It amazes me the downer some on this forum are giving Tom Wright. But then again I've seen similar comments made of DCE and Tom T. Lets get some issues clear here. Tom Wright went back to Union because he wasn't wanted by the Sea Eagles and he was wanted by the best coach in the Australian business of that game. Its far more than about money, its about respect. He could see what Wright offered, that some coaches in RL couldn't. He didn't just walk out. He had a year left on his contract. Like Gutho, he was shown the door. If Manly had wanted him to stay they would not have let him go.
The problem we have with kids with exceptional talent is that in our minds we raise the bar with them. We expect more from them than other players because we are waiting for that talent to break open a game, and when it doesn't happen we start looking for flaws. I well recall this with Cliff Lyons a couple of decades ago. There were several in the media who were giving him loads because the team wasn't doing well and they saw the player with the talent, who wins us many of the games, not being able to lift the side. They were virtually blaming him for the performances of the team.
The thing is we don't look at the other players the same way because our expectations are lower with them. Pointing the finger at Tom Wright for his defensive problems for example, is a case in point. We have seen several players in this Manly club, with far less talent, let in try after try. But our expectations are less with them so we don't pick on them as much. What I saw of Tom Wright was that he generally played competently. defended quite well, had some flaws in positioning and involvement, and then had these explosive moments when he set the game alight. I remember watching the St George game when he was in the centre (only time) and he scored that remarkable try. He was ready to explode, but for reasons beyond my belief (probably from Barrett who obviously didn't want him..why else buy Suli mid season and use him before Wright), the ball kept going to the left. The problem was it headed for Kelly's side over and again and St George were alert to it and sandwiched Kelly to the sideline every time DCE and TT ran the ball towards the St George line. I recall one instance when DCE ran towards Wright, with the kid in open space, and DCE propped back. You could see the frustration in Wrights expression throwing his hands in the air.
If I seem a little angered by this decision to let the kid go, you are damned right. I've watched the game for 52 years and you come to know when there's someone of worth on the rise. He was one of those players. It was a dumb decision. Wright sensed he wasn't wanted, was encouraged to the door, and Cheika, the Australian Rugby coach, grabbed the opportunity. I would suspect he knows enough about the game to know when he's nabbed a pearl
