I didn't see it last night - but I read the article on ABC. I literally had the current club challenges in the back of my mind as I read it - it is incredible to think that this has grown over time in Western Sydney.
It shouldn't be a surprise really.... I have been lucky to live in a number of cities and countries,. and I have always held a basic theory on Sydney:
The people of Sydney don't live in 'Sydney'. They live in their suburb. 'I'm from the northern beaches' or 'i'm from the eastern suburbs' or 'i'm from the west' would be what people say - not 'im from Sydney'.
I believe Sydney is just a bunch of smaller geographical areas, rather than a city as such. people identify with their local area and sub-culture. I don't identify as being from Sydney - I was always from the northern beaches.
It's not uncommon - but it also isn't really the case in all cities. In Melbourne (where i now live) the great division seems to come more from 'where did you go to school' than where do you live. A curious thing.... maybe the absence of a proper coastline and east:west divide has meant a more fluid culture across regions.
Anyways, I am rambling. I lived in Dublin, London and hong Kong too for the record....
My point - I have ALWAYS believed the Manly club represents manly Warringah. Local juniors (regardless of cultural backgrounds or anything stupid like that) should ALWAYS be nurtured, fostered, supported and ultimately groomed to play for our team.
Upon reflection - i don't like the Blacktown model. I would rather we did it the hard way, recruited from within, and if that means a smaller nursery and us having to focus on providing better coaching and support to local yougsters, then so be it!
