At 23yo, James O’Connor is no longer a kid and undoubtedly has great rugby skills. But he can no longer claim to be “young and naïve” like other well-known Australians (even when in their 30’s!).
To throw a “hissy-fit” in public (as on board a commercial flight) and having to be removed by Aust Federal Police, even in his own time is unacceptable.
As a well-paid elite sportsman he also has responsibilities to the sport. The reason why he is in big demand for autographs and photos is that he such a role-model for his adoring fans (many of them kids). He honours his post-game fan contact obligations extremely well - although too often gives the impression of not being too engaged.
JOC (James O'Connor) needs to grow-up quickly or he will blow the opportunity being offered to him (in much the same way as did Lote Tuqiri and so many others (all of whom had their own problems). He could easily become one of the “untouchables”/”unteachables” and be lost from the game. At this stage he has not developed a skill-set to be able to make a life outside rugby.
There is no doubt that JOC (James O'Connor) is trying to move forward but his problems are diverse and complex:
1. It is now a change for the better that he is no longer being managed by his father.
2. It’s disappointing that he is a regular smoker which has to affect his performance/fitness.
3. It’s also disappointing that he rejected mentoring by an experienced international sportsman when last with the Force.
4. It’s a shame that he shows little respect for constructive input from more experienced players who have shown a total commitment to the sport.
5. I truly wonder if he really values playing in the Green and Gold as much as he says that he does. Many of our past great players showed more commitment for pocket money!!!
6. He will always be judged by the company that he keeps and his chosen playgrounds. In both areas he continues to make extremely poor choices. Melbourne WAS NOT a good move for him as just too much temptation and ratbag mates feeding off each other.
Despite this most recent transgression, I believe that he has much to offer the Western Force and should be given at least a 2 year contract BUT only IF (and I can’t make that IF big enough) he shows a TOTAL commitment to the Team Rules and player/playing culture that has been, and is still being, developed at the Western Force. He has to show respect for his Coach, Captain and Leadership team. He has to earn the respect of the playing squad, all support staff and the Sea of Blue. It’s not going to be easy as many nin these groups don't think it's worht the risk!!
The Western Force has recently shown that talented individuals who want to do things their way to the detriment of the team have no place in the squad. The best example is Alfie Mafi who was rightly let go at a time when he was equal top try scorer in the SVX in 2013.
JOC (James O'Connor) also has to accept that his asking price is way below what it was two years ago. He should not be part of any leadership group and do his time/earn respect over again and let his rugby consistently show his being one of the most exciting utility backs in Australian and World Rugby.
I would love to see some of that fantastic ability that he showed in 2009 a bit more often.
I was in Hong Kong on 30 October 2011 when the Wallabies last defeated the All Blacks mostly due to the great efforts of one James O’Connor.
It would be a shame if rugby fans lost the opportunity to again feel that joy of that 26-24 win!!
