going to Blog a piece about one of my players securing an endorsement opportunity that myself and my company spent 3 months pursuing on his behalf. Instead, I’m writing in response to several comments made in the media since the Melbourne Storm fiasco, about player managers and their involvement in the Storm's salary cap situation and the NRL at large.
Before I respond to the comments, I’d firstly I’d like to make it clear, what my position is, in regards to the protaganists involved. The motive behind the comments varies from personal attacks, to ill informed 'straw clutching'. Be it media commentators without any credibility or corporate executuives with little knowledge of the intracacies of the game, the attacks are unfounded and poorly communicated.
I wouldlike to offer a counter position to these attacks perpetrated in the media, which I will preface with the complete understanding that the generalised opinion of Player Managers/Agents, caused by the “movie depicted” stereotypes, fabled stories and less than professional business practices of a few certain “Agents”, has caused. However, as a Rugby League community, we must compare how inaccurate and potentially dangerous these “opinions” can be. I have been an agent for 7 years now and have never had a single issue or problem with any club, client, administrator, family member or official in that time. Taking the time to 'fly beneath the radar' and organically build a reputation, which is what this business is about, shouldn't be jeopardised due to some mindless comments in the media.
As a former player, I take a lot of pride in the way I handle my client base. I maintain strong bonds with my players and commit an abundance of resources to those players throughout their careers. I’ve even provided housing for one of my players who moved in with my family to ensure he could pursue his dream. During the time he lived with me, he won numerous club awards and was selected for NSW 18’s.
I only do this job because I love the sport and feel it is my best way to give back to the game that has given me an excessive amount of fantastic 'lifetime' memories. To have an associated branding of misfit or cowboy flies firmly in the face of what I have spent 7 years working away from, developing, links, networks and relationships with key stakeholders within the sport.
Further to the damage being done to the game by these Agents in the Storm case, irrespective of what was asked for or how many different bits of paper were written, signed or hidden the fact remains that the Storm busted the cap, NOT THE AGENTS! If the Agent was asking for too much money and the club couldn’t afford it under the cap, they should have let the player go. Simple.
And finally, in regards to throw away comments on agents and the damage they do to the game, I would challenge that “opinion-driven free lancers” and "pressured corporate administrators", do more damage, with their constant cynicism and over-generalised attacks on the sport, it’s admin, structures, coaches, players etc. , then any 'misfit' Agent.
Before I respond to the comments, I’d firstly I’d like to make it clear, what my position is, in regards to the protaganists involved. The motive behind the comments varies from personal attacks, to ill informed 'straw clutching'. Be it media commentators without any credibility or corporate executuives with little knowledge of the intracacies of the game, the attacks are unfounded and poorly communicated.
I wouldlike to offer a counter position to these attacks perpetrated in the media, which I will preface with the complete understanding that the generalised opinion of Player Managers/Agents, caused by the “movie depicted” stereotypes, fabled stories and less than professional business practices of a few certain “Agents”, has caused. However, as a Rugby League community, we must compare how inaccurate and potentially dangerous these “opinions” can be. I have been an agent for 7 years now and have never had a single issue or problem with any club, client, administrator, family member or official in that time. Taking the time to 'fly beneath the radar' and organically build a reputation, which is what this business is about, shouldn't be jeopardised due to some mindless comments in the media.
As a former player, I take a lot of pride in the way I handle my client base. I maintain strong bonds with my players and commit an abundance of resources to those players throughout their careers. I’ve even provided housing for one of my players who moved in with my family to ensure he could pursue his dream. During the time he lived with me, he won numerous club awards and was selected for NSW 18’s.
I only do this job because I love the sport and feel it is my best way to give back to the game that has given me an excessive amount of fantastic 'lifetime' memories. To have an associated branding of misfit or cowboy flies firmly in the face of what I have spent 7 years working away from, developing, links, networks and relationships with key stakeholders within the sport.
Further to the damage being done to the game by these Agents in the Storm case, irrespective of what was asked for or how many different bits of paper were written, signed or hidden the fact remains that the Storm busted the cap, NOT THE AGENTS! If the Agent was asking for too much money and the club couldn’t afford it under the cap, they should have let the player go. Simple.
And finally, in regards to throw away comments on agents and the damage they do to the game, I would challenge that “opinion-driven free lancers” and "pressured corporate administrators", do more damage, with their constant cynicism and over-generalised attacks on the sport, it’s admin, structures, coaches, players etc. , then any 'misfit' Agent.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
NRL Round 1
Well, what a brilliant start to one of the most anticipated seasons of Rugby League in memory. Let's recap the Round;
Friday night saw a fullhouse at Parra stadium witness a polished performance by the Dellless Dragons. An industrious performance where their defence led the way. Parra seemed to continue an indifferent start to the season albeit with a major improvement on their trial form.
