Why do we not look at Rugby talent anymore?

[EOL now nesting on the GC]

I'm wondering why we just don't look at talent from Rugby Union anymore?

Especially now with the money issues Rugby Australia and other nations have. Of course they are very different games Especially with the pace and intensity of NRL these days but are we missing a trick?

We go on about a halves partner for DCE and im flicking between the storm tits match and the Reds WA looking at say James O'connor. Sure he had his issues in his early days but he's a talent thats for sure. Dead eye goal kicker, huge open play boot on him and some real attacking flair.

Thoughts?

 

[KNUCKLES]

I'm wondering why we just don't look at talent from Rugby Union anymore?

Especially now with the money issues Rugby Australia and other nations have. Of course they are very different games Especially with the pace and intensity of NRL these days but are we missing a trick?

We go on about a halves partner for DCE and im flicking between the storm tits match and the Reds WA looking at say James O'connor. Sure he had his issues in his early days but he's a talent thats for sure. Dead eye goal kicker, huge open play boot on him and some real attacking flair.

Thoughts?

Too much money in rugby overseas though.. that's the problem. Japan, France etc etc.. Travel the world and earn millions or travel the east coast and earn under a million in a tougher game. We could never match the money a oconnor type player could demand elsewhere

 

[Shoe1]

Here are a few reasons - Union players do not need to be very fit, they are the wrong size and shape, their defence doesn’t translate well to league.

 

[manlyfan76]

Fiji rugby is where we need to look.

 

[Freddo]

Always thought that Michael Hooper might go OK.

 

[ManlyTragic]

They can’t tackle

 

[KNUCKLES]

Always thought that Michael Hooper might go OK.

Manly fan as well I'm pretty sure.

 

[EOL now nesting on the GC]

I don't buy the fitness and defence argument. Fitness can be attained. Defence can be taught.

O'connor is back playing for the reds so so the big international money is gone for now. Rugby all over the world is almost broke.

Of course 90% of players wouldn't and probably couldn't transfer but if you're one of those special athletes of course you could.

 

[KNUCKLES]

I don't buy the fitness and defence argument. Fitness can be attained. Defence can be taught.

O'connor is back playing for the reds so so the big international money is gone for now. Rugby all over the world is almost broke.

Of course 90% of players wouldn't and probably couldn't transfer but if you're one of those special athletes of course you could.

I don't think ability is the issue.. like u said defence and fitness comes with hard work.. more the money.. i can't really comment on the financial states of overseas rugby as I don't really know But If that is the case and they can't throw Ferraris at players anymore there's no harm trying our luck

 

[Dion Johnson]

One bloke who would make it for sure is Jordan Petaia.

Absolute gun!

 

[40 nil]

Here are a few reasons - Union players do not need to be very fit, they are the wrong size and shape, their defence doesn’t translate well to league.

There has been some very successful converts over the years - a few that come to mind are Michael Cleary, Ricky Stuart, Ben Kennedy, Ray Price, Stephen Knight, Andrew Walker ...

 

[manlyfan76]

Michael O'Connor went alright.

 

[bSw]

Current Wallabies are shiiite.... RU players in Aus are soft**** private school kids

Pacific islands different ball game

 

[Chip and Chase]

We should look at the Tom Wright guy from the Brumbies

 

[manlyfan76]

We should look at the Tom Wright guy from the Brumbies

Noted defender Tom Wright.

 

[EOL now nesting on the GC]

Noted defender Tom Wright.

Just needed some guiding in the right direction. Unfortunately no direction was present when he was a manly seaeagkes player.

 

[Dion Johnson]

We have another one in the juniors that has played both codes and has been jumping between them in Kaeo Weekes, started at 5/8 in Harold Mathews, when Schuster was playing 5/8 he was at fullback as Albert was out.

Has some good speed, has good ball skills, uncertain how the club see his future.

 

[Smokin Joe]

We have loads of rugby players,we pinch them from juniors where it is more cost effective.
If you look at our Matthews and Ball sides many of them, if not nearly half have a rugby background.We sort the wheat from the chaff and get some to hopefully come through,it is our second biggest recruitment area after the west of sydney.
So hard to justify spending big money on a gamble at NRL level,you need to be sure they are a guaranteed hit unless they want to come to league for lower money(can't spend $500K on a hope they work out guy).
Rugby juniors are so much easier to pinch as there is no money at junior level in rugby and you can entice them over easier.Bunnies just pinched that young kid that ARU wanted to keep,but Bunnies paid around $500K(supposedly).Crazy... but if you think they will pay off in the future....
Top level guys who have a background will always be prepared to take the oney in Europe/Asia if they can't get it here I guess

 

[Smokin Joe]

We have another one in the juniors that has played both codes and has been jumping between them in Kaeo Weekes, started at 5/8 in Harold Mathews, when Schuster was playing 5/8 he was at fullback as Albert was out.

Has some good speed, has good ball skills, uncertain how the club see his future.

Supposedly we have re-signed him until end of 2022,rumour no confirmation....

 

[Dion Johnson]

Supposedly we have re-signed him until end of 2022,rumour no confirmation....

Awesome mate, good news.