I'd say they got pretty good bang for their buck with those 3, particularly the first 2, in terms of increased interest in rugby. Even taking into account the ends of their times in rugby.
Wallabies 2023
- Thread starter RugbyReg
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Arch Winning (36)
He’s a fullback remember!! According to him…
rugboy
Bob Loudon (25)
It's a double-edged sword. Maybe great for the game in terms of exposure although if I'm a young kid finishing up at a rugby school at the moment and play both sports I'm heading to the NRL and wait for RA to come knocking with riches. It may impact on the grass roots with the dominant kids
qwerty51
Stirling Mortlock (74)
They're offering top dollar for the best in the game, not just for being an NRL player.
Great player, but not worth the purported wage and I have concerns about his moral compass
He a takes a deal to get him through school, then signs with another club while shopping himself around, now the shopping starts again
yeh, nah
The Ghost of Raelene
Andrew Slack (58)
I can agree with what your saying but I can also look at it from the point of view that he is a professional athlete and they knew he would be from a young age so he is trying to make the most money he can. All of his contract dealings have gone through proper channels. I haven't seen him walk out of a deal like SBW or kick stones during negotiations like many do until they get there way. I'm not aware of any on field or off field actions that have been disappointing either.
qwerty51
Stirling Mortlock (74)
Are you for real? Slandering a kid's moral compass for getting a ride to a private school?
Not for the ride, but for not showing any loyalty after that ride
qwerty51
Stirling Mortlock (74)
A GPS school is not Rugby Australia. What loyalty?
Derpus
George Gregan (70)
He means to South's I think.
Souths paid for his ride, instead of signing for them, he shopped himself around, he was never a "rugby" player, like Penisini's, schooling paid by the Eels
qwerty51
Stirling Mortlock (74)
Is there proof of that? I would've thought Kings paid for his schooling.
I believe I read it at the time, I don't know whether it was a full ride or a partial, there is a number NRL clubs ponying up for private school educations for promising players
The Ghost of Raelene
Andrew Slack (58)
Souths had every chance to re sign/upgrade him if they thought he was worth it. If a player isn't showing production the NRL clubs won't show loyalty either and just keep you on the books. Clubs, Agents and Players are always in a fine balance. If Sua'ali'i has followed the rules in negotiating I cant blame him at the end of the day. Souths released him because they couldn't/wouldn't match the Roosters offer apparently.
He has about 15 years to make as much money as possible and you can't blame a player if the system allows it. I personally hate the way the NRL allows contracts to be decided from Nov 1 in the current year for the year after next but I know if I was a player I would be looking as to where I can make as much for as long as I can.
The fact these kids are gone to Rugby before they really even start is the shit part that needs to be addressed.
He has about 15 years to make as much money as possible and you can't blame a player if the system allows it. I personally hate the way the NRL allows contracts to be decided from Nov 1 in the current year for the year after next but I know if I was a player I would be looking as to where I can make as much for as long as I can.
The fact these kids are gone to Rugby before they really even start is the shit part that needs to be addressed.
Running_rugby_1954
Dave Cowper (27)
He wants the chance to play in the World Cup so wanted a get out clause in his contract, south’s didn’t offer that.
I have actually spent some time with Joseph. He is a very humble, hard working, diligent young man. For people to call out his moral compass, because he wanted to make sure he could chase other opportunities is a bit ridiculous.
Members Section
John Thornett (49)
Most sensible thing I have read on the topic
LeCheese
Peter Johnson (47)
I'm not sure "he" was doing this, so much as his agent.
Pretty hard to put the blame on a kid who has no doubt been pushed into a bigger/better/longer contract by his agent et al. and is probably just doing what he's been led to believe is the right move
wamberal
Phil Kearns (64)
I think I read somewhere that his family manages his affairs?
LeCheese
Peter Johnson (47)
Always a good mix