This issue may be addressed by looking @ the alternative years option - the critical issue is getting all 16 clubs behind the concept. How do we achieve this? This is the problem. For example, there was a fella by the name of Anderson or Hall (i think... can anyone remember?) who was from SA and played for the Hawks - a genuine star who ruptured his ACL. This injury practically finished his career. The costs associate with rehab were borne by the club but more importantly, so was the cost of having a player of his ilk sitting on the sidelines (and still being paid).
As with all serious injuries, there are no gaurantees with the outcome.
Overall its a pity as I love the rep clashes as did our forefathers.