PaarlBok
Rod McCall (65)
Me and NTA had this one going and this the latest in this new development.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25348554-5013406,00.html
So they release the names now, Paul Roos it is.
http://http//news.smh.com.au/breaki...0625-cxza.html
Congrats to them they look at the right place! :'(
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25348554-5013406,00.html
April 18, 2009
SYDNEY Roosters' recruitment manager Peter O'Sullivan has returned from a scouting mission to South Africa, convinced the country could become a breeding ground for the next Israel Folau or Greg Inglis.
And O'Sullivan has backed his judgment by making contract offers to two teenage South African rugby union players he believes could make a successful transition to the NRL.
The players, a 17-year-old fullback and 18-year-old centre, were spotted by O'Sullivan after he spent four days watching the famed Easter rugby union carnival in the province of Gauteng. The carnival, for the most prestigious rugby union schools in South Africa, has featured some of the Springboks' greatest players since its inception.
"The fullback can play anywhere in the backline," O'Sullivan said. "He kicks the ball a mile and has some beautiful athletic traits. He's also a really good kid. The centre is robust with good feet and good speed."
South Africa has been largely ignored by the NRL and its clubs in recent seasons, but O'Sullivan is ready to change that. He believes the country is ripe for the picking, given the political climate, living conditions and relative lack of opportunity.
The country boasts only five Super 14 rugby union clubs, meaning the chance to play professionally is limited to the elite.
"The advantage of going over there is they speak the same language, the climate is the same and the country is in a bit of turmoil," O'Sullivan said.
"They have only five Super 14 teams. We have four Super 14 teams and 16 NRL clubs. There's got to be a market there. It's no different from a rugby union kid making the switch over here. The problem is they don't know what rugby league is. A couple of them have heard of it."
Asked whether he could see South Africa becoming a supply line to the NRL, O'Sullivan said: "I don't think it will be the norm but they will be there.
"The players this time who were ready to play physically were all rugby union types. I have no doubt in the future there will be a player there develop like your Greg Inglis or Israel Folau."
There is also a financial advantage in scouting South Africa for talent. The salary cap is making it increasingly difficult to poach athletes from rival clubs, something which has become clear this year given the lack of action in the player market.
The strength of the Australian dollar in comparison to the South African rand, and the cheaper standard of living, mean the Roosters can make a competitive offer without breaking their cap.
There is the potential to open up a whole new market for NRL clubs. At the same time, this could lead to more NRL clubs turning to rugby union for talent, a market that dried up as a source after the rival code turned professional.
Meanwhile, the Sydney Roosters are in no rush to open contract talks with coach Brad Fittler, despite his manager Wayne Beavis suggesting he wanted to begin negotiations over an extension as soon as next week.
Fittler is off contract at the end of the year and told club members this week he was keen to continue in the role.
Chief executive Steve Noyce declined to put a time frame on opening talks with Fittler.
So they release the names now, Paul Roos it is.
http://http//news.smh.com.au/breaki...0625-cxza.html
June 25, 2009 - 4:54PM
Sydney Roosters have announced the signing of 18-year-old South African centre JP du Plessis on a three-year contract.
Du Plessis, who attended the renowned rugby development school of Paul Roos Gymnasium Stellenbosch, which has produced a number of South African internationals, will join the Roosters for the 2010 season.
The signing follows a recent trip to South Africa by the club's recruitment manager Peter O'Sullivan.
"JP is a quick and beautifully balanced player and will be a real asset to the club," said O'Sullivan.
"He is considered a rising star of South African rugby so while he will take 12 months to learn rugby league, he has the potential to be a key player for the Roosters."
Congrats to them they look at the right place! :'(