SCOTT Coleman is adamant the Hunter Wildfires' return to the Shute Shield would strengthen - not weaken - the local competition and has urged stakeholders to take their club hat off when considering the proposal.
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The Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union (NHRU) are in talks with the Sydney Rugby Union about the Wildfires' inclusion in an abbreviated 12-team Shute Shield competition, flagged to start on July 25 and end in November.
The Wildfires would field first-grade and colts (under-20s) teams, in an extension of the current representative program, which Coleman heads.
Coleman played for the Wildfires from 1996 to 1999 before joining Hamilton, whom he has coached to eight first-grade premierships, including the past five.
The senior squad would consist of 30-35 players, who would train with the Wildfires two nights a week and return to their respective clubs for one. Players not in the 23-man Wildfires' match-day squad would turn out for their clubs.
"Staying connected with the clubs is vital," Coleman said. "Last time, the Wildfires was a separate entity. This way, clubs still get to see their rock stars. Every player would be encouraged to train with their club on a Thursday night. It would create a pathway for juniors through the clubs, with the Wildfires a centrepiece. Matches could kick-off at 5pm, with the local match-of-the-round beforehand. There are a number of things which would ensue we are really connected with the clubs."
Coleman said the shortened 2020 Shute Shield would allow the NHRU to test the water before deciding whether to commit long term and would not be a financial burden on clubs.
"Most of the infrastructure is in place," he said.
Coleman also allayed suggestions that the Wildfires would deplete the Newcastle competition and believes long-term it would attract players to the region.
"Initially, I think it would even up the local comp," he said. "Based on the representative squad, the top few clubs would contribute four-to-five players, the next few two-to-three players and the bottom couple one-or-two. I have received interest from at least 10 players outside the region, including five Kiwis who were contracted to play for the Hong Kong side in Global Rapid Rugby, which has been postponed due to COVID-19.
"We wouldn't be world beaters, but it would give us something to build on. If done right, I think it would help attract players to Newcastle. They would join a local club and aspire to play for the Wildfires. Not all would make it.
"Instead, each year we are losing a dozen of our best players aged 18 to 22 to Sydney. Lots of country kids that aspire to play Shute Shield would rather live in Newcastle than Sydney. The cost of living for starters."
Coleman has spoken to NSW Waratahs hooker Andrew Tuala and former Tahs lock Nick Palmer, who are both at Norths.
"They are committed to Norths this season, but said playing for their home town was an attractive proposition," Coleman said.
Marquee players recruited would be drafted out to local clubs with those at the bottom of the ladder to receive first pick.
"Those players might not take the field, but they would attend training and work with the juniors in an ambassador type role," Coleman said.
