Rugby League players who could have/could make the switch

[Adam84]

My initial thoughts are don't waste the money, plenty of talented rugby union players to retain.
However, it would be silly to at least not explore the option.

 

[wamberal]

I actually thought Burgess was pretty damn good in Union and would’ve made a much better flanker if Lancaster didn’t fuck around too much.

He might have been a standout at 6 if he had had a couple of years' experience.

 

[Up the Guts]

It's stupid, though. Even without the question marks, it'll take him at least two seasons to learn the game. Probably more than that before he is able to play centre capably against the tier 1 test sides. .

His ceiling is so high why wouldn't we be willing to invest time in him? We invest in young players all the time, how is this any different?

Then, fed up with the role that backs actually play in rugby, he does a Sam Burgess / SBW and goes back to his first love (or the NFL, then back to his first love) when his contract is up.

Complete speculation.

The only non winger to make an impact that didn't have a rugby pedigree was SBW and the NZRU had the benefit of him learning the trade in France for 2 years.

Not true at all. Radradra, Laumape, and Te'o have all performed well at test level in the last year or two alone.

 

[Show-n-go]

Again, the most naturally gifted outside back of either code, but red flags exist over his off-field agenda

Bit much.......

He is big and fast

Ball playing is slightly above average

Big hits but defensively not great - Hence why he is finding it hard to find a fullback gig

Questionable mental fortitude

Big boot but not accurate

Good backup goal kicker

= no where near most gifted talented outside back in either code (also pretty sure centre is considered an inside back)

I’d offer him a place in 7’s except his constant “homesickness” issues probably rule him out, as well as Union in general with all the travelling

 

[MungoMan]

The only non winger to make an impact that didn't have a rugby pedigree was SBW.

Really? I seem to recall the currents Reds coach was a handy rugby player despite not being a winger and not playing rugby between the age of eight and twentysomething.

 

[Adam84]

= no where near most gifted talented outside back in either code (also pretty sure centre is considered an inside back)

Ok, who are the most naturally gifted outside backs in Australia then?

Petaia probably arguably holds that crown for Union, in the NRL Kalyn Ponga is in there. At the end of the day Latrell was voted DallyM centre of the year for 2019 and voted in the team of the year by the other players, so to say he is 'no where near most gifted' is incorrect.

whether NRL centres are considered inside back or outside backs is semantics really

 

[Show-n-go]

whether NRL centres are considered inside back or outside backs is semantics really

Well no, it’s factually incorrect and is a complete different grouping of players

 

[Show-n-go]

Petaia probably arguably holds that crown for Union, in the NRL Kalyn Ponga is in there. At the end of the day Latrell was voted DallyM centre of the year for 2019 and voted in the team of the year by the other players, so to say he is 'no where near most gifted' is incorrect.

Didn’t say that, said he was no where near the most gifted outside back.......because he isn’t an outside back

 

[Adam84]

Well no, it’s factually incorrect and is a complete different grouping of players

It's not a fact.. Its your opinion of the subject that NRL centres aren't outside backs, you can have NRL centre's who plays like a union 12, or play like a union 13.

Latrell plays like a union 13, not a 12. and if he came to union the outside backs is where he would play, hence comparing him to other 'outside backs'.

 

[Adam84]

Well no, it’s factually incorrect and is a complete different grouping of players

For shits and giggles I looked this up, and NRL SuperCoach Wayne Bennet seems to think centres are outside backs... #mythbusters

The coach has divided the backs into three groups:
- Fullback – Specialist role
- Outside Back – Includes centres and wings
- Inside Back – A player who can play five-eighth or halfback

https://www.nrl.com/news/2010/01/03/bennett-releases-player-position-guide/

 

[Show-n-go]

It's not a fact.. Its your opinion of the subject that NRL centres aren't outside backs, you can have NRL centre's who plays like a union 12, or play like a union 13.

Latrell plays like a union 13, not a 12. and if he came to union the outside backs is where he would play, hence comparing him to other 'outside backs'.

Doesn’t matter what they play like, centres still aren’t outside backs

 

[Show-n-go]

For shits and giggles I looked this up, and NRL SuperCoach Wayne Bennet seems to think centres are outside backs. #mythbusters

So using that logic a fullback isn’t an outside back?

Or they were just broken up like this for public selection in an allstars match and isn’t at all accurate

It’s ok, your comment was a bit meh I disagreed move on you’ll be right ol chap

 

[Adam84]

glad we were able to have that discussion over what your opinion of an outside back was.

 

[Bobby Sands]

Lattrell is a freak, his playing ability won’t be the reason if the ARU don’t go after him.

 

[Show-n-go]

glad we were able to have that discussion over what your opinion of an outside back was.

Glad you learnt what an outside back is

Won’t look silly next time now

Hope Latrell signs with rugby for your viewing pleasure

 

[Adam84]

Lattrell is a freak, his playing ability won’t be the reason if the ARU don’t go after him.

He has some concerning off-field issues, that's his biggest drawback at the moment and the most likely reason RA wont chase him too hard, it presents a pretty significant liability.

Although in saying that, he is the NRL player I most enjoy watching since GI has retired, and would stock the Wallabies with an impressive depth of powerful outside backs when including the likes of Petaia. Would just need a 5/8 who can pass.

 

[Rugbynutter39]

While I was hesitant about considering Lattrel - reflecting on this - the fact he is one of the top super stars of league and the reality there is just not a ready market of super star athletes readily available to oz rugby - maybe worth the price tag and risks - as talented league backs usually get make the switch to be wallaby standard (albeit wallaby fringe, starter etc) - more just whether they can be the really top world class wallaby player that demands the price tag....

.

 

[Rugbynutter39]

He has some concerning off-field issues, that's his biggest drawback at the moment and the most likely reason RA wont chase him too hard, and presents a pretty significant liability.

Although in saying that, he is the NRL player I most enjoy watching since GI has retired, and would stock the Wallabies with an impressive depth of powerful outside backs when including the likes of Petaia. Would just need a 5/8 who can pass.

I would have loved if GI had made the switch to Rugby.....

 

[Dctarget]

Karmichael Hunt should grab a coffee with him and talk about the switch, talk about playing in Tokyo & Paris etc.

 

[wamberal]

Karmichael Hunt should grab a coffee with him and talk about the switch, talk about playing in Tokyo & Paris etc.

I think the novelty of intercontinental flight would wear off pretty quickly, particularly as he has a young family.
It sounds like a drawcard, and it probably is, for a while. But frankly I would imagine that the benefits of spending your working week in or near your home would be pretty significant.