NRL 2016 Elite update
From many discussions throughout this forum, pieces of the puzzle are starting to add up to a release a little something like this:
Commons (8:24 packs to fill final 48 cards of 144)
As rumors suggest to be only one parallel set for this coming release, the common set should somewhat speak for itself for one. Arguably a common set and a silver parallel set blended into one concept. Therefore due to such outcome, 8 pack of 24 in a box will contain all 9 common cards and while that's not inviting for the 'try-to-taste' collectors whom love to buy single packs (considering you could claim many would be unhappy to pay $8 a pack without an inset), the consultation catch is the 8 packs per box without an inset will contain 6 cards per pack (of 9 overall) of common card numbers NOT to be found in any pack inclusive of inset, therefore making the common set extra challenging to build. Gold Parallels (144); 1:3 packs
Should one parallel set have to remain then the gold it's going to be. This means however not every single pack will contain an inset, however the good side to this, is at least it might decrease the chances of low-end insets devaluing in the near future. Auckland Nines (48); 1:6 packs
3 cards per team; 3 players per card; each card depicting backs, centers and forward positions Origin Heroes (32); 1:12 packs
16 players per squad Young Gun Signature (32); 1:24 packs; individually numbered to 195
This to be the 1:Box hit for such release IMO I'd be most happy with! League Sensation Gold (48); 1:48 packs; individually numbered to 65
For the first time an unsigned variant of beloved concept. 3 players per team, inclusive of signer for this release and other two depictions may well be other LS players who've already signed one in past if still competing today. Printed on gold foil board with eye-catching laminate coating. League Sensation Signature (16); 1:72 packs; individually numbered to 130
Looks like this concept returns!!! All different players to 2013 and 14 Elite releases. Ruby Mojo packs (16); 1:237 packs; individually numbered to 40
Much beloved inset to return again this year, fingered crossed it will not make 2015 Mojo set will not devalue Sapphire Mojo packs (16); individually numbered to 20
Expect one of these within 1:2 factory slabs (2:10x24packs) Match Worn Guernsey redemption (4); 1:240 packs; individually numbered to 150
Road to Immortal concept perhaps. Hopefully a much improved inset from last year's jersey cards. In this concept, any IN numbered card pulled from 001 to 050 will automatically enable finder to redeem signature version along with the unsigned version simultaneously numbered. This will mean however, any redemption card pulled from 051 to 150 will enable finer to redeem to unsigned version of such concept ONLY.
(IMO Cam Smith, Paul Gallen, Matt Scott and Corey Parker could well be contenders.)
Once again I must admit there are arguably way too many cards for this release however IMO it really needs to be most inviting for the team set and high end hit collectors. As far as I'm concerned, Master set/release collectors are something pre-2015 now and above is something I'd be tempted to take part in. Also, sorry to annoy other members in the forum by continuing to update my phantom ideas however I'm simply dying to find out over whether I'm going to be a participant in this coming release or a spectator!!!
ps. No matter what ESP does, it seems post Select NRL cards are never going to be good enough for many collectors as I may have mentioned before.
Alternatively the 1:6 ratio hit could be after all Auckland Nines concept whilst 1:12 after all State of Origin concept and not to be IN if that is more satisfying to the punters.
I don't mind the concept but I just don't think anything inserted at such a low ratio should be numbered. This would detract from higher end inserts that are numbered and would increase the production cost. I am happy for the rear of a low end card to state this is one of 525 cards produced like the 13 Elite Triple Threats.
I would be happy for a low end insert set to be based on the 9's or Origin but I think this would be difficult due to the extra costs involved in the licensing of those comps.