If there’s one thing this year’s Buildcorp NRC has shown us, it’s that the gap between Super Rugby contracted players and non-contracted players has narrowed to the point where you could even cast an inquisitive glance at the talent identification programs currently in place in Australian rugby.

NSW Country head coach Darren Coleman reflects on an incredible three years for the Eagles in the NRC as they prepare to host the 2016 Grand Final in Tamworth.

It’s not often that you find yourself the most experienced player in your team when you only celebrated your 28th birthday a few months ago. But with the Sydney Rays boasting an average age of just over 24-years-old, across a squad with only five other Super Rugby representatives, that’s exactly the position de facto ‘veteran’ Chris Alcock finds himself in as he looks to help the Rays into a maiden grand final tomorrow afternoon.