A big night of firsts for MapSports;
* First try of the 2010 Toyota Cup season to Rory Brien
* Try in his first NRL game for 2010 to Eric Grothe
* First Pie and Sauce for Andrew Purcell at the Western Grandstand kiosk.
The cameras then turned their attention to the all QLD Derby where a baby faced Broncos took on a Nth Qld suide boasting the likes of Tonga, Thurston and Mason. The early form of the Broncos would have been a weight of Ivan Henjak's shoulders as he attempts to rebuild the perrenial powerhouses in 2010. A fantastic fight back by the Thurston led Cowboys came up short, but there is plenty for them to go on next week.
The first Super Saturday of the season threw up a couple of interesting matchups with the World Champion Storm travelling to Shark Park hoping to continue their recent run of success by downing the tenacious Cronulla side. In the end a 4 point victory to the Storm seperated the sides and hopefully the strong showing will enthuse the Shire locals to get behind their side.
Penrith fulfilled early season predictions with a strong display against a desperate Canberra side who also performed well away from home. In the end the fleet footed Purtell and the crafty Kingston were the difference in this quality game. Map Sports Michael Gordon was successful with 5 shots at gold and polished a strong performance by playing a decisive roll in a late try scored by Lachlan Coote.
The Knights V Bulldogs clash had many predicting a cricket score, due to the personel changes and adverse press the Knights have endured during the 2010 preseason. Showing a lot more fight then the Dogs, Newcastle refused to lay down and performed fantastically for the victory.
Sunday was a chance for everyone to see the return of two incredible giftefd players in Greg Bird and Todd Carney to the NRL for the Titans and Roosters respectively. Whicst both players teams picked up the 2 competition points it was Carney that grabbed the plaudits with his 5 star performance against the Rabbits.
Last night rounded off Round 1 with the return of Lote Tuquri headlining the Tigers match against the Sea Eagles and he failed to disappoint, scoring with his first touch of the ball. Playing a fantastic brand of football, the Tigers layed on 20 points in the final 20 mins to secure the precious two points.
Be sure to come back next Tuesday for Round 2 wrap up.
Friday night saw a fullhouse at Parra stadium witness a polished performance by the Dellless Dragons. An industrious performance where their defence led the way. Parra seemed to continue an indifferent start to the season albeit with a major improvement on their trial form.
A big night of firsts for MapSports;
* First try of the 2010 Toyota Cup season to Rory Brien
* Try in his first NRL game for 2010 to Eric Grothe
* First Pie and Sauce for Andrew Purcell at the Western Grandstand kiosk.
The cameras then turned their attention to the all QLD Derby where a baby faced Broncos took on a Nth Qld suide boasting the likes of Tonga, Thurston and Mason. The early form of the Broncos would have been a weight of Ivan Henjak's shoulders as he attempts to rebuild the perrenial powerhouses in 2010. A fantastic fight back by the Thurston led Cowboys came up short, but there is plenty for them to go on next week.
The first Super Saturday of the season threw up a couple of interesting matchups with the World Champion Storm travelling to Shark Park hoping to continue their recent run of success by downing the tenacious Cronulla side. In the end a 4 point victory to the Storm seperated the sides and hopefully the strong showing will enthuse the Shire locals to get behind their side.
Penrith fulfilled early season predictions with a strong display against a desperate Canberra side who also performed well away from home. In the end the fleet footed Purtell and the crafty Kingston were the difference in this quality game. Map Sports Michael Gordon was successful with 5 shots at gold and polished a strong performance by playing a decisive roll in a late try scored by Lachlan Coote.
The Knights V Bulldogs clash had many predicting a cricket score, due to the personel changes and adverse press the Knights have endured during the 2010 preseason. Showing a lot more fight then the Dogs, Newcastle refused to lay down and performed fantastically for the victory.
Sunday was a chance for everyone to see the return of two incredible giftefd players in Greg Bird and Todd Carney to the NRL for the Titans and Roosters respectively. Whicst both players teams picked up the 2 competition points it was Carney that grabbed the plaudits with his 5 star performance against the Rabbits.
Last night rounded off Round 1 with the return of Lote Tuquri headlining the Tigers match against the Sea Eagles and he failed to disappoint, scoring with his first touch of the ball. Playing a fantastic brand of football, the Tigers layed on 20 points in the final 20 mins to secure the precious two points.
Be sure to come back next Tuesday for Round 2 wrap up.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Back for 2010
Well after a little bit of tweaking and server realignment, the Map Sports Blog is back.
We will be looking at creating a regular blog ever 2 - 4 weeks once I work out exact work flows and the likes.
Looking forward to blogging with people out there with sport related issues, more inline with Rugby League than anything.
Speak soon
We will be looking at creating a regular blog ever 2 - 4 weeks once I work out exact work flows and the likes.
Looking forward to blogging with people out there with sport related issues, more inline with Rugby League than anything.
Speak soon
